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Ugly Betty

by | Aug 8, 2025 | Mango Cultivars

The Ugly Betty mango originated from the breeding program of Gary Zill in Boynton Beach, Florida, USA. This unique variety came from a seedling of the famous ‘Carrie’ mango, inheriting its mother’s exceptional flavor profile while developing its own distinctive characteristics. Despite its unconventional appearance, Ugly Betty has gained recognition among mango enthusiasts for its outstanding taste.

The mango gets its memorable name from its bumpy, uneven, and irregular surface that gives it an unattractive appearance – hence “ugly.” However, this rough exterior hides a treasure within. The fruit is medium to large in size, typically weighing between 16-28 ounces, with an oval-ovate shape that’s notably lumpy and asymmetrical.

What makes Ugly Betty truly special is its flavor profile. The flesh offers a rich sweetness combined with distinctive Indian spice and resin notes, creating a complex and memorable taste experience. The fruit has very little to no fiber, making it exceptionally smooth and pleasant to eat. The skin color ranges from green to yellow with some pink or red blush when fully mature.

**Interesting Fact**: Despite being called “Ugly Betty,” this mango is considered one of the very best mangoes in the world by many connoisseurs, proving that beauty truly is more than skin deep when it comes to fruit!


Mango Characteristics

Taste: Indian
Sweetness: Excellent
Sourness: None
Fiber: None
Fruit Size: Large
Eaten Green: No
Production: Good
Season: Mid
Growth: Average
Tree Size: Medium
Disease Resistant: Good
Seed Type: Monoembryonic