Panzhihua in Sichuan is a renowned production area of late mangos. Of all the mango production areas in the country, it is the northernmost, highest in altitude, and its mangoes are the latest to ripen. The city’s planted area is currently at 660,000 mu. Mangoes grown there are known as “the most delicious late mangoes”. The town of Dalongtan, the birthplace of local mangoes, is currently in the fruit-bearing period. From mid-Jun, the fruit will gradually ripen and go on the market.
The planted area in Dalongtan is 100,000 mu. At present, about 60,000 mu has entered the fruit-bearing period. Hunsala, a village in Dalongtan, is the “origin” of local mangoes and the main producing area. This tropical fruit was introduced as early as 1985. Data from the Panzhihua Agriculture and Rural Bureau shows that from the 1960s, the local industry went through three stages: research and trials, rapid expansion, and upgrading. In 2020, the city’s planted area reached 660,000 mu, showing an increase of 90,000 mu over the previous year, and the production exceeded 260,000 tons.
Mangoes from this city are becoming more and more well-known. They have been certified as a GI product, gained GAP certification, and become one of the top 100 regional produce brands in China. In addition to the Chinese market, they are also exported to more than 10 countries and regions including Russia, Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
Although the fruit there still needs over a month to ripen, there are already traders in the market who are selling counterfeit products from other regions. In this regard, the in charge of the Panzhihua Agriculture and Rural Bureau stated that in order to ensure the quality of the products, establish and maintain the brand image, and protect the rights and interests of consumers, the city will notify the public of the market dates of major varieties, and growers need to strictly follow the requirements and not to harvest and market the products before they ripen.
The market time changes with the temperature each year, but generally speaking, it will not be earlier than June. The earliest varieties such as Hongguifei, Aiwen, and Yexiang are usually on the market in early and mid-June. Jinbaihua, Tainong No. 1, New Century, Jinhuang, and Haden usually become available in early July. Zill and Keitt are usually on the market from late July to August. Therefore, authentic mangoes from Panzhihua are not available before June.
Source: Fruit Critic