Mango (Mangifera indica) is one of a species of forest trees
native to a wide area that stretches from northeast India through
southeast Asia. Wild mangoes have existed for 4000-6000 years, and
were propagated in India for at least 400 years. Portuguese merchants
and traders likely took the mango to Africa and their colonies in
the Americas in the sixteenth century. They were later brought to
England by the British after they occupied India in the 1800s. A
small industry developed in Florida in the early 1900s, but a series
of hurricanes, freezes and urbanization has steadily reduced cultivation.
Description:
There are numerous varieties of mango grown throughout the world,
with skin colors that range from yellow/green to red. South American
production is largely the Haden variety, a smaller, round, red colored
fruit grown in hot, sunny, dry climates. It offers a firm flesh,
is nearly fiberless, and offers excellent taste. The cultivated
South African variety is the Levubu, which compares well with other
well known varieties, excellent for its taste and juice content,
naturally sweet with rich yellow to yellow-orange color when ripe.
Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C – one fruit
fulfills an adult’s daily requirement. They also have one
of the highest concentrations of vitamin A for commercial fruit,
and additionally supply vitamins B6 and E. The South African and
Peruvian dried mango that Bedemco supplies is a premium, natural
product, with no preservatives or sugar added. The Thai mango chip
is a unique lightly sugared and flavor enhanced product, quite popular
in the North American market.
Harvest:
Both South Africa and Peru harvest mango during the winter months,
from December through February, with dried fruit becoming available
in early summer. Thai mango is available year round.
Types & Sizes:
South Africa – Levubu - Slices
Peru – Haden & Tommy Atkins - Cheeks
Thailand - Chips
Packing:
Bulk Packing –
South African & Peruvian - net weight 20 lb. or 22 lb. cartons
Thai – net weight 44 lb. cartons
Origin: