The “Thai Banana Mango” is primarily known as the Mahachanok mango, a popular and distinct cultivar that originated in Thailand. It gets the “banana mango” nickname due to its elongated, somewhat curved shape that resembles a banana.

Here’s a detailed description of the Thai Banana Mango (Mahachanok):

Origin and Cultivation:

Origin: The Mahachanok mango is a hybrid cultivar developed in Thailand, specifically in Chiang Mai. It’s a cross between the ‘Sunset’ and ‘Nang Klanwan’ varieties.
Key Growing Regions: Primarily cultivated in Thailand and gaining popularity in other tropical regions, including parts of India and Australia.
Tree Characteristics: Mahachanok mango trees are medium to large-sized, evergreen trees with dense, glossy foliage. They thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates with ample sunlight and well-drained soil. Grafted varieties are common, leading to earlier fruiting and high-quality fruit production. Some sources suggest an “all-season” or “extended bloom time” potential in ideal tropical conditions, meaning it might flower and fruit more than once a year.

Fruit Characteristics:

Size and Shape: The fruit is typically medium to large, generally weighing between 250 to 450 grams (though some sources mention up to 700g). Its most distinguishing feature is its elongated, slender, and slightly curved shape, which gives it the “banana mango” moniker.
Skin: The skin is thin, smooth, and transitions from green to a vibrant golden-yellow with a beautiful pinkish-red blush when fully ripe, especially on the side exposed to the sun.
Flesh (Pulp):
- Color: Deep golden yellow to orange.
- Texture: Exceptionally juicy, tender, creamy, and notably fiberless. This smooth, succulent texture is a major draw.
- Seed: It has a long and thin seed (pit), which means a high proportion of the fruit is edible flesh.
Taste and Aroma:
- Sweetness: Known for its excellent sweetness.
- Flavor Profile: It offers a rich, aromatic tropical flavor with delicate notes often described as having hints of citrus, peach, or mild floral undertones. It’s praised for its balanced taste.
- Aroma: Possesses a pleasant, distinctively sweet fragrance.

Season and Availability:

While some sources suggest an “all-season” potential in ideal conditions, the primary harvest season for Mahachanok mangoes is typically during the summer months, often from March to June, depending on the specific climate.

Culinary Uses:

The Thai Banana Mango is highly prized for fresh consumption due to its appealing appearance, delightful flavor, and fiberless texture.
It’s also excellent for a variety of culinary applications, including:
- Desserts: Ideal for mango sticky rice (a classic Thai dessert), ice creams, sorbets, puddings, and tarts.
- Smoothies and Juices: Its juicy and smooth pulp blends easily into refreshing drinks.
- Salads and Salsas: Its sweet flavor can complement savory dishes.

Nutritional Value:

Like most mangoes, the Mahachanok is rich in essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin A and C, as well as antioxidants and dietary fiber, contributing to overall health.

In summary, the Thai Banana Mango (Mahachanok) is a highly sought-after variety cherished for its unique elongated shape, beautiful coloring, incredibly smooth and fiberless golden flesh, and its sweet, aromatic tropical flavor.

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