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Turpentine

Turpentine

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Turpentine refers to a seedling race of mangoes historically common throughout the Caribbean, where they are often called “stringies” in Jamaica. These mangoes are widely believed to be among the first mangos successfully established in Florida, arriving via Cuba in the 1860s. Early plantings occurred in the Coconut Grove area near Snapper Creek under Dr. Fletcher, with additional plantings soon following near West Palm Beach and Bradenton. From there, Turpentine-type mangos spread across the state.

Because Turpentine mangos are almost always grown from seed, they are genetically variable, and many different forms exist. Despite this variability, their historical importance is enormous: Turpentine was the pollen parent of the Haden mango, meaning the vast majority of Florida mango cultivars trace at least part of their lineage back to this group.

Today, Turpentine remains the dominant rootstock used in Florida mango production. Most grafted mango trees in the state are grafted onto some form of Turpentine due to its adaptability and reliability.

The fruit themselves are very small, typically only a few ounces, and are round to ovate in shape. Skin color is usually yellow, sometimes developing pink or orange blush with strong sun exposure. The flesh is yellow and extremely fibrous, with a classic mango flavor that varies by seedling—some lean resinous, others mildly sweet, and a few are surprisingly palatable. A large polyembryonic seed occupies most of the fruit, which is why many people prefer to juice Turpentine mangos rather than eat them fresh.

Tree growth habit ranges from moderately vigorous to dwarf, depending on the seedling, but most develop a spreading form with dense canopy. Old Turpentine trees can become massive over time, and some specimens in Florida are well over a century old.

In Florida, Turpentine is a mid-season mango, typically ripening from late June through July. Disease resistance is average at best, with susceptibility to anthracnose and moderate susceptibility to bacterial black spot.

Flavor – Classic / Very Mild Coconut Notes
Country – Florida, USA
Season – Mid

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