I"m a bit surpirsed they are still on the Jean Ellen bamdwagon. In reading over the desription with the perspective of having tried the fruit, I guess one should notice the reasons stated for the slection of this cutivar:
"'Jean Ellen' was selected as a home garden variety due to its early season, heavy production and its multiple bearing habit. "
Flavor is an after thought in the decription and rightfully so. I purchased this tree from them two years ago based on the flavor being desribed:
"The flavor is classified in the 'Alphonso' class, with a sweet, simple flavor of tropical spice."
Now having tasted the fruit, I wonder excatly what they meant when they said that it was in the alphonso class. Not that it tasted like Alphonso, but that it was in the class. Whatever that means. I have also observed this mango as being a May/June fruit and not an April fruit through two fruiting seasons at my house. Edit: In speaking to Murahilin, he told me that he has seen Jean Ellen with mature fruits in the month of March down at Fairchild. So, I guess this can be a variable thing depending on conditions.
I'd be most interested to hear comments from Amr, our Egyptian forum member, regarding the Mesk mango. Would like to know specfically how it compared to Zebda and Ewais. Thanks in advance, Amr.
Regarding the Franc(e,i)s Hargrave....I have never heard of it. The shape of it is interesting, with its pointy bottom. I don't know of another supposed Haden seedling with such a feature. Or, at least none come to mind.
Harry
