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Lancetilla

by | Jan 23, 2025 | Mango Cultivars

Lancetilla Mango

Lancetilla Mango: Honduras’ Giant Fruit Marvel

Introduction

The Lancetilla mango, originating from Honduras, is distinguished by its extraordinary size, with fruits weighing between 3 to 5 pounds. This remarkable variety was introduced to the United States in 2001 at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s International Mango Festival.

Origins and Development

The Lancetilla mango emerged as a hybrid between ‘Saigon’ and ‘Mulgoba’ varieties, developed by horticulturist Wilson Popenoe in Lancetilla, Honduras. Dr. Richard Campbell later facilitated its introduction to the U.S. market, recognizing its unique potential.

Tree Characteristics

Despite early misconceptions about it being a “dwarf” variety, the Lancetilla tree exhibits:

  • Vigorous upright growth
  • Manageable 10-foot height with pruning
  • Open canopy structure
  • Leggy branch development
  • Need for regular tip pruning for optimal density

Fruit Characteristics

Physical Attributes

  • Average weight: 2 pounds
  • Maximum weight: up to 5 pounds
  • Skin color: greenish-yellow with light red blush when ripe
  • Flesh color: lemon-yellow
  • Texture: firm, juicy, completely fiberless

Flavor Profile

  • Intensely sweet taste
  • Classic mango flavor
  • Subtle tart notes
  • Premium eating quality

Growing Season

In Florida, the harvest period spans:

  • Primary season: August to September
  • Classification: late-season variety
  • Ripening process: several days at room temperature
  • Harvesting timing: initial yellow color break stage

Disease and Growing Considerations

Resistances

  • Strong resistance to anthracnose
  • Good overall disease tolerance

Growing Challenges

  • Susceptibility to fruit splitting
  • Risk of fungal infections in split fruits
  • Initial fruit drop issues in young trees
  • Need for consistent monitoring

Culinary Applications

The Lancetilla mango’s characteristics make it ideal for:

  • Fresh consumption
  • Mango purees
  • Jams and preserves
  • Dessert preparations
  • Fruit salads
  • Tropical salsas

Cultural Impact

Since its U.S. introduction in 2001, the Lancetilla mango has gained significant popularity among mango enthusiasts, particularly for its impressive size and excellent eating quality.

Mango Characteristics

  • Taste: Classic
  • Sweetness: Excellent
  • Sourness: Mild
  • Fiber Content: None
  • Fruit Size: Giant
  • Eaten Green: No
  • Production: Average
  • Season: Late
  • Growth Habit: Vigorous
  • Tree Size: Large
  • Disease Resistance: Good
  • Seed Type: Monoembryonic
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