Osteen (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Osteen' |
|
|---|---|
'Osteen' mangoes on display
|
|
| Genus | Mangifera |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Haden' × unknown |
| Cultivar | 'Osteen' |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The Osteen mango is a special type of mango that was first grown in Merritt Island, Florida. It's known for its bright color and sweet taste, making it a popular choice for people to eat and for farmers to grow.
The Story of the Osteen Mango
The first Osteen mango tree started from a seed planted way back in 1935. It grew on the land of S.A. Osteen, who was an important leader in Brevard County, Florida. People believe this tree came from a well-known mango called the 'Haden' mango.
The tree first produced fruit in 1940. It was named after the Osteen family, who had lived in Merritt Island for a long time. Even today, their family members still live in the area where the first tree grew!
Farmers and experts looked closely at the Osteen mango. They decided it was a great type to grow because of its pretty color, how much fruit it produced, and its delicious flavor. Today, it's a favorite mango in Europe. You can still find it growing on a smaller scale in Florida, especially on Merritt Island.
Some special places keep Osteen mango trees in their collections. These include the USDA in Miami, Florida, and the Miami–Dade Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, Florida. These places help protect different types of plants.
What Does the Osteen Mango Look Like?
The Osteen mango fruit has an oblong (oval) shape. It's rounded at both ends and sometimes has a small point, like a tiny beak. Each fruit usually weighs a little over a pound when it's ready to eat.
The skin of the mango is smooth. It starts out yellow, but as it ripens, it often turns a beautiful dark purple color. Inside, the flesh (the part you eat) has almost no fibers, which means it's very smooth. It has a mild but sweet flavor that many people enjoy.
Inside the fruit, there's one seed. This type of seed is called a monoembryonic seed, meaning it usually grows into one plant. In Florida, Osteen mangoes are typically ready to pick from July to September.
The trees themselves grow very strongly. They have thick, full canopies, which means they have lots of leaves and branches.
