BioTropic visits organic mango harvest

The mango trees stand in the hilly landscape on the coast in the south of Spain, between Malaga and Almeria. The coastal region is one of the sunniest areas in Europe. This region, the Costa del Sol, has a particular microclimate and is ideal for exotic fruit like mangos. 

The mango variety “Osteen“ is particularly well adapted to the climate and soil; this variety is the most widely grown organic mango in the region. The “Osteen“ has an oblong shape and a greenish purple colour. The mangos are harvested shortly before they are completely ripe. They continue to ripen when picked and the colour can change to shades of red and yellow. However, the colour isn’t necessarily an indication of the ripeness of the fruit. The aroma and if the mango gives slightly when squeezed are better indicators of ripeness.

One of the six farmers BioTropic visited is Vicente Terrón. His 8-hectare sized farm is isolated in the hinterland of Vélez-Málaga. Vicente Terrón has been farming organically for more than 20 years. Many farmers combine the cultivation of mangos with the cultivation of organic avocados on a smaller scale. The first early avocado variety, “Bacon“, will be available in early September.