Get ready, mango lovers! This summer, Australian supermarket shelves are about to be graced with a brand-new mango variety: the Ruby Gold. But what makes this mango so special? Let's dive in!
Developed and cultivated exclusively in Far North Queensland, the Ruby Gold mango is the result of a serendipitous discovery. It all began on the Palumbo family's farm in Dimbulah, west of Cairns, where a unique mango was found growing on a Kensington Pride tree. This sparked a decade of careful grafting and planting to bring this exceptional fruit to life.
John Nardi, the business manager for tropical fruits at wholesaler Favco, has been working closely with the growers since the very beginning. He helped them identify the new variety and has been involved in its development. According to Nardi, the Ruby Gold boasts a flavor profile reminiscent of the beloved Kensington Pride, but with a richer, more intense taste. "It's just got a really good strong Kensington Pride-type flavour, which is what we all love," he says. "[But it's] typically a bit stronger than normal Kensington Pride. It's a little less fibrous as well, so not quite as stringy."
Here's where it gets interesting: The Ruby Gold variety has been officially registered with plant breeders and holds its own Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) status. This means it has undergone rigorous testing to prove its distinct qualities compared to other mangoes. And visually, it's a stunner! Nardi describes it as having "a really nice ruby, maroon sort of blush to it, so it looks fantastic."
This year marks a significant milestone, with an estimated 15,000 trays of Ruby Gold mangoes hitting the market. This is a substantial increase from previous years, and the team is optimistic about the future. "We're hoping that obviously these volumes will grow over the next few years, and we'll be looking at producing more trees and getting more growers on board with it in years to come," Nardi explains.
Successful market trials have already paved the way for this exciting launch. Over the past two years, Nardi collaborated with Peter Tran, director of Produce of Virginia, a Melbourne-based agent, to test the waters. Tran was immediately impressed. "I was blown away by the blush on the skin, it was incredible … and once [I] had a taste of it, I was like, this is a winner — this can't be beat," he recalls. He's been introducing the Ruby Gold to independent supermarkets and retailers, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Ruby Gold is being positioned as a premium mango variety, and as the crop yields increase, Tran is eager to supply more of this sought-after fruit to his clients. The demand has consistently outstripped supply, making this season's commercial crop a highly anticipated event. "Demand has always been a bit high and we're actually very excited to see a commercial crop coming out this season where we can supply in decent quantities for the independent [market]," he says.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Will the Ruby Gold live up to the hype? With its unique flavor profile, striking appearance, and premium positioning, it certainly has