Valencia Pride Mangoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Valencia Pride mangoes are a medium to large varietal, averaging 18 to 21 centimeters in length and 7 to 10 centimeters in diameter, and have an elongated oblong appearance. The variety has a distinct curved shape, often described as an “S-shape,” and features a rounded apex and a prominent beak. Valencia Pride mangoes are usually harvested between 600 and 900 grams in weight, and the skin is semi-thin, taut, leathery, and tightly adhered to the flesh. The skin also ripens from green to golden yellow-orange hues, sometimes covered in patches of red-pink blush. Valencia Pride mangoes typically have smooth skin and are enveloped in tiny, pale-yellow dots known as lenticels. Underneath the surface, the golden yellow-orange flesh is dense, aqueous, and almost fibreless, with a tender, soft, and succulent consistency when ripe. The flesh also encases a slender, flat seed in the center, creating a high flesh-to-seed ratio. Valencia Pride mangoes release a light floral aroma with honeyed nuances when ripe. Select fruits that have developed a soft yellow color and have a slight give when pressed. Ripe Valencia Pride mangoes have a rich, tropical, fruity, floral, sweet, and tangy flavor with coconut, pineapple, stone fruit, and citrus notes. The flesh closest to the skin may also have a slightly resinous taste, while the rest will not contain this flavor. Overripe Valencia Pride mangoes can occasionally develop a musky overtone.
Seasons/Availability
Valencia Pride mangoes are generally available for a limited season in the summer, typically from late June through August. The variety is also grown in the southern hemisphere, extending availability in select markets throughout other seasons.
Current Facts
Valencia Pride mangoes, botanically classified as Mangifera indica, are an American variety belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. The mid to late season cultivar was discovered naturally growing in a home garden in Florida in the late 20th century and was selected for its colorful appearance and rich, sweet-tart flavor. Valencia Pride mangos grow on large, wide-spreading evergreen trees reaching 25 to 40 feet in height, and the trees begin bearing fruit approximately 5 to 7 years after planting. Since their discovery, Valencia Pride mangoes have become a famous, seasonally anticipated variety. The mangoes have expanded in cultivation to tropical regions worldwide, but they are still closely associated with Florida and are considered a premium, specialty cultivar. Valencia Pride mangoes are a monoembryonic variety, meaning their seeds will not produce identical offspring. Growers favor the cultivar for their consistent yields, disease resistance, and fast-growing nature. Valencia Pride mangoes are only available for a short season each year, and the fruits are hand-harvested when they begin developing their yellow hues. Valencia Pride mangoes are prized by chefs and mango enthusiasts for their versatility in a wide array of raw or cooked culinary preparations and beverages.
Nutritional Value
Valencia Pride mangoes are a source of vitamins A and C to strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy organs, and vitamins E and K to protect the cells against free radical damage while assisting the body in producing proteins that help the blood coagulate for faster wound healing. Mangoes also provide calcium and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, iron to make the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, potassium to replenish electrolytes and balance fluids, and fiber to regulate the digestive tract. Other nutrients include copper, folate, thiamine, niacin, manganese, zinc, and magnesium.
Applications
Valencia Pride mangoes have a rich, sweet, tart, and tropical flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. Once ripe, the variety is primarily consumed out of hand and is savored for its tender, soft, and aqueous consistency. Valencia Pride mangoes can be sliced into two large halves, known as cheeks, and these cheeks can be cut to create thin strips or diced into pieces. It is recommended to slice each cheek on either side of the seed. Valencia Pride mangoes are popularly added to homemade fruit cups or green salads. They are also incorporated as a fresh topping over shaved ice, parfaits, and ice cream or blended into smoothies, shakes, and juices. In South Florida, Valencia Pride mangoes are commonly added to salsa and ceviche. In addition to fresh preparations, Valencia Pride mangoes can be simmered into jams, jellies, and preserves or used to flavor chutney and sauces for drizzling over roasted meats. The mango’s fruity flesh can also be baked into pies, cobblers, and dumplings or mixed into custards and puddings. In California, chefs appreciate using Valencia Pride mangoes in homemade sorbet or sprinkling the ripe flesh with chili powder as a snack. The variety is also served with fresh seafood or pickled as a tangy condiment. Valencia Pride mangoes pair well with other fruits such as strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and coconut, mint, vanilla, chocolate, and spices, including cinnamon, paprika, and cumin. Whole, unopened Valencia Pride mangoes should be ripened at room temperature. Once mature, the variety should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor or stored in the refrigerator for a few days. The flesh can also be frozen or canned for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Valencia Pride mangoes are considered one of the classic Florida varieties and are descendants of one of Florida’s most historic commercial cultivars- the Haden mango. Haden mangoes were developed from a cross between an Indian Mulgoba mango and an unknown variety, possibly the Turpentine mango, in the home garden of Captain John J. Haden. The variety was discovered in 1910 by John Haden’s wife, Mrs. Florence Haden, in Coconut Grove, South Florida, and she allowed growers to begin commercially propagating the cultivar, quickly spreading the new mango across Florida. Haden mangoes were one of the most popular mangoes throughout World War II and were a widespread commercial and home garden tree. By the 1970s, Haden mangoes and a few other cultivars were grown over 350 acres of farmland stretching from Miami to Homestead. This period is called the “glory days of the Florida mango” by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and is largely attributed to the success of Haden mangoes. As new varieties were released, Haden mangoes receded from the commercial spotlight, but their favorable characteristics led them to be used by breeders to create other cultivars. Haden mangoes are famously connected to Valencia Pride, Kent, Keitt, and Tommy Atkins mangoes. Many of these varieties have become successful in international markets and are known for their quality flavor worldwide.
Geography/History
Valencia Pride mangoes are native to Florida and were discovered growing as a seedling of the Haden mango in a home garden in Miami in the mid-20th century. It is said that the seedling was planted in 1937 and first bore fruit in 1941. The fruits were highly favored for their appearance, flavor, and size and were selected for propagation throughout the 1940s. Valencia Pride mangoes were initially a home garden variety and were widespread in gardens throughout South Florida. The trees are one of the fastest-growing mango cultivars present in Florida and provide ample shade in gardens with their large, widespread canopies. Over time, growers began commercially cultivating Valencia Pride mangoes, and the variety was introduced to regions in California and later Hawaii. The variety quickly became a choice seasonal cultivar and is still prized as a premium, seasonal fruit. Today, Valencia Pride mangoes can only be grown in tropical climates, and very few regions within the United States are ideal for the variety. The cultivar is planted in South Florida and the Coachella Desert of California. Outside of the United States, Valencia Pride mangoes are grown in small quantities in Australia and Western Africa.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Valencia Pride Mangoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| San Diego Foodstuff |
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Savory Citrus Salad |
| Suwannee Rose |
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Grilled Mango and Arugula Salad |
| The Harvest Kitchen |
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Mango Coconut Ice Cream |
| wbur |
|
Meringue Cookie with Mango-Lime Orange Curd |
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