Jinggu Ivory Mango in Puer

The Jinggu Ivory Mango is a distinctive variety of mango produced in Jinggu Dai and Yi Autonomous County (景谷傣族彝族自治县) in Puer (普洱), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. Its unique name derives from the resemblance of its fruit’s shape to ivory.

Overview of Jinggu Ivory Mango

Located in the southwest of Yunnan Province, Jinggu County is blessed with a warm, humid climate and ample sunshine, making it an ideal region for mango cultivation. The Ivory Mango is one of the most celebrated fruits in the area. With its golden yellow skin and slender shape, the fruit offers a fine, sweet taste and is rich in vitamins and sugars. The mango’s delicate, smooth flesh and refreshing flavor have made it a popular fruit among consumers.

The cultivation of the Jinggu Ivory Mango has a history that spans over 100 years. The local farmers use a combination of traditional and modern agricultural techniques to enhance the quality and yield of the mangoes. Its excellent flavor and quality have made the Jinggu Ivory Mango famous, and it is recognized not only within China but also in international markets.

Through the promotion of the fruit, including annual Mango Festivals, Jinggu County has raised the profile of the Ivory Mango, boosting both local tourism and agriculture. As a result, the mango has become an economic driver, providing new opportunities for farmers and the local economy.

Names and Varieties

  • Chinese Name: 景谷象牙芒果 (Jinggu Ivory Mango)

  • Alternate Chinese Names:

    • 杧果 (Mango)

    • 檬果 (Mango)

    • 漭果 (Mango)

Morphological Characteristics

Tree Size and Leaves

The mango trees grow between 10-20 meters tall, with alternate, deep green leaves. The trees are typically sturdy, and their foliage plays an important role in protecting the fruit from intense sunlight.

Fruit Characteristics

  • Size: The fruit is large, typically weighing between 250-500 grams per mango.

  • Skin: The skin is a pale yellow when ripe, offering a smooth texture.

  • Flesh: The fruit has a light yellow flesh that is fine-grained, tender, and aromatic. The flavor is exceptionally sweet and honey-like, making it highly sought after.

  • Edible Portion: The edible portion of the mango makes up 72% of the fruit, and it has a thin skin and a small seed.

  • Texture and Taste: The flesh is juicy, tender, and smooth, with a rich sweetness and pleasant fragrance. The high sugar content and smooth texture make it an exceptional fruit to enjoy fresh or in various processed forms.

Harvesting and Yield

  • Blooming and Yield: The Ivory Mango has a low fruit-setting rate, and the yield is relatively modest. As such, it requires careful cultivation and attention to ensure the highest quality of fruit. The mango trees are vulnerable to certain diseases, which poses a challenge for large-scale cultivation.

  • Harvest Time: In Jinggu County, the mangoes typically ripen in late July, while in the neighboring Jingdong County (景东), they ripen by the end of August.

Historical and Cultural Background

The introduction of the Ivory Mango into the region dates back over 100 years. In 1914, local farmer Dao Tijing (刀体清) from the village of Mangchang (芒昌村) in Weiyuan Town (威远镇), Jinggu County, imported the mango seeds from Thailand (泰国). The mango has since been cultivated and refined by local farmers, becoming a signature product of the area.

Over the years, this mango variety has become so closely associated with the region that it is now known as the “Ivory Mango” (象牙芒果), a name that signifies its premium quality and unique shape. Its long and rich history in the region has made it an iconic fruit that is celebrated annually during the Mango Festival in Jinggu.

Distribution Range

The Jinggu Ivory Mango is primarily found in Jinggu County, which is the birthplace of the variety. However, due to its growing popularity, it is now cultivated in other areas within Puer City (普洱市) and surrounding regions. The mango has become a prominent agricultural product of the region, contributing significantly to local economies.

Main Benefits and Uses

Nutritional Value

Mangoes, including the Ivory Mango, are known for their exceptional nutritional profile. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as essential minerals and antioxidants. The fruit is celebrated for its health benefits, which include:

  • Anti-cancer properties: Mangoes contain compounds that help fight cancerous cells.

  • Skin health: Rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, mangoes can help enhance skin texture and appearance.

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Mangoes have anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to overall health.

  • Digestive benefits: Mangoes aid in digestion, prevent constipation, and promote gut health.

  • Blood pressure regulation: The fruit can help in maintaining normal blood pressure levels.

Processing and Commercial Uses

Apart from being eaten fresh, the Ivory Mango is often processed into a variety of products, including:

  • Mango juice

  • Mango jam

  • Candied mango slices

  • Mango preserves

  • Salted mango products

Additionally, extracts from the leaves of the mango tree have been found to possess medicinal properties. These extracts are capable of inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, such as pus-forming bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They have also been shown to have antiviral properties that can combat flu viruses.

Growing Environment

The Ivory Mango thrives in a high-temperature environment with a distinct dry and wet season. The mango trees require abundant sunlight to grow and flourish. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of the mango are:

  • Temperature: 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F)

  • Annual Rainfall: 800-1000 mm

These optimal growing conditions ensure the mango’s growth and development, producing high-quality fruits that are rich in taste and nutrition.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The Ivory Mango has not only become an important agricultural product for Jinggu County but has also become a key player in promoting local tourism. Through festivals and promotional events, the Ivory Mango brand is well recognized both within China and beyond. The local Mango Festival is a vibrant celebration of the fruit and attracts tourists and business partners alike. This event has helped raise awareness of the mango, its unique qualities, and the region’s culture.

In addition, the mango farming industry has contributed significantly to the local economy, helping farmers increase their income. As the demand for the Ivory Mango grows, it has opened new avenues for agricultural development and economic growth, further solidifying its importance as a cultural and economic asset for the region.