As expected, the Mexican mango season is coming to a close, and the final date is now in sight.
A few weeks ago, we reported mixed projections on the timeline for the Mochis Keitt variety. Many producers speculated that once the fruit reached the proper Brix level (which it did about 10 days ago), it would begin to ready (ripen) all at once—this full crop maturation has indeed happened.
Most packing sheds are currently opened, opening or will be opening in the next few weeks in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Ataulfos are on track to start first – some growers have started picking and others will start picking next week and, in the weeks, to follow. Ideally growers should be particular in the pack out as its been reported by several growers – we included- that because of heavy rains during December when fruit formation was taking place, much of the onset fruit may not be of the highest quality (on the outside). Some growers, like us, are opting to have more patience as the fruit behind the onset fruit is showing much better quality. Being particular in terms of pack out vs, the pack everything methodology that often occurs with the opening of the season, has proven to be more successful for our rather large Ataulfo program that lasts through August, typically.
