The United States imports over 500,000 tonnes of mangoes annually, making it the world's second-largest mango importing country after China. Thanks to a global supply chain spanning both hemispheres, mangoes are available in American stores year-round — but quality, variety, and price vary dramatically by month.
US Mango Availability Calendar
| Month | Primary Source | Best Available Varieties | Quality Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Brazil, Ecuador, Peru | Tommy Atkins, Palmer | 5/10 — bred for shipping, not flavor |
| February | Brazil, Ecuador, Peru | Tommy Atkins, Palmer, Kent | 5/10 |
| March | Mexico (starts), Brazil | Ataulfo (early), Tommy Atkins | 6/10 — Mexican season begins |
| April | Mexico, India (starts) | Ataulfo, Alphonso, Kent | 8/10 — great variety arrives |
| May | Mexico, India, Florida (starts) | Ataulfo, Alphonso, Kent, Haden | 9/10 — peak quality begins |
| June | Mexico, Florida, Pakistan (starts) | Ataulfo, Kent, Sindhri, specialty | 10/10 — peak season |
| July | Mexico, Florida, Pakistan, India | All varieties available | 10/10 — maximum selection |
| August | Mexico (ends), Florida, Hawaii | Kent, Keitt, specialty Florida | 8/10 |
| September | Florida (ends), Hawaii, Ecuador | Keitt, Nam Doc Mai | 7/10 |
| October | Ecuador, Hawaii (ends) | Tommy Atkins, Keitt | 6/10 |
| November | Brazil (starts), Ecuador, Peru | Tommy Atkins, Palmer | 5/10 |
| December | Brazil, Ecuador, Peru | Tommy Atkins, Palmer | 5/10 |
Domestic US Mango Production
Florida
Florida is the only US state with significant commercial mango production. The season runs from May through September, with peak availability in June-July.
Florida mango varieties worth seeking out:
- **Nam Doc Mai**: Thai variety, elongated, fiberless, sweet-tart (June-July)
- **Pickering**: Coconut cream flavor, compact tree favorite (June-July)
- **Carrie**: Fiberless, resinous-sweet, intensely flavored (June-July)
- **Glenn**: Peach-like flesh, low fiber, excellent fresh eating (May-June)
- **Kent**: Large, sweet, limited fiber — the best supermarket variety (July-August)
- **Keitt**: Very large, green when ripe, sweet, late season (August-September)
Florida mango production is approximately 1,500 acres, concentrated in Miami-Dade, Lee, and Palm Beach counties. Total production is roughly 2,000 tonnes — a tiny fraction of US consumption.
Hawaii
Hawaii grows mangoes primarily on the Big Island and Maui. Season runs June through October. Most Hawaiian mangoes are consumed locally; very few reach the mainland. The Hayden variety (which originated in Coconut Grove, Florida in 1902) is Hawaii's most common mango.
Imported Mangoes: Source Countries
Mexico — America's Primary Mango Supplier
Mexico supplies approximately 60% of all mangoes consumed in the US. The season runs March through September.
| Variety | Mexico Season | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Ataulfo (Honey/Champagne) | March-July | Creamy, fiberless, sweet, the best import variety |
| Tommy Atkins | April-July | Firm, fibrous, mild, very common |
| Kent | May-August | Sweet, juicy, limited fiber, excellent quality |
| Haden | April-May | Sweet-tart, aromatic, the "original" Florida variety |
Ataulfo mangoes from Mexico are the best value in American stores. They are small, golden-yellow, fiberless, and significantly better-tasting than Tommy Atkins. Available widely from April through June for $1-2 each.
Brazil
Brazil supplies the US market during the Northern Hemisphere winter (November-March). Varieties are primarily Tommy Atkins and Palmer — chosen for their long shelf life during the 7-10 day ocean voyage. Quality is functional but unremarkable.
