Future's Fourth Florida Fruit Feast! (Plus reviews)

[Future]

Dinner: Ivory

These are rotting at the stem end but 80% of the fruit is fine.  Note sure why the rot but the flesh remains quite good, sweet simple and to the point.  Dessert.  These are nit as sweet as I have had in prior years, I down to being picked early. 

Flying Fox: we visited Flying Fox today and it was great to put a face to the name.  Adam's place has a maxing array of things and great to see them growing thus far north.  We at jaboticaba and his huge pitangatuba.  Good deal!  Thanks for spending the time with us Adam!

[Felipe]

Seņor Futuro, I hope you share later a few more pics of your trip

[Future]

Seņor Futuro, I hope you share later a few more pics of your trip

Thanks Felipe.  I will upload some more pictures.

Breakfast: Golden Lippens, Mammou, Ivory, Piņa Colada

I only bought one Golden Lippens, knowing it was a monoembyronic mango but also recalling it had a good flavour. Indeed it does.  It had minor floral tones, decent level of sweetness, smooth eating experience, and good size.  I nitd slight turpentine in parts of the fruit but this is not objectionable to me.  Overall, a decent mango for sure though not in the class of the elite.

[Future]

Lunch:
Mesk, Mammou, Fairchild, Pram Kai Mea, Ivory

This was our first Mesk, a Egyptian variety that is said to be highly immune to anthracnose. It was fiberless but otherwise not a noteworthy little mango.  Good colour.

The last of the Pram Kai Mea's stole the show today.  We let this one slightly wrinkle and the effect was astounding.  This was without question the sweetest mango we have eaten since arriving.  Sickly sweet on top of sweet.  Warning: everything else will taste less than sweet after eating this one.  Amazing.

Bonus:  paper thin seed.

Fairchild: this one had a spoiled spot on top but otherwise in good shape.  It reflects the Fairchild name: a quality mango with fruity flavour and very fine flesh.   It is small but it packs a mean punch.

Ivory continues to please.  Still not as sweet as I remember but the texture of the fruit says dessert all over it.  It is like fresh snow on a mountain when I peel the skin back.

Mammou continues to shine and, similar to Ivory, has not been overly sweet but has been very delicate and dessert oriented.  Will be enjoying a few more of these...

[FlyingFoxFruits]

Future,

it was great to meet you!
Thanks for coming to visit...I"m glad I had some fruits for you to taste!!

Dinner: Ivory

These are rotting at the stem end but 80% of the fruit is fine.  Note sure why the rot but the flesh remains quite good, sweet simple and to the point.  Dessert.  These are nit as sweet as I have had in prior years, I down to being picked early. 

Flying Fox: we visited Flying Fox today and it was great to put a face to the name.  Adam's place has a maxing array of things and great to see them growing thus far north.  We at jaboticaba and his huge pitangatuba.  Good deal!  Thanks for spending the time with us Adam!

[bulldawg305]

I found the Mesk to be very spicy, completely different than the sweet & peachy mangos we are used. If you want to try bland, I can give you some early season Glenn's from my yard, lol.

[BestDay]

Future, how similar in taste are the Lemon Zest and PPK?  I would imagine since LZ is a seedling of PPK that they are similar.  What I'm trying to figure out is if I have LZ and have limited room is PPK different enough to plant.  I have tried the LZ and loved it but I have never had the pleasure of trying PPK.

Bill

[bsbullie]

Future, how similar in taste are the Lemon Zest and PPK?  I would imagine since LZ is a seedling of PPK that they are similar.  What I'm trying to figure out is if I have LZ and have limited room is PPK different enough to plant.  I have tried the LZ and loved it but I have never had the pleasure of trying PPK.

Bill

I am not Future but will answer your question.  PPK has a taste of "lemon meringue pie" in "candy" format.  LZ has a taste of orange sherbert (internally at ZHPP, 27-1 (now LZ) was originally named orange sherbert until they named G-32 OS and changed the name of 27-1 to LZ...yes, confusing).  I can't tell you when grown in Cali if the tastes will vary or if its a matter of picking time and ripening stage (LZ, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste however that is not what or how the mango is "supposed" to be).  OS, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will also be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste.

Bottom line, there is a very distinct flavor difference between PPK and LZ and OS.  PPK is and should be more like a lemon candy while LZ and OS should and are more orange candy like in flavor.

