Ruby (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Ruby' |
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'Ruby' mangoes at the Redland Summer Fruit Festival, Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Species | Mangifera indica |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Haden' × unknown |
| Cultivar | 'Ruby' |
| Origin | Florida, US |
The Ruby' mango is a special type of mango known for its bright red color. It first grew in sunny south Florida, USA. This mango is a popular choice because of its unique look and delicious taste.
How the 'Ruby' Mango Started
The very first 'Ruby' mango tree grew from a seed. It was planted on the land of Ed P. Davis in Miami, Florida. People first noticed this mango in 1948. That's when a group called the Florida Mango Forum officially named it 'Ruby'. Ed Davis also started growing more of these trees that same year.
For many years, no one knew exactly which mangoes were the parents of the 'Ruby'. But new studies suggest that a famous mango called 'Haden' was likely one of its parents.
The 'Ruby' mango was not grown everywhere in Florida. However, two special trees were planted at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center. Another tree was planted at the USDA's National Clonal Repository in Miami. From these locations, parts of the 'Ruby' trees were sent to other countries. This helped people in places like Africa start growing 'Ruby' mangoes for sale.
What Does the 'Ruby' Mango Look Like?
The 'Ruby' mango fruit is small and shaped like an oval. It usually weighs less than one pound when it's ready to eat. The skin turns a beautiful, bright red color, covering most of the fruit.
Inside, the mango has yellow flesh. It has very few stringy fibers, which makes it smooth to eat. The taste is rich and spicy-sweet, with a strong, pleasant smell. 'Ruby' mangoes often grow in bunches on the tree. Each fruit has a single seed inside. In Florida, these mangoes are usually ready to pick from July to August.
The 'Ruby' mango trees grow at a medium speed. They become large trees with branches that reach upwards, creating an open shape.
