Hail the King of Fruits

Indigenous to Asia, adored in Africa, celebrated in the Caribbean, and loved throughout Latin America: Is there any fruit more universally admired than the mango? We certainly have a difficult time coming up with a more versatile fruit. The sweet, succulent flavor is equally delicious in sugary fare such as drinks, candy, and dessert as it is in savory delights such as curry, slaw, and chutney. Every year, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden comes up with new ideas to celebrate the beloved fruit during its annually anticipated International Mango Festival.

For this, the fest’s 16th year, the focus is entirely on the mangoes of Africa, and the theme will be more than apparent during Friday night’s mango safari costume party. The garden’s gates will open bright and early at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, so green thumbs should arrive early for dibs on the hottest cultivars. There’ll be an incredible display of 200 varieties at the Garden House. For those of you who are like, “Screw the plants; where do I eat?” make a beeline for the tastings at the Corbin Building and the cuisine samplings at the Garden House. Besides the purchase of plants and food, there will be arts and crafts aplenty at the Mangoville vendor village, informative lectures, and even more fruit with which to stuff your piehole. Admission is $20. Visit www.fairchildgarden.org for a complete schedule.
Starts: July 12. Daily, 2008