Keitt is a type of mango variety well-known for its distinctive skin color, large size, and sweet taste. Generally, it is left on the tree longer than other mango varieties. And the most exciting fact is this is one of the few mangoes that can be wholly ripe and juicy while remaining a solid shade of green. Because of its looks, aroma, and flavor, this mango is considered a massive serving of delicious natural sweetness. But it can be challenging to find these mangoes as they are only available briefly each year.
Are you interested in knowing more? Then give this article a careful read.
Botanical Classification and other common names of Keitt Mango:
The botanical name of Keitt mango is Mangifera indica ‘Keitt.’ It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, the genus Mangifera, and other mango cultivars such as ‘Alphonso,’ ‘Haden’ and other fruits and nuts. The species name Indica refers to the plant being native to India, where it is widely cultivated. It is often pronounced as “kit” by the ordinary people.
Keitt is a mono-embryonic variety; hence if the seed is sown, it won’t result in seedlings that bear fruit that is true to type.
History of origin:
Keitt is an advanced cultivar of mango.”. Although the mango’s actual origin is uncertain, it is thought to be a chance of the Mulgoba cultivar seedling planted in Homestead, Florida, in 1939 on Mrs. J.N. Keitt’s property. By the mid-1940s, it was being grown commercially. The cultivar was chosen and given a name in 1945; soon after that, commercial nurseries began accepting it. According to recent genetic researchers, Keitt’s was a Brooks seedling, which clearly explains its late-season ripening and enormous fruit size. Despite lacking color, this cultivar is highly praised for its flavor, lack of fiber, and ease of cultivation.
Keitt mangoes are grown in various tropical and subtropical locations worldwide, including Florida, California, Mexico, Central America, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Italy, and the United States.
The Keitt mango did become well-liked among Florida gardeners and is still one of the more common trees planted today. The Keitt mango did become well-liked among Florida gardeners and is still one of the more common trees planted today.
Description of Keitt mango:
- Size and weight:
The size of a Keitt mango can vary between 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in length. In contrast to other mangoes, this dark green, oval-shaped fruit is enormous. However, it also boasts one of the minor pits of any mango, producing a staggering amount of flesh and the best fruit-to-pit ratio.
A medium-sized regular mango weighs about 150 grams, but a Keitt mango is considerably heavier. It typically weighs between 2 and 5 pounds. It typically weighs between 2 and 5 pounds. The weight of a Keitt mango is due to the fine pulp inside.
- Shape and color:
The Keitt mango has an oval form and may occasionally be slightly elongated. They feature a stem scar that is a little depressed at one end and somewhat curled with a pointy tip at the other.
Keitt mango has pale to dark green skin, having a yellow blush occasionally. The skin is coated in little white speckles and various vivid green colors. The Keitt mango’s thick skin makes them more resilient to handling and transportation than other varieties and prevents them from changing color noticeably as they ripen.
Texture and Flavor:
The texture of a Keitt mango is described as firm and juicy. The flesh has a creamy feel due to the lack of fiber.
Keitt mango has a tangy, sweet flavor with a honey undertone. According to others, the sweet taste of Keitt mango is mixed with a slight hint of coconut and vanilla notes. These mangoes’ sweet flavor is a result of their high sugar content. Additionally, they are said to have an outstanding balance of acidity and sweetness.
When are Keitt mangoes in season:
The season for the Keitt variety is relatively brief, lasting only 4-6 weeks. However, the season’s exact time might change from year to year, depending on various factors such as the individual growing region and weather conditions during the growing season. They are usually in season in the late summer and early fall.
The fruit is generally highly resistant to disease and ripens from August to September, making it one of the more valuable late-season types. The peak season of the Keitt mango is from late July to September.
How do you know whether a Keitt Mango is ripe or not?
The most perplexing factor about Keitt mangoes is that they remain green even when fully ripe. So, if you want to know if they are ready to eat, the Gentle Squeeze Test is one of the only ways to determine the level or stage of ripeness. They are pressing softly against the fruit. If they are tough, you can place them in a paper bag and let them at room temperature ripen for a few days. Mangos, as you may know, dislike the cold and can sustain chill damage if kept in the refrigerator.
What is the shelf-life of a Keitt Mango?
