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Valencia Pride mango tree and mangoes

Valencia Pride Mango: Everything You Want to Know!

The Valencia Pride mango: a name synonymous with tropical sweetness and sunshine. But this vibrant fruit offers more than just a burst of flavor!

Let’s explore everything you want to know about Valencia Pride mangoes:

  • Valencia Pride Mango Review
  • Growing a Valencia Pride Mango Tree
  • Mango Season
  • Alternate-Bearing and Bumper Crops
  • The Origin of Valencia Pride Mangoes
  • Cutting, Storing, and Savoring these Mangoes
  • Easy Delicious Mango Smoothie Recipe
Valencia Pride mango harvest
Valencia Pride mango season

Valencia Pride Mango Review: A Taste of Tropical Paradise

Valencia Pride mangoes are known for their silky smooth flesh, free of  fibers. Their flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweetness with a touch of tropical tartness

Some describe it as having hints of peach, pineapple, or even coconut, depending on the ripeness. These mangos start green, change to green with pink, then to a bright orange with the sweetness level increasing as the color brightens.

These medium-sized mangoes are perfect for enjoying on their own or incorporating into various dishes. They boast a high flesh-to-seed ratio, minimizing waste and maximizing mango goodness.

duck eating a Valencia Pride mango
Duck enjoying a Valencia Pride mango
cutting Valencia Pride mango into delicious slices
Cutting some delicious Valencia Pride mango

Growing a Valencia Pride Mango Tree: Reap the Rewards

Dreaming of harvesting your own tropical bounty? Here are some key things to consider when growing a Valencia Pride mango tree:

  • Sun: These trees thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, the more the better.
  • Water: Water your Valencia Pride mango tree every other day for the first two weeks after planting. As it matures, watering needs decrease – aim for watering when the soil feels dry to the touch down to two inches.
  • Easy care: These trees are relatively low-maintenance, requiring well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine.
  • Height: Valencia Pride trees are known for their impressive growth, reaching heights of 30-40 feet at maturity. Make sure you have ample space for this future giant!
  • Maturity: While fast-growing compared to some fruit trees, it typically takes 5-7 years for a Valencia Pride mango tree to reach maturity and start producing fruit.

  • Planting Zones: Mango trees grow best in plant hardiness zones 10, 11.
Valencia Pride mango peak harvest season calendar

Mango Season

Mango season is a joyous time in the tropics, and the Valencia Pride variety fits right in! Let’s explore mango season in general and when you can expect your Valencia Pride mangoes to be ready for picking.

  • Mango season magic: Mango season typically falls between March and September, depending on the specific variety and location.

  • Valencia Pride’s peak: Valencia Pride mangoes are considered a midseason variety, typically ripening and ready for harvest from late June to August.

Alternate Bearing and Bumper Crops

The Valencia Pride mango, like many other fruit trees, exhibits alternate bearing. This means that fruit production follows a cyclical pattern, with bumper crops one year followed by a lighter yield the next.

Valencia Mango tree in June
05/2021 bumper crop almost ripe
Valencia Pride mango tree blooming in February
02/2023 bumper crop in bloom
2024 June - small harvest coming (off-year)
06/2024 small crop (off-year)
  • Bumper crop bonanza: During an “on” year, a mature Valencia Pride tree can truly live up to its name, producing hundreds! This abundance can be overwhelming, but nature has a way of regulating itself.

    Many of these early fruits may drop prematurely, allowing the remaining ones to receive the nutrients they need to grow and ripen to their full potential.

  • Understanding the cycle: The exact reasons behind alternate bearing are still being researched, but it’s believed to be a combination of factors like:

    • Resource allocation: After a heavy fruiting year, the tree prioritizes replenishing its energy reserves, leading to fewer flowers and fruits the following season.
    • Hormonal fluctuations: Shifts in plant hormones like auxin and gibberellin may play a role in regulating flower bud formation.

While alternate bearing can affect overall yield, the sheer volume of fruit produced during a Valencia Pride’s “on” year makes it a rewarding tree to cultivate.

With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest every other year, with plenty of delicious mangoes to savor, share, and preserve.

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The Origin of Valencia Pride Mangoes

The Valencia Pride mango boasts a rich history. Developed in South Florida during the 1940s, it’s believed to be a descendant of the Haden mango, a popular variety known for its sweetness. 

While the exact lineage remains a bit of a mystery, the Valencia Pride has certainly carved its own niche in the world of tropical fruits.

Here’s the Valencia Pride mango Wikipedia page facts here.

cutting delicious mango slices
Valencia Pride mango harvest in late June

Cutting, Storing, and Savoring Your Valencia Pride Mango

Cutting and Storing:

  • Ripeness is key: Wait until your Valencia Pride mango yields slightly to gentle pressure and green has turned to bright oranges, pinks and reds.

  • Slicing magic: There are various techniques for cutting a mango, but a popular method involves slicing the skin away first, the cutting large chucks from top to bottom until reaching the center pit.

  • Storage savvy: Ripe mangoes can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 5 days. 

Freezing:

  • Frozen delight: For long-term storage, cut your mango into cubes or slices and freeze them. Frozen mango can last for months and makes especially great additions to smoothies and milkshakes.

Culinary Creativity:

    • Sweet and savory: Diced Valencia Pride adds a vibrant touch to salsa, salads, and ceviche.
    • Tropical twist: Elevate grilled chicken or fish with a vibrant mango salsa.
    • Dessert dreams: Whip up a creamy mango panna cotta or a tangy mango sorbet for a delightful finale.

The Valencia Pride mango is a versatile fruit with a rich history and a taste that will transport you to paradise. So, the next time you encounter this tropical gem, grab one and savor its sunshine-infused sweetness!

mango smoothie
mango smoothie

Easy Valencia Pride Mango Smoothie Recipe

The vibrant sweetness of Valencia Pride mangoes makes them a perfect ingredient for refreshing smoothies. Here’s a super easy recipe to whip up in minutes:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen Valencia Pride mango chunks
  • ½ cup plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
  • ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
  • Handful of fresh mint or basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth and creamy.
  2. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or additional milk if desired.
  3. Pour into a glass and garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves (optional).

Tips:

  • For an extra thick and frosty smoothie, use frozen yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
  • Frozen banana chunks can be added for extra creaminess and sweetness.

This delicious and nutritious smoothie is a perfect way to enjoy the taste of Valencia Pride mangoes on a hot day or as a healthy and satisfying snack.

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