A while back, Lemon Zest scions were sent around the world(IIRC) and I was wondering how the trees are performing and if anyone has harvested fruit from their grafted trees yet? Does anyone in Australia have a producing tree? If so, what do you think of the flavor and quality of the fruit?
I'm interested to hear about the growth habit, susceptiblity to disease and especially eating qualities of this variety when grown in different countries.
I'm a big fan of this mango but it is very prone to Powdery Mildew in my climate when grown on Turpentine rootstock but it seems to perform much better for me when grown on Manilla rootstock. Others like Gary in Palm springs has a Turpentine rootstock tree that grows great and does not seem to be affected with Powdery Mildew in his hot arid climate. It is one of my favorite mango and I'm wondering if our friends around the world have had the pleasure of tasting this fantastic top tier fruit yet?
I still remember the first time I tasted my first Lemon Zest and that moment will be forever etched into my mind. I couldn't believe a mango could taste this good! It was so sweet and citrusy with a perfect melting texture, truely a perfect(tasting) mango.
The first fruits off my tree were horribly bland and I was so disappointed but the later ripening fruit were absolutely fantastic. If the first fruits off your tree are bland, give it some time, often the first couple years of fruit can be a bit bland from what I've heard.
My hat goes goes off to the Zills family for creating these wonderful new varieties. I can't wait to see what new creations they will come up with in the coming years. I have yet to taste Orange Sherbet, Phoenix, Cotton Candy and many other new Zills creations but if Lemon Zest is any indication, we are in for a sweet and tasty, probably subacid, treat!!!
Simon