The East Indian Mango is among the most well-known and sought-after mangoes in Jamaica.
And boy, does the flavor of this mango have a lot of punch. It is not only one of the varieties of mango I have ever tried with the strongest flavor; it is also without a doubt the mango with the most fibrous flesh. However, East Indian Mango is still a fantastic option for juicing or eating straight from the bowl.
In light of the foregoing, this grow guide from homegardenartful.com will go over all there is to know about East Indian mangoes.
What is the East Indian Mango?
One of the most well-known Jamaican mango kinds is the East Indian mango. It usually has a spherical form, yellow-orange skin, and brilliant orange flesh that is creamy. The flavor is sweet and fruity, with hints of pineapple and lemon. From early spring through early summer, local markets typically carry East Indian mangoes.
Look for East Indian mangoes with uniformly formed skin and minimal dark patches when choosing specimens. In order to determine whether something is overripe, look for any signs of softness or wrinkles in the skin.
When you push your fingers against the mango, it should be somewhat spongy but not overly mushy. For the best flavor, keep the mango in the fridge for up to 5 days if you won’t be eating it right away. Use it within two days after cutting it open and keep it in an airtight container.
East Indian mangoes were first brought to Jamaica in the 1800s from Bombay, India. Since then, East India has grown to be one of Jamaica’s most well-liked and highly sought-after cultivars.
Fun fact: Walter Zill grows a distinct variety of mango called West Indian, which has nothing to do with East Indian and is an entirely different cultivar.
East Indian Mango Tree
A medium to large mango tree is the East Indian Mango.
The growth behavior of East Indian Mangos is relatively aggressive & spreading. Therefore, with aggressive annual pruning, they can practically be kept between 15 and 20 feet tall. East Indian Mangos are not regarded as “condo” mangoes because of their energy and desire for an open canopy; they would not survive for a long time in containers.
Furthermore, if the disease pressures are effectively handled (more on that soon), East Indian Mango trees have the potential to be quite productive trees.
East Indian Mango Fruit
Small to medium-sized East Indian mangoes can weigh between 0.5 and 1.0 pounds.
An oblong-shaped fruit with medium-sized shoulders and a semi-prominent beak near the bottom is called an East Indian. The distinctive yellowish-green skin and crimson flush on an adult East Indian mango are found on the fruit’s top. Additionally, East Indian at that time will smell strongly resinous.
After all of that, cutting into the fruit reveals a luscious, orangish-yellow flesh that is extremely fibrous in texture. In fact, I think this cultivar of mango is the most fibrous I’ve ever tried. The fiber is so disagreeable that I personally would compare the texture to that of chewing “Mango-Flavored Dental Floss.”
East Indian mangoes have an extremely pungent and resinous flavor. Despite the fruit’s undeniably sweet flavor—which is actually honey-like—it also has a strong piney, peppery, and deep, rich flavor. For people who are not accustomed to mangoes with Indian flavors, the overall flavor is highly complex and might be overwhelming.
It’s possible that Turpentine is the spicier mango I’ve ever had, but this one is up there. And this from a person who enjoys the sweet spice of varieties like Carrie and Julie. I must admit that when I tasted my first East Indian Mango, I felt a little overwhelmed.
Overall, given its insane number of fibers and assuming you like mangos with a spicy and deep flavor, East Indian may be best utilized as a juicing mango rather than eating out of hand.
East Indian Mango Season
Early-season East Indian Mangoes are typically ripe and available to pick between May and June.
East Indian Mangoes should be picked when they are fully grown and starting to ripen on the tree. This is when the fruit’s color starts to change to a yellowish-green hue with a pink-orange blush at the top of the fruit.
Having said that, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the mango’s red flush on top has nothing to do with how ripe the fruit is.
Aside from color, gently pressing an East Indian Mango in Jamaica to feel for a slight give in the fruit is the most typical way to determine its readiness. The fruit is probably overripe if it feels too soft or mushy when you gently press on it. On the other side, if the fruit is as hard as a rock, it shouldn’t be picked.
Steps for Planting Mango Seeds
Think about the fundamental procedures needed to create a mango plant from a seed.
1. Compile your materials. Paper towels, a plastic bag, a flower pot, a potting mix, a pair of scissors, as well as a sharp knife, are also required. A ripe mango is also required.
2. Take the mango’s seed husk off. Cut the mango in half, then carefully separate the fruit from the seed husk using a sharp knife.
3. Remove any pulp. Utilizing a paper towel, remove the mango pulp from the seed husk. For a few days, leave it out on a bed of dry paper towels.
4. Discard the mango seed’s husk. Cut a piece of the husk open with your scissors. To get the delicate seed out, peel aside the husk.
5. Make your mango seed sprout. Wrap the seed in wet paper towels before putting it in the plastic bag. It will germinate best if you set it aside in a warm location. To see if the seed has sprouted, check on it from time to time. There should be a few little roots and developing leaves in two to three weeks.
6. Sow the seed into the potting soil. Plant your mango seed in potting soil once it has sprouted. Pick a potting mix that is appropriate for indoor plants. You should have a drip saucer and lots of drainage holes in your container. Put one inch of potting soil over your seed before giving it a good soak.
Care Instructions for Mango Trees
You’ll need to continue taking care of your plant after you’ve planted your mango seed in a pot. Take a look at some general advice for establishing a strong mango plant.
1. Lighting: Although mature mango trees need full sun, you can maintain your mango houseplant in an area of your home that gets both direct and indirect light. Mangoes thrive in a warm, sunny climate because they are tropical plants.
2. Humidity: Warm, humid climates are ideal for mango tree growth. If you intend to preserve your mango tree as a houseplant, think about watering it frequently or putting a humidifier close by.
3. Repotting: As your mango plant matures, you might need to replant it in a bigger container. When moving your mango plant, take care to protect the root system.
4. Moving: You might want to move your mango plant outside if you are in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. Select a location in your garden with lots of sunlight, and utilize loamy soil. For optimal results, plant your mango tree in the spring.
5. Propagation: You can multiply your mango tree as it gets older by putting a stem cutting in brand-new potting soil.
East Indian Mango Tree for Sale
Finding East Indian mango trees might be challenging. There are various causes for this, including:
They have a strong flavor that can quickly overpower those who are not accustomed to the flavor, and they are very fibrous (most people prefer fiberless mangos).
They are in high demand among consumers who enjoy East Indian cuisine (Jamaican & Indian Demographic).
Conclusion
This Jamaican mango is especially well-liked for juicing. Although highly fibrous, the flavor is incredibly rich and excellent. To eat the fruit, make a hole at the bottom and squeeze the liquid out. One East Indian mango may fulfill even the most ardent mango lover’s appetite because it is big, meaty, and delicious.
