Carabao (mango)

The Carabao mango (Mangifera indica), also known as the Philippine mango or Manila mango, is a variety of mango from the Philippines. It is renowned for its sweetness and is considered one of the best mango varieties in the world.

Description

The Carabao mango is a tropical fruit that is oval in shape and typically measures about 12 to 15 centimeters in length. The skin of the fruit is thin and smooth, with a color that ranges from green to yellow when ripe. The flesh is deep yellow, juicy, and has a rich, sweet flavor with a slight tartness.

Cultivation

Carabao mangoes are primarily grown in the Philippines, where the climate is ideal for their cultivation. The trees thrive in warm, tropical environments and require well-drained soil. They are typically propagated through grafting to ensure the quality and consistency of the fruit.

Climate

The Carabao mango tree requires a tropical climate with a distinct dry season to induce flowering. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 24°C to 30°C. The trees are sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Soil

The trees prefer well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. They require adequate irrigation during the dry season to ensure proper fruit development.

Harvesting

Carabao mangoes are typically harvested from March to June, depending on the region. The fruit is picked when it is mature but still firm, as it continues to ripen after being harvested. Proper handling is essential to prevent bruising and damage to the fruit.

Nutritional Value

Carabao mangoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. They also contain a variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals that contribute to their health benefits.

Uses

Carabao mangoes are consumed fresh, dried, or processed into various products such as mango juice, mango jam, and mango chutney. They are also used in desserts, salads, and as a flavoring in various dishes.

Economic Importance

The Carabao mango is a significant agricultural product in the Philippines, contributing to the country's economy through both domestic consumption and export. The fruit is exported to various countries, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Cultural Significance

In the Philippines, the Carabao mango is a symbol of national pride and is often featured in cultural festivals and events. It is also a popular gift and is associated with hospitality and generosity.

Challenges

The cultivation of Carabao mangoes faces several challenges, including pest and disease management, climate change, and competition from other mango-producing countries. Efforts are being made to improve cultivation techniques and develop disease-resistant varieties.

See Also

• Mango
• Philippine cuisine
• Tropical fruit

Types

1. Apple Guava (Psidium guajava) - Apple guava is the most commonly cultivated variety of guava. It is also known as tropical guava and is native to Central and South America. The fruit has a round or oval shape and a greenish-yellow skin that turns yellow when ripe. The flesh is creamy white or pinkish, and it is sweet and fragrant. Apple guava is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
2. Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) - Pineapple guava is also known as feijoa, and it is native to South America. The fruit has a greenish-gray skin that is rough to the touch, and the flesh is creamy white with a sweet and tangy flavor. Pineapple guava is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
3. Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum) - Strawberry guava is native to South America and is also known as Cattley guava. The fruit has a small size, and its skin is thin, smooth, and red or yellow. The flesh is white, pink, or red and has a sweet and tangy flavor. Strawberry guava is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
4. Lemon Guava (Psidium guineense) - Lemon guava is native to Brazil and has a round shape with a yellowish-green skin. The flesh is yellow and has a tangy flavor similar to lemon. Lemon guava is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Cultivation of Carabao (mango)

Guava is a tropical fruit that is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. The best time to plant guava is in the spring, and it grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 7.0. Guava trees can grow up to 30 feet tall, but they can be pruned to a smaller size.

Guava trees need full sun and regular watering, especially during the dry season. Fertilization is also necessary, and it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer every three months. Guava fruit takes around four to six months to ripen, and it is best to harvest it when it is fully matured.

Pictures of Carabao (mango)

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  Psidium guajava

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  Guava

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  Psidium guajava

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  Psidium guajava

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  Guava fruit

Nutrition information of Carabao (mango)

• USDA on Carabao (mango)

Berries acai berries blackberries blueberries cranberries currants goji berries huckleberries lingonberries (cowberries) mulberries raspberries strawberries

Melons cantaloupe honeydew horned melon (kiwano) watermelon Apples apricots bananas cherries dates figs

Other Fruits fruit cocktail grapefruit grapes guava kiwi fruit lemons limes mangoes nectarines oranges papaya peaches  pears persimmons pineapple plums pomegranate prunes raisins star fruit tangerines

100% Fruit Juice apple juice cranberry juice grape juice grapefruit juice mango juice orange juice papaya juice pineapple juice pomegranate juice prune juice

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External links

• Glossary of fruits

• Wikipedia

• USDA nutritional information on Carabao (mango)