Mango is an exotic fruit that is highly desired and appreciated for its mild and refreshing flavor, ideal for when high temperatures arrive, although those who can get mango all year round do not hesitate to take advantage of it. Due to its nutritional properties, it is well worth incorporating mango into our diet. And because of the play of flavors and textures it offers, it is also a good resource in the kitchen, where we can prepare salads and desserts of all kinds with it, or simply use it to decorate dishes. Due to the success of this fruit, mango is already grown in Spain. Do you want to know where they are the best areas in Spain to grow mango trees?
The mango is a very demanding tree to grow that must be closely controlled to ensure that it has the appropriate climatic conditions in terms of irrigation, sun and shade, among other factors. But we will see this later. What interests us is that Spain has areas that are very suitable for mango trees to develop well and for us to enjoy this excellent fruit without the need for it to be imported.
These are the best areas in Spain to grow mango trees
The best areas in Spain to grow mango trees are Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Southern Andalusia, Valencia and Murcia. These regions provide the ideal environmental conditions for its cultivation.
It must be said, however, that currently, 90% of mango crops are found in Andalusia, specifically in the areas of Granada, Malaga and Almeria. The Andalusian Community covers 77% of mango production, focusing mainly on the Keitt, Osteen and Kent varieties. All of them mangoes that are characterized because they acquire a red hue when they are ripe.
What needs does mango cultivation have?
Seeing that they are grown in very specific areas of Spain, we can imagine that they require very special weather and soil conditions. mango tree. The main factor that we must pay attention to to know if the mango crop will be able to prosper or not in a certain place is the temperature.
Temperature
It should be noted that mango does not tolerate frostIn fact, it could not survive where the temperature drops below 15º, which is an impediment in winters. Hence, only such specific areas are cultivated, where temperatures tend to remain high or mild even in the coldest months.
Moisture and irrigation
Coming from subtropical climates, it is logical to think that mango needs a lot of water, although spaces without rain also favor it. However, drought will damage crops, so we must try to include irrigation between periods of rain, especially when the fruit is in its development phase. A lack of water during this period can cause crop failure.
The light needs of the mango tree
to develop mango fruits need light. If they do not receive enough light, the fruits remain small and, furthermore, they do not end up acquiring that characteristic pink color.
Let us also keep in mind that the tree is very dense and it may be difficult for light to reach all the fruits, therefore, the environment where the crop is located must receive excellent lighting, so that it penetrates well between the crowns and reaches the most hidden fruits, or they will remain unripe. Light, therefore, is vital for the mango.
The soil where to grow the mango tree
The handle is not demanding when it comes to soil, so there will be no problem in this regard. However, it is not advisable to have excessively clayey soil.
Other needs of the mango tree
In addition to those already mentioned, it is advisable to place a windbreak around the mango crops, because strong gusts of wind would cause a lot of damage.
Mango varieties grown in Spain
We have seen what are the mango varieties grown in Spain, but let's learn a little more about each of them:
- Mango Osteen: it is the most cultivated variety in recent years in the Iberian Peninsula. It usually produces mangoes that weigh between 350 and 550 grams and have an elongated-oblong shape. It stands out for having a purple skin when fully ripe, although it can also have green, yellow or orange colors. The pulp is orange. Its collection is from August to November.
- Keitt mango: with a reddish pinkish skin when ripe, it has a yellow-orange flesh. It has a slightly more acidic flavor than the Osteen variety. As for its shape, it is ovoid-oblong. Its weight ranges between 500 and 600 grams.
- Kent mango: weighs 470 to 570 grams and has a rounded-ovoid shape. It has yellow skin with red patches, while the flesh is yellow-orange. It is harvested from mid-September to mid-November.
Mango benefits
Grow mango trees provides multiple benefits. On the one hand, because you will have an exquisite fruit, full of vitamins, with a rich flavor and very interesting to have in your pantry. But, in addition, mango trees are large and very leafy, so they provide good shade. For these reasons, if you can afford to grow a mango in your garden, don't hesitate.
Regarding its nutritional value, mango is very rich in vitamin C and B6. Thanks to these two vitamins, you will be able sleep better and, in addition, you will strengthen your immune system against colds. It also contains fiber, ideal for avoid constipation. Eating mango helps prevent colon cancer. And the presence of carotenoids combats macular degeneration.
Apart from this, the handle is a very digestive fruit, because it has enzymes that promote the digestion of food. also can prevent diabetes and, since it contains a lot of water, it helps us stay hydrated.
These are the best areas in Spain to grow mango trees. If you live in one of them, you could start growing it, even with a specimen for your own consumption and take advantage of all its benefits.