A Keitt mango’s shelf life can vary depending on how ripe the fruit was when it was gathered and the storage circumstances. However, a mature Keitt mango can typically be kept at room temperature for 7–10 days, ideally between 18 and 22 Cº, and up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. When you receive a Keitt mango, you should put it in the fridge to extend its shelf life. The mango can be stored in the refrigerator until it is fully ripe if you let it out at room temperature to ripen.
What is the difference between Keitt and Kent mango?
Keitt and Kent are mango cultivars, which are varieties of fruit created by breeding and selection. Still, there are differences between them.
- The Keitt mango is well-known for its vast size, sweet flavor, and firm flesh. The skin of a Keitt mango is dark green and can be difficult to remove. Kent mangoes are famous for their rich, sweet flavor and smooth, juicy flesh. Kent mango skin typically has a dark red-green tint and is relatively easy to peel.
- Keitt mangoes are usually available in late summer and early autumn. June to August is the traditional season for Kent mangoes.
- Kent is a more vigorous tree with slightly smaller fruit. The Keitt grows in a more open, “scraggly” manner.
Nutritional facts:
Keitt mangoes are a type of tropical fruit that is slightly different from regular mangoes. A familiar mango contains no fat, sodium, or cholesterol. In terms of calories, a 100-gram serving of fresh Keitt mango contains approximately 60 calories.
This mango is high in calories but also high in vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, especially vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. The Keitt tends to retain a little bit more vitamin C as it ripens compared to other mangoes, which tend to lose some of their vitamin C potency while gaining more vitamin A. They also have trace amounts of vitamins and minerals like vitamins E, K, and magnesium.
It also has natural sugars, primarily fructose and glucose. Keitt mangoes are high in dietary fiber and low in fat and cholesterol. They are also high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from the effects of harmful molecules.
Related Link: What is Graham Mango?
Related Link: What is Kent Mango?
Related Link: What is Francis Mango?
Related Link: What is Honey Mango?
Health benefits:
Like other mango varieties, the Keitt mango is a rich source of vitamins and nutrients with several health benefits. Some of the key benefits are:
- Keitt mangoes are high in vitamins C, A, and E, which promote healthy skin, improved vision, immune system stimulation, and prevent infections.
- Keitt mangoes also contain some healthy plant compounds like carotenoids and polyphenols, which are known to have antioxidant properties in addition to the vitamins and minerals previously mentioned. These mangoes high fiber and antioxidant content may aid in diabetes management by keeping blood sugar levels stable.
- Dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, and help prevent constipation, is present in reasonable amounts in Keitt mango.
- Keitt mango has a low caloric content, making it an excellent choice for people trying to maintain weight.
Applications of Keitt mango:
Keitt mangoes are famous for their Various applications in culinary skills, especially in Asian Culture. Besides being used raw in its mature green stage, this mango can be enjoyed as a fresh, juicy fruit. They can be mixed into green mango salads, smoothies, and other fruit-based dishes. This mango can also be used in sorbets, cocktails, mango pickles, smoothies, and fruit salads. Also, a Keitt mango can be served with various savory dishes or paired with multiple stone fruits and citrus berries, among other things.
Keitt mango has a buttery smooth texture when ripe. This makes it more suitable for making baby food, pickles, and baking items like scones and muffins. Simply put, it’s the best mango for pies. The Keitt mango can be dried and consumed as dried fruit or powdered and used in recipes.
Price of Keitt mango:
Location, season, supply, and demand are the three things that can affect Keitt mango prices the most. Generally, Keitt mango prices start from $0.62 per kilogram in the USA market. Specialty or imported fruits, like the Keitt mango, are typically more expensive than locally produced alternatives. Besides this, size, ripeness, weather conditions, and transportation costs also affect the price.
The Keitt mango is a favorite among mango lovers and is regarded as one of the best-tasting mangos available. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a sweet, juicy fruit high in flavor and nutrition.
Keitt mango is a favorite among enthusiasts and one of the best-tasting mangos available. The Keitt mango is an excellent choice for a sweet and juicy fruit packed with flavor and nutrition. The Keitt mango is a must-try for those who adore mangos and wish to sample their flavors and textures.
Leave a Reply