Carabao Mango: Sweet Mango of Philippines

The 'Carabao' mango (Mangifera indica L.) stands out as an emblem of the Philippines' rich agricultural heritage, celebrated for its distinctive features and unparalleled sweetness. Originating from the tropical soils of the Philippines, this mango variety is renowned for its semielliptical shape and initially pale green hue, transitioning into a vibrant yellow as it matures, enticing the senses with its tantalizing aroma.

Its unparalleled sweetness has garnered global recognition, earning it the esteemed title of the sweetest mango in the world in the 1995 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. Aptly named after the carabao, the Philippines' national animal and a symbol of resilience, the 'Carabao' mango embodies the spirit of Filipino ingenuity and natural abundance.

As a cornerstone of Philippine agriculture, the 'Carabao' mango holds significant economic and cultural importance. Its cultivation forms a vital part of the country's agricultural landscape, supporting local livelihoods and export industries alike. Internationally, the mango variety enjoys widespread acclaim, sought after for its exotic flavor profile and succulent texture.

Despite its widespread popularity, the exact origins of the 'Carabao' mango remain shrouded in mystery, adding to its allure and mystique. With 14 distinct strains bearing its name, the 'Carabao' mango serves as a progenitor for numerous other mango varieties, including several esteemed Mexican strains.

In essence, the 'Carabao' mango stands as a testament to the Philippines' rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, captivating taste buds and hearts around the world with its unrivaled sweetness and timeless appeal.
Carabao Mango: Sweet Mango of Philippine

Cultivars

Cultivars
The Indian subcontinent is very rich in mango flora. All the mango cultivars originated as superior chance seedlings arising from natural crossing or gene mutation.

Some of these selections were later maintained true to type through sexual propagations.

Almost all these cultivars are monoembryonic types. However, expert compiled a list of 793 mango cultivars all over the world.

Over a frozen poly-embryonic cultivars of mango exist in India, but their fruit quality is inferior and size is also small.

These include Bappakai, Chandrakaran, Goa, Kurukkan, Olour, Bellary, Kasargod, Mazagaon, Nileswar Dwarf, and Salem and are mostly confined to the southern states of India, especially on the west coast.

In addition, polyembryonic cultivars reported from other countries of the world are Cambodiana, Carabao, Cecil, Higgins, Paho, Peach/Apricot, Pico, Sabre, Saigon, Simmonds, Samini and Starwberry.

Of the huge germplasm only a few cultivars which are location specific, are grown commercially.

In the Philippines, Carabao and Pico cultivars in their collection are cultivated. In Hawaii, Pierie and Haden are the most widely grown cultivars, while in Florida it is Tommy Atkins, although several mango cultivars exist in their collection.

The Fijian commercial mango cultivars include Fiji, Peach, Jarra, Parrot and Kerosene.
In India, of the arboreta of approximately a thousand cultivars, only 25 – 40 mango varieties are grown commercially.
Cultivars