Mangoes are basically available on the German market all year round. But if you take a closer look, you will see that other varieties from different growing regions always dominate the offering, because it is not harvest season everywhere at the same time.
When is mango season?
Mango season varies depending on the growing region: Bali (December), Brazil (January-March), Costa Rica (March-August), Ecuador/Peru (January-February), Ivory Coast (April-July), Israel (August-November), Kenya (October-May), Kerala (April), Mexico (March-October), Pakistan (June-August), USA/Puerto Rico (March-December), Central America (December-January).
Where are mangoes grown?
Mangoes originally come from the tropics, but in India they have practically become the national fruit. The individual regions argue vigorously about who has the best type of mango. You can't tell from the fruit in the supermarket where it comes from. Unfortunately, the mangoes are not always well identified as to their origin. It often only helps to ask or research where which variety grows.
India is still one of the largest mango growing regions; many mangoes also come from Thailand, the Philippines and Pakistan. In addition to Asia, Brazil, parts of Africa, Israel, Central America and Australia are important producers of mangoes, but they are now also grown in southern Europe.
If you are spending your vacation in Spain, for example on the Costa Brava or the Canary Islands or on the Portuguese flower island of Madeira, you might be able to enjoy fresh mangoes there. Spanish mangoes are also exported, but the mangoes from Madeira are barely enough for the Portuguese and their holidaymakers.
Mango season calendar:
- Bali: around Christmas
- Brazil: January – March
- Costa Rica March – August
- Ecuador, Peru: January, February
- Ivory Coast April – July
- Israel: August – November
- Kenya: October – May
- Kerala: from April
- Mexico: March – October
- Pakistan: June – August
- USA, Puerto Rico: March -December
- Central America: December, January
Tips & Tricks
Mangoes that are currently in season can be harvested ripe and taste better than unripe fruits.
