Carabao Mango Live Plant

Carabao Mango: The World’s Sweetest Mango

The Carabao Mango, globally renowned for its unparalleled sweetness, is a prized variety originating from the Philippines. Known also as the Philippine Mango or Manila Mango, this variety has gained international recognition for its exotic taste, creamy texture, and vibrant aroma. In fact, it holds the distinction of being listed as the world's sweetest mango by the Guinness Book of World Records (1995). Named after the carabao, the national animal of the Philippines, this mango embodies the rich agricultural heritage of the region.

Scientific and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Mangifera indica ‘Carabao’
• Common Names: Philippine Mango, Manila Mango, Carabao Mango

Characteristics of the Carabao Mango

Fruit Features:

• Shape and Size: Oblong, medium-sized mango with a distinct curve at the bottom.
• Color: Golden yellow when ripe, with a thin and smooth skin that’s easy to peel.
• Flesh: Deep yellow, tender, and nearly fiberless, ensuring a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Taste: Intensely sweet with a hint of citrus, offering a rich, tropical flavor.
• Aroma: A delightful fruity fragrance that enhances its appeal.

Tree Features:

• Height: Grows to about 10-15 meters, but grafted varieties are smaller and manageable for gardens.
• Canopy: Dense, spreading canopy that provides excellent shade.
• Flowers: Small, fragrant, and yellowish-green, blooming in clusters.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Nutritional Profile (Per 100 grams):

• Calories: ~60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~15 grams
• Protein: 0.8 grams
• Vitamin C: 37 mg (61% of the daily recommended intake)
• Vitamin A: 1075 IU (promotes vision and immune health)
• Fiber: 1.7 grams (supports digestion)
• Potassium: 150 mg (regulates blood pressure)

Health Benefits:

1. Boosts Immunity:
   • High Vitamin C content strengthens the immune system.
2. Improves Digestion:
   • Rich in dietary fiber, it aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
3. Supports Skin Health:
   • Packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C, it promotes radiant skin.
4. Enhances Heart Health:
   • Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fiber reduces cholesterol levels.
5. Energy Booster:
   • Natural sugars provide a quick source of energy, making it an ideal snack.
6. Promotes Weight Management:
   • Low-calorie and high-fiber content helps maintain a healthy weight.

Culinary Uses and Taste

Taste Profile:

The Carabao Mango is celebrated for its unrivaled sweetness complemented by a slight tang, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Its smooth, fiberless flesh melts in the mouth, making it a favorite among mango enthusiasts worldwide.

Culinary Applications:

1. Fresh Consumption:
   • Best enjoyed as it is—peeled and sliced to savor its natural sweetness.
2. Juices and Smoothies:
   • A key ingredient in refreshing mango shakes, lassis, and smoothies.
3. Desserts:
   • Forms the base for ice creams, sorbets, puddings, and jams.
   • Used in traditional Filipino delicacies like mango float and mango graham cake.
4. Salads and Savory Dishes:
   • Adds a sweet contrast to salads and mango salsas.
5. Dried Mangoes:
   • A popular snack, preserving the fruit’s sweetness and flavor.

Cultivation and Maintenance

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring warm and humid weather.
• Soil: Grows best in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with good organic content.
• Sunlight: Requires full sunlight for optimal growth and fruiting.

Planting and Care:

1. Planting:
   • Use grafted plants for quicker fruiting (2-3 years) and better quality mangoes.
   • Ensure proper spacing of 10-15 feet for adequate root and canopy growth.
2. Watering:
   • Regular watering during the growing phase; reduce during dormancy.
   • Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
3. Fertilization:
   • Enrich the soil with organic compost and apply balanced fertilizers (rich in potassium and phosphorus) during flowering and fruiting stages.
4. Pruning:
   • Prune to shape the tree, improve air circulation, and remove dead branches.
5. Pest and Disease Management:
   • Watch for common mango pests like fruit flies and aphids. Use organic sprays like neem oil for prevention.

Preservation and Storage

1. Ripening:
   • Allow mangoes to ripen naturally at room temperature.
2. Refrigeration:
   • Store ripe mangoes in the refrigerator to retain freshness for up to 2 weeks.
3. Freezing:
   • Peel and slice the mangoes, then freeze the pulp for year-round use.
4. Dried Mangoes:
   • Slice and dry for a long-lasting, nutritious snack.

Cultural Significance and Traditions

1. National Pride:
   • The Carabao Mango is a symbol of Filipino heritage, celebrated in festivals and culinary traditions.
2. Festivals:
   • The Mango Festival in Zambales, Philippines, showcases this mango's significance with exhibits, contests, and recipes.
3. Traditional Dishes:
   • Featured in iconic Filipino desserts like halo-halo and mango sticky rice.

Environmental Benefits

• Soil Improvement:
  • Mango trees enhance soil fertility by adding organic matter.
• Biodiversity Support:
  • Their flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Carbon Sequestration:
  • Mature trees absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping combat climate change.

Why Choose Carabao Mango for Your Garden?

1. World-Renowned Sweetness: Recognized as the world’s sweetest mango, it promises an unparalleled taste experience.
2. Health Benefits: Packed with nutrients, it supports immunity, digestion, and skin health.
3. Cultural Legacy: Growing a Carabao mango tree connects you to its rich heritage.
4. Versatility: Perfect for fresh consumption, desserts, and savory dishes.
5. Eco-Friendly Choice: A mango tree enhances biodiversity and contributes to a greener planet.

Conclusion

The Carabao Mango is a treasure of tropical agriculture, combining unmatched sweetness, health benefits, and cultural significance. Cultivating this mango tree in your garden is not just a step toward sustainability but also a way to savor the finest mango in the world. Bring home a Carabao Mango Live Plant from Veliyath Gardens and indulge in the luxury of growing and tasting this globally acclaimed fruit right in your backyard.