Keitt (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Keitt' |
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Comparison of 'Ataulfo' (left) and 'Keitt' mango (right)
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Brooks' x unknown |
| Cultivar | 'Keitt' |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The Keitt mango is a special type of mango that ripens later in the year. It first grew in Florida, USA. This mango is known for its large size and sweet, tangy taste.
The Story of the Keitt Mango
The Keitt mango began its journey in 1939. It grew from a seed planted on Mrs. J.N. Keitt's property in Homestead, Florida. For a long time, people thought it came from a mango called 'Mulgoba'.
But new scientific tests show something different. The Keitt mango is likely a seedling of the 'Brooks' mango. This makes sense because both 'Keitt' and 'Brooks' ripen late and grow large fruit.
In 1945, this new mango was officially named 'Keitt'. It quickly became popular with plant nurseries. People liked its great flavor, how much fruit it produced, and that it didn't have many fibers.
Even though it wasn't very colorful and was much bigger than other mangoes, it became a favorite for people growing fruit at home in Florida. Today, it's still one of the most common mango trees planted there.
You can find Keitt mango trees in important plant collections. These include the USDA germplasm center in Miami, Florida. They are also at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center and the Miami–Dade Fruit and Spice Park, both in Homestead.
What Does a Keitt Mango Tree Look Like?
Keitt mango trees grow strongly but usually stay under 20 feet tall. They have a wide, spreading shape, not as compact as some other mango trees. Their branches create an open, airy canopy.
These trees are good at producing fruit. They usually give a lot of mangoes consistently each year.
What Does a Keitt Mango Look Like?
The fruit of the Keitt mango is quite large. Some can weigh several pounds! They are oval-shaped with a rounded top and no pointed tip. The skin is usually green, sometimes with a light red blush.
Inside, the flesh is sweet and tangy, with some fibers. It has a single seed. Keitt mangoes are also good at resisting diseases. They usually ripen from August to September in Florida, and sometimes even into October. This makes them a valuable late-season mango.
