The Truth About Philippine Mangoes
What is the first thing that comes in your mind when you hear the word “Mango”? If you will ask me that question, the first thing that I think of is the Philippines.
In my opinion, I can say, Without any doubt, that the best mangoes that the world has ever tasted came from the Philippines. I know people from other mango producing countries will question my statement. However, I am confident to say that there is no other mango out there that can beat Philippine mangoes in terms of sweetness, sourness, size, and weight. I tried almost all the imported mango varieties here in the US — including local mangoes. They all taste different from the original Philippine Mango. There are even varieties here that says “Manila Mangoes” in the sticker, but the taste does not say so.
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What is the first thing that comes in your mind when you hear the word “Mango”? If you will ask me that question, the first thing that I think of is the Philippines.
In my opinion, I can say, Without any doubt, that the best mangoes that the world has ever tasted came from the Philippines. I know people from other mango producing countries will question my statement. However, I am confident to say that there is no other mango out there that can beat Philippine mangoes in terms of sweetness, sourness, size, and weight. I tried almost all the imported mango varieties here in the US — including local mangoes. They all taste different from the original Philippine Mango. There are even varieties here that says “Manila Mangoes” in the sticker, but the taste does not say so.
There are many mango varieties in the Philippines. Champagne mango or Carabao mango is probably the most famous in terms of taste. This mango variety is the sweetest mango that I ever tasted. It is also the mango variety that the Philippines export to other countries.
There are different strains (breed) produced from Carabao mango — one of which is called Sweet Elena. If I am not mistaken, this breed originated somewhere in Zambales. Sweet Elena mango is the sweetest that I ever had. It is probably the sweetest mango in the world. There are also the well loved Cebu and Guimaras mangoes which are of world class quality.
Filipinos enjoy eating mango regardless if it is green or ripe. The Pico mango or Manggang Pico is best eaten regardless of its maturity. I enjoy eating green mangoes — especially if it is extra sour. Pico mango is my first choice whenever I want to eat Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong. Don’t get me wrong, green carabao mangoes are good too. It is just a matter of preference.
Did you know that the Philippines holds the record for the world’s biggest mango? A couple from Iligan City in Mindanao holds the record for producing the biggest mango in the world. It weights 3.5 kilos (7.7 lbs).
Those of you who are living in the Philippines (or have lived in the Philippines) might have had your own mango tree. We have both Carabao and Indian mangoes planted on our backyard in the Philippines. I remember setting fire every morning to the dry leaves that I gathered. The smoke makes mango trees bear more fruit.
Do you have some information or stories about Philippine Mango that you want to share? We love to hear from you.
Edwin Pakara says
Try Pakistani mango. Just as sweet.
Angelica Escalon says
The Philippine mango is the best! I’ve been craving to eat the ripe or the green one (whichever coz I’ll eat both). I bought a green, unripe mango at Seafood City but OMG it tastes so bland with no acidity at all. Do you know where we can buy those delicious Philippine mangoes here in the US? Thanks so much.
Angelica
HL says
I definitely agree that the Philippine mango is the best tasting in the world, in particular the Guimaras mango, with the Zambales mango a close second. That said, it is not the sweetest I have ever tasted. I have tasted the Alphonso mango and it is so much sweeter, so sweet indeed but it lacks the balance of the Philippine mango, good tasting mango is not all about sweetness. The best mango in my opinion is has to be very sweet, suitably fragrant, a small touch of acidity, smooth texture with a bit of give and the flavor should linger for just a minute or two.
Just an update, the heaviest mango is no longer from the Philippines, its from Columbia at 4.25kg (9.36lbs), but who cares, Philippine mangoes still taste the best.
Leon says
Why my carabao mango is so fibrous? I let it sit on my backyard, it bear fruits up to the last branch and almost touches the ground due to weight. It was a beauty to look. I let the kids pick and eat but they refuse when they find it so fibrous. Is there any fertilizer needed. I got its seeds from a supermarket and throw the seeds in my backyard and when it grows the fruit was different from what i purchase 5 years ago. Thanks for the read, answer will be appreciated.
Jasmin says
We are from Philippines we love eat mangoes where ever we go and this is the best fruit tree in the world
David Astley says
I’ve been living in the Philippines for 10 years now and eating Carabao mangoes almost every day for breakfast. I’m in Australia currently and really missing my mangoes. None of the varieties come close to the Carabao for sweetness and flavour. The Kensington Pride is the best available here but no substitute for a good Carabao.
Tiana Blick says
I just want to thank you. You post on the Philippine mango. Has helped me understand my new step moms determination to find them here in the us.
Never tasting one my self I did not know there was a difference. My new step new to the us. Is missing this fruit so bad and I am only able to find her dried ones and she don’t want dried. If you know a company I may be able to order these for her. She has given up so much to join our family and we love her so much if I could just get her the fruit she wants. Any input would help.
Thanks
j_operator says
Do you know also that the scientist who invented a spray to make mango bare fruits anytime of the year is in the Philippines. That is why Philippines don’t have a season for mango because its all year round.