Lemon Zest

Origin and Development:

• Seedling of Lemon Meringue: The Lemon Zest mango originated in Florida as a seedling of the Lemon Meringue (Po Pyu Kalay) mango.
• Developed by Gary Zill: It was developed by Gary Zill, a renowned mango breeder, who sought a larger fruit with a more intense citrus flavor than its parent. 

Flavor Profile:

• Sweet and Citrusy: Lemon Zest mangoes have a distinctively sweet and citrusy flavor, often described as a blend of lemon and orange with hints of tangelo.
• Fiberless Flesh: The flesh is yellow, fiberless, and juicy, offering a smooth and pleasant texture.
• Lemon Candy-like Aroma: It has a fragrant, lemon candy-like aroma. 

Fruit Characteristics:

• Larger than Lemon Meringue: The fruit is larger and more oval-oblong than the Lemon Meringue mango.
• Bright Yellow Color: It has a bright yellow skin.
• Mid-Late Season: Lemon Zest mangoes are typically harvested in July and August in Florida. 

Tree Characteristics:

• Vigorous Grower: The tree is a vigorous grower with an upright, dense canopy.
• Disease Susceptibility: It’s moderately prone to anthracnose and highly prone to powdery mildew.
• Bacterial Black Spot: It is particularly susceptible to bacterial black spot, which can limit its production in some areas. 

In Summary:

The Lemon Zest mango is a flavorful and sought-after variety that stands out with its unique citrusy taste and larger fruit size. However, its susceptibility to certain diseases should be considered when choosing this variety for cultivation.