As for names and what they mean, please keep this in mind...these names are given by various members of the Zill family.  They do not necessarily relate to the mango's flavor.  Ugly Betty was named after the fictional TV character.  Peach Cobbler, does nit taste anything like peaches (it actaully has a tangerine like flavor when fully ripe).  Pineapple Pleasure while sweet does, however, have that pineapple/pineapple acidity in uts flavor profile.

[mangomandan]

LZ and PPK are kind of similar in shape and coloring, and both are sweet and citrusy.
My own experience is far more limited than Rob's, but LZ has been more reliably intense in flavor than PPK, though I like them both a Lot.

Given your limited space, I think having LZ is enough. Save your other spot for a different type of mango.
Maybe something larger and red and productive but not Tommy Atkins.

Or you couldn't go too far astray waiting for Fruit Punch to become available.

Of course, the jury is out on which varieties will do well in the long term in any particular growing conditions.

But life is short and mangos are good.  The best time to plant Peach Cobbler is today. 

[Future]

Future, how similar in taste are the Lemon Zest and PPK?  I would imagine since LZ is a seedling of PPK that they are similar.  What I'm trying to figure out is if I have LZ and have limited room is PPK different enough to plant.  I have tried the LZ and loved it but I have never had the pleasure of trying PPK.

Bill

This was my first year tasting LZ after hearing much of the hype.  I have been eating PPK every year since 2012 and it was difficult for me to imagine a superior tasting mango.  But I have to say, LZ does it.  The taste and in the same sphere but the combination of subtle complexities in LZ are off the charts.  It has the complete package: good looks, fruity tones, floral tones, great range of tastes within the same fruit, great range of tastes depending on when eaten.  While PPK is world class, LZ has a greater range of experiences all in the same fruit.  I suggest they are different enough to plant both with limited space.

[bsbullie]

LZ and PPK are kind of similar in shape and coloring, and both are sweet and citrusy.
My own experience is far more limited than Rob's, but LZ has been more reliably intense in flavor than PPK, though I like them both a Lot.

Given your limited space, I think having LZ is enough. Save your other spot for a different type of mango.
Maybe something larger and red and productive but not Tommy Atkins.

Or you couldn't go too far astray waiting for Fruit Punch to become available.

Of course, the jury is out on which varieties will do well in the long term in any particular growing conditions.

But life is short and mangos are good.  The best time to plant Peach Cobbler is today. 

LZ is MUCH larger in size and a very much pronounced beak (actually many/most have a double beak).

[Future]

Future, how similar in taste are the Lemon Zest and PPK?  I would imagine since LZ is a seedling of PPK that they are similar.  What I'm trying to figure out is if I have LZ and have limited room is PPK different enough to plant.  I have tried the LZ and loved it but I have never had the pleasure of trying PPK.

Bill

I am not Future but will answer your question.  PPK has a taste of "lemon meringue pie" in "candy" format.  LZ has a taste of orange sherbert (internally at ZHPP, 27-1 (now LZ) was originally named orange sherbert until they named G-32 OS and changed the name of 27-1 to LZ...yes, confusing).  I can't tell you when grown in Cali if the tastes will vary or if its a matter of picking time and ripening stage (LZ, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste however that is not what or how the mango is "supposed" to be).  OS, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will also be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste.

Bottom line, there is a very distinct flavor difference between PPK and LZ and OS.  PPK is and should be more like a lemon candy while LZ and OS should and are more orange candy like in flavor.

As for names and what they mean, please keep this in mind...these names are given by various members of the Zill family.  They do not necessarily relate to the mango's flavor.  Ugly Betty was named after the fictional TV character.  Peach Cobbler, does nit taste anything like peaches (it actaully has a tangerine like flavor when fully ripe).  Pineapple Pleasure while sweet does, however, have that pineapple/pineapple acidity in uts flavor profile.

To add, that chalky flavour, which I adore and is also found sometimes in ZINC, ice cream - is part of the range of flavour I speak of. 

[Future]

Breakfast:  Gary, Mammou, Khun See

Bsbullie highly recommended I check Gary out and now I see why.  This is a great little mango which very closely approximated Orange Sherbert.  In fact, taste wise, it was almost indistinguishable except it small size.  Good recommendation and great addition to our breeding program.

