A Fruit with History
A Journey Through Time: The Epic History of the Mango
The history of the mango is as rich and colourful as its flesh. Native to the Indo-Burma region of Southeast Asia, nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Mangifera indica has been appreciated since at least 4000 BC. For around 6,000 years, this golden fruit has been cultivated in India, where it is more than just a food: it is a cultural icon, a symbol of love and the legendary Kalpavriksha, the tree that grants wishes.
From its ancestral homeland, the mango has embarked on an epic journey. In the 7th century, it reached China, and three centuries later it arrived on the shores of East Africa. The 15th century saw mangoes spreading their sweet aroma throughout the Philippines and Southeast Asia. As global exploration expanded, so did the mango’s travels, reaching Brazil and Jamaica in the 16th century, Hawaii in the 17th century, and finally North America in the 19th century.
As the mango travelled the world, it evolved. South and Southeast Asia became a melting pot of varietal development, with Malaysia and Indonesia emerging as centres of mango diversity. The early 20th century saw Florida join the mango narrative, breeding many varieties that dominate global trade today. More recently, Israel, Spain, Mexico, and Colombia have taken centre stage, introducing exciting new cultivars to the world. It is against this backdrop of global enthusiasm for mangoes that the Kensington Pride variety emerged.
The Kensington Pride, also known as the Bowen mango, has a fascinating history. Discovered in the 1880s in Port Denison, Queensland, Australia, it quickly gained popularity for its exceptional flavour and resilience. Originally believed to be a chance seedling, possibly from an Indian mango variety brought by traders, it became the leading Australian mango cultivar. With the increasing globalisation of trade, Kensington Pride began its journey. Mango enthusiasts and agricultural pioneers recognised its potential, leading to its cultivation in various tropical and subtropical regions. In the late 1990s, visionary farmers and enthusiasts, including us at Villardita Tropical Farm, saw an opportunity to bring this treasure to Sicily. Taking advantage of the island’s unique Mediterranean climate and rich volcanic soil, they successfully adapted Kensington Pride to the Sicilian terroir. This bold initiative not only diversified Sicily’s agricultural landscape, but also created a truly special fruit that combines the best of Australian genetics with the distinctive character of Sicilian growing conditions. Today, Villardita Tropical Farm’s Kensington Pride mango is a testament to this fruit’s incredible journey: from ancient Indian groves to Australian farms, and now to the sun-drenched orchards of beautiful Sicily.
