Vietnamese mango is not only famous for its natural delicious taste but is also known as a rich source of vitamins and minerals, good for health. This is a fruit you must try when traveling in Vietnam.
In this article, Vinut will guide you to discover the origin, and main characteristics as well as how to cultivate mango trees. Let’s follow us!
1. General Information on Vietnamese Mango
The Origin of Mango
The mango (Mangifera indica) is believed to have originated in the region of South Asia, specifically in the area between northeastern India, Myanmar (Burma), and Bangladesh. The history of mango cultivation dates back more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world.
Mangoes were first domesticated in India, where they have been an integral part of the diet, culture, and religion for millennia. Ancient Indian scriptures, including the Vedas, mention the mango, and it has been a symbol of love and prosperity in Indian culture.
From India, mangoes spread to Southeast Asia through human migration and trade. The fruit became widely cultivated in regions such as Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines. Over time, different varieties of mangoes were developed, each with unique flavors, sizes, and colors.
Some Main Features of Vietnamese Mango
Flavor: Vietnamese mangoes are known for their sweet, delicious flavor. Depending on the mango variety, the sweetness can be accompanied by a slight sourness, creating a perfect balance.
Shape and size: Vietnamese mangoes come in many varieties with varying shapes and sizes. For example, Hoa Loc mangoes are elongated, while Keo mangoes are rounder. Depending on the variety, mango fruit sizes typically range from 200g to 500g.
Nutritional value: Vietnamese mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which are very good for health. In addition, mangoes also contain fiber, which helps support the digestive system.
Application: Vietnamese mangoes are not only popular for fresh consumption but also used in many dishes, from smoothies, and juices, to desserts such as ice cream, and sweet soups, and even in savory dishes such as salads or sauces.
2. Popular Mango Growing Regions in Vietnam
In Vietnam, mangoes are grown mainly in the southern provinces, where the tropical climate is suitable for the tree to grow. Prominent mango-growing provinces include:
- Dong Thap: Famous for the Hoa Loc sand mango variety, one of the best mango varieties in Vietnam.
- Tien Giang: Also the homeland of Hoa Loc sand mango and many other mango varieties.
- An Giang: This area grows many high-quality mango varieties, serving both the domestic and export markets.
- Can Tho: Famous for its fruit-laden mango gardens, especially three-season mangoes.
- Binh Thuan: Known for its large mango gardens, mainly the Keo mango variety.
3. Growth Characteristics of Mango Trees
Climate: Mangoes prefer tropical climates, especially those with a distinct dry season. Mango trees thrive in areas with average temperatures of 24°C to 27°C and average rainfall of 1,000 to 1,500 mm per year.
Soil: Mango trees adapt well to a wide range of soils, from sandy loams to alluvial soils, but grow best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
Light: Mangoes are light-loving plants, requiring plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis and growth. Full sunlight exposure helps the tree to flower and fruit better.
Growth: Mango trees have a long growth cycle, usually taking 5 to 8 years to reach maturity and begin bearing fruit. Mango trees can grow to be 10 to 20 meters tall when mature, with a broad canopy and strong roots.
Flowering and fruiting: The flowering season of mangoes usually starts from December to February, and the fruit ripens around April to June. Mangoes usually flower heavily during the dry season and fruit after about 3 to 6 months.
Yield: A mature mango tree can yield from 100 to 300 kg of fruit per year, depending on growing conditions and tree variety.
Through the above article, everyone must have understood more clearly the main characteristics as well as the growth characteristics of mango trees. Vinut hopes that the information shared above will help you have a clearer view of Vietnamese mangoes today. Follow Vinut in the next articles.