India
Indian mangoes (primarily Alphonso and Kesar) have been USDA-approved since 2007 following irradiation treatment. Available April through June at Indian grocery stores. Alphonso is widely considered among the top 3 mango varieties globally.
Pakistan
Pakistani mangoes received USDA approval for import in 2022. Available June through August at South Asian grocery stores and online. Key varieties include Sindhri (intensely sweet), Chaunsa (rich, creamy), and Anwar Ratol (highly aromatic). At MMA Farms, we ship our Multan-grown mangoes internationally including to the US market — ask us about availability for the 2026 season.
Variety Guide for US Shoppers
| Variety | Appearance | Taste | Fiber | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Atkins | Large, red-green skin | Mild, firm | High | Every supermarket |
| Ataulfo (Honey) | Small, golden yellow | Creamy, sweet, rich | None | Most supermarkets, April-July |
| Kent | Large, dark green/red | Sweet, juicy | Low | Supermarkets, June-August |
| Alphonso (Indian) | Small, golden-orange | Rich, saffron, buttery | None | Indian stores, April-June |
| Sindhri (Pakistani) | Large, golden yellow | Honey-sweet, melting | None | South Asian stores, June-Aug |
| Keitt | Very large, stays green | Sweet, firm, clean | Low | Supermarkets, Aug-Sept |
| Francis | Oblong, yellow-green | Spicy-sweet, aromatic | Medium | Caribbean stores, May-July |
Tips for Buying the Best Mangoes in the US
- **Avoid Tommy Atkins when alternatives exist.** It dominates shelves because it ships well, not because it tastes good.
- **Seek Ataulfo from April-June.** Best flavor-to-price ratio in American stores.
- **Check ethnic grocery stores.** Indian, Pakistani, Caribbean, and Latin American stores carry far superior varieties.
- **Visit Florida farmers markets in June-July** for rare varieties like Pickering, Carrie, and Nam Doc Mai.
- **Buy mangoes slightly firm and ripen at home** — this gives you control over ripeness and avoids bruised fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is mango season in the United States?
Domestic mango season in the US runs from May through September, with Florida mangoes peaking June-July and Hawaii mangoes peaking June-October. However, imported mangoes are available year-round: Mexico supplies March-September, Brazil November-March, Ecuador year-round, Peru November-February, and India/Pakistan April-August.
What type of mangoes are sold in US grocery stores?
The most common variety in US supermarkets is Tommy Atkins (about 50% of sales), which is large, red-skinned, and fiber-heavy but very shelf-stable. Ataulfo (Honey/Champagne mango) is the second most popular, prized for its creamy, fiberless flesh. Kent, Keitt, Haden, Palmer, and Francis are also widely available. Indian Alphonso and Pakistani varieties are found in specialty and ethnic grocery stores.
When are the best mangoes available in the US?
The best-tasting mangoes in the US market arrive between April and July. This window includes Mexican Ataulfos (April-June), Indian Alphonsos (April-June), Florida specialty varieties (June-August), and Pakistani Sindhri and Chaunsa (June-August). Avoid January-February when most available mangoes are underripe Brazilian imports bred for shelf life rather than flavor.
Can I buy Pakistani mangoes in the USA?
Yes. Pakistani mangoes have been USDA-approved for import to the US since 2022 following irradiation treatment. They are available at South Asian grocery stores and online retailers during June-August. Varieties include Sindhri, Chaunsa, and Anwar Ratol. Expect to pay $25-50 per box due to irradiation, air freight, and import costs.
Why do US grocery store mangoes taste bland?
Most US supermarket mangoes (Tommy Atkins variety) are bred for shelf life, disease resistance, and appearance rather than flavor. They are picked green for long-distance shipping and ripen in transit or with ethylene gas. For significantly better flavor, look for Ataulfo (Honey) mangoes, Indian Alphonso at specialty stores, or Florida-grown Kent and Nam Doc Mai varieties at farmers markets during summer.
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