Mammou continues to impress - thin seed, medium sweet cotton candy flesh.

The last of the Khun See mangoes - this one was just right, in between ripe and not ripe.  Crunchy and sweet all at the same time,  unique mango.

On my way to Denver today for a few days.  Dropped by Zills on the way and got some more Edgar - a crowd pleaser, the last ZINC I could see.  From my prior purchases, Sigsibut is also travelling with me and I think a NDM is in the bag too...

[bsbullie]

Future, how similar in taste are the Lemon Zest and PPK?  I would imagine since LZ is a seedling of PPK that they are similar.  What I'm trying to figure out is if I have LZ and have limited room is PPK different enough to plant.  I have tried the LZ and loved it but I have never had the pleasure of trying PPK.

Bill

I am not Future but will answer your question.  PPK has a taste of "lemon meringue pie" in "candy" format.  LZ has a taste of orange sherbert (internally at ZHPP, 27-1 (now LZ) was originally named orange sherbert until they named G-32 OS and changed the name of 27-1 to LZ...yes, confusing).  I can't tell you when grown in Cali if the tastes will vary or if its a matter of picking time and ripening stage (LZ, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste however that is not what or how the mango is "supposed" to be).  OS, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will also be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste.

Bottom line, there is a very distinct flavor difference between PPK and LZ and OS.  PPK is and should be more like a lemon candy while LZ and OS should and are more orange candy like in flavor.

As for names and what they mean, please keep this in mind...these names are given by various members of the Zill family.  They do not necessarily relate to the mango's flavor.  Ugly Betty was named after the fictional TV character.  Peach Cobbler, does nit taste anything like peaches (it actaully has a tangerine like flavor when fully ripe).  Pineapple Pleasure while sweet does, however, have that pineapple/pineapple acidity in uts flavor profile.

To add, that chalky flavour, which I adore and is also found sometimes in ZINC, ice cream - is part of the range of flavour I speak of.

That is from fruit not being fully ripe.     I and most people dislike mangoes when like that however you are in the same boat as the Cookie Man, you both like chalky cookies mangoes.

[FlyingFoxFruits]

if u like the chalk flavor, i think u would love Keitt...and maybe southern blush....( I love southern blush...they are peachy, mango, coconut flavored...the fruits form Merritt Island were outstanding)

Future, how similar in taste are the Lemon Zest and PPK?  I would imagine since LZ is a seedling of PPK that they are similar.  What I'm trying to figure out is if I have LZ and have limited room is PPK different enough to plant.  I have tried the LZ and loved it but I have never had the pleasure of trying PPK.

Bill

I am not Future but will answer your question.  PPK has a taste of "lemon meringue pie" in "candy" format.  LZ has a taste of orange sherbert (internally at ZHPP, 27-1 (now LZ) was originally named orange sherbert until they named G-32 OS and changed the name of 27-1 to LZ...yes, confusing).  I can't tell you when grown in Cali if the tastes will vary or if its a matter of picking time and ripening stage (LZ, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste however that is not what or how the mango is "supposed" to be).  OS, when picked too early and not doesn't ripen properly or not left to ripen fully, will also be chalky and have a more lemon/acidic taste.

Bottom line, there is a very distinct flavor difference between PPK and LZ and OS.  PPK is and should be more like a lemon candy while LZ and OS should and are more orange candy like in flavor.

As for names and what they mean, please keep this in mind...these names are given by various members of the Zill family.  They do not necessarily relate to the mango's flavor.  Ugly Betty was named after the fictional TV character.  Peach Cobbler, does nit taste anything like peaches (it actaully has a tangerine like flavor when fully ripe).  Pineapple Pleasure while sweet does, however, have that pineapple/pineapple acidity in uts flavor profile.

To add, that chalky flavour, which I adore and is also found sometimes in ZINC, ice cream - is part of the range of flavour I speak of.

[Future]

Thanks gents.

Greetings all from a mile above the mile high city of Denver.  I have been busy here so haven't posted.  I brought several Sigsibut mangoes with me which have continued to be good.  These are larger than any mango of SE Asian origin that I know of.  A rarity for a polyembryonic mango to be so large.  Taste is very melon/citrus fruitiness that works well for me. 

