Thai red Ivory mango plants

The “Red Ivory” mango is a distinctive and highly sought-after variety, particularly known for its striking appearance and excellent taste. While some sources might mistakenly link its origin to West Bengal, India, the consensus is that it originated in Thailand. It’s also sometimes referred to as “Jingu Ivory” or simply “Ivory” mango, often named for its resemblance to a young elephant’s tusk due to its elongated shape.

Here’s a detailed description:

Origin and Cultivation:

• Origin: Primarily from Thailand. It was introduced to Yunnan, China, from Thailand in 1914, where it has since been cultivated successfully.
• Tree Characteristics: Red Ivory mango trees are medium to large-sized and thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates. They require full sun exposure and well-drained, fertile soil. They are known for early fruiting, often bearing fruit within 2-3 years of planting.

Fruit Characteristics:

• Size and Shape: One of its most striking features is its jumbo size. A single fruit can weigh significantly, often up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), though commonly ranging from 500g to 1.5kg. It has a distinctive elongated, somewhat oval to oblong shape, which, as mentioned, resembles an elephant’s tusk.
• Skin: Thin and smooth. The skin is incredibly appealing, developing an exotic color as it ripens. It transitions from green to a vibrant golden-yellow with a prominent red blush or crimson hue, especially on the side exposed to the sun. This makes it visually very attractive.
• Flesh (Pulp):
  • Color: Deep golden-yellow to rich orange.
  • Texture: Exceptionally soft, juicy, and completely fiberless. It has a smooth, buttery, and melting consistency that is highly prized. This lack of fiber contributes significantly to its eating quality.
  • Pulp Content: High pulp content, typically around 82% of the fruit.
• Taste and Aroma:
  • Sweetness: Known for its exceptional sweetness. It’s often rated as one of the sweeter mango varieties, with a high Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content, typically ranging from 18% to 22% when fully ripe.
  • Flavor Profile: It offers a rich, sweet taste with a fragrant aroma. Many describe a delicate balance of tropical sweetness with subtle hints of citrusy tang, or notes of apricot and pineapple, making it both rich and refreshing.
  • Aroma: It has a distinct and pleasant aromatic fragrance.

Season and Availability:

• The fruiting season typically occurs during the summer months, though specific timing can vary depending on the region and climatic conditions.

Culinary Uses:

• Due to its large size, incredible sweetness, and fiberless pulp, the Red Ivory mango is primarily enjoyed:
  • Fresh: Eaten directly, it’s a gourmet delight.
  • Juices and Smoothies: Its high juiciness and smooth texture make it perfect for beverages.
  • Desserts: Ideal for making ice creams, sorbets, puddings, and other culinary creations where a rich, sweet mango flavor is desired.

Other Noteworthy Points:

• Its striking appearance and large size make it a popular choice for gifting and a centerpiece fruit.
• It’s a relatively “newcomer” mango in many international markets, adding to its exotic appeal.

In essence, the Red Ivory mango is a premium variety celebrated for its massive size, visually stunning red-blushed skin, incredibly sweet and aromatic flavor, and its smooth, completely fiberless flesh