I also had a Edgar which is a very good selection of mango.  This one was slightly underripe but still worked quite well.  Everything else I brought with me  - ZINC more Edgar - are still not ripe so I have to await my return to Miami today to resume the feast.

[Sleepdoc]

I have a couple "Toca" mangos for you to try.  Hopefully they represent, they have been in the refrigerator for a few days waiting on your arrival ..

[Future]

I have a couple "Toca" mangos for you to try.  Hopefully they represent, they have been in the refrigerator for a few days waiting on your arrival ..

Thank you kind Sir.  I will make contact after we touch down.  Pls txt or PM me with update on your time availability. 

[Future]

Back to humid Florida, a welcoming humidity after 5% humidity at 5820 ft altitude in Denver.

A mango named Toca was shared with me by Sleepdoc, a seedling from one of his coworker's grandparents if i recall, suspected to be a child of Carrie. This mango is on the large side, tan-orange skin when ripe.  It is a juice factory with a rich taste that even in the post-refrigerated and over-ripe state leaves a strong and positive impression.  Sleepdoc has propagated the tree so perhaps one day Toca will take its place alongside the many good named varieties of Florida...a great find.

On my return I found overripe Nam Doc Mai's and many others going fast,  the NDM was largely black skinned and yet inside was at least 60% edible and actually quite tasty, sweeter than I recall.

I picked up some more great fruit from Zills and Truly Tropical, including some green and also red sugar apples from TT. 

A big thanks to Amy @Zills, Chris @ TT, Sleepdoc and Harry for their help with fruit and budwood toward an mangofied future for my country.

I have one more week here in the US and, who knows,  I may eat something other than fruit at some point...

[Future]

Well my time is Florida has come to a close.  But there are still mangoes to be eaten!

I will be in a Chicago for a few days and will continue the mango therapy there. 

Yesterday I had Mesk: a small, supposedly anthracnose free, polyembryonic mango from Egypt.   It was a very sweet little mango with fruity tones that hint of turpentine like flavours.  Not bad but an acquired taste for me.  On its own, it would be appreciated.  Next to a Zill elite...not so much.  But I confess I enjoyed it on its own.  The seeds were the most difficult of all to extract.  I damaged finger nails and only after all sorts of contortions did I get one embryo out.  I didn't even bother with the rest.  Interestingly, this anthracnose free planted died on me last year from a disease so I am left  to wonder, is it the dry conditions of Egypt that confer this title or humid reality...well one more try at it.

For breakfast today I had Edgar and a large Dot.  Edgar was on the money and despite this ones small sized, it packed the punch.  Dot was not up to her usual self, perhaps this was picked early or eaten early.  It was much less complex than others but still tasted ok. 

Last night I had the green sugar apple from TT.  It was much less sweet than what I am used to but  perhaps mangoes have become a reference point.  Still have more to verify.

Will post a picture of Sig siput (or Sigsibut) momentarily.

[Future]

Photos were requested.  Here is Sigsibut on a full sized dinner plate.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/84092060@N05/14571795780/

[shaneatwell]

Really appreciate these reviews (and those of others). Dont take our silence as indifference. Youre making a big impact. Just purchased a LZ (based in these recent descriptions) and NDM (based on older discussions).

[Future]

Really appreciate these reviews (and those of others). Dont take our silence as indifference. Youre making a big impact. Just purchased a LZ (based in these recent descriptions) and NDM (based on older discussions).

Thanks Shane.  If you ever find a better mango than LZ, let me know!  My contacts say the flavor when grown in CA conditions may be ever better! 

Perhaps I will get to taste for myself next year as part of Operation California!

[Future]

This evening I introduced an exceptionally large ZINC mango to Chicago.  It got a bit beat up in transit but still tasted great.  I see a red sugar apple has softened so that will be my first of that type for breakfast tomorrow.   The Mesk was the last of the mangoes to be written up and the red sugar apple the last of the fruits new to me.  Thus this year's post will wind down from here. 

My scale awaits me in Bermuda.

[Sleepdoc]

My scale awaits me in Bermuda.

LOL, yeah, I've put on 20 pounds this summer.  Of course its all muscle .... If you cut my biceps, mango would pour out .

It's been a very cool thread and project, thanks for the nice write ups.  It was great seeing you again and meeting Cal.  See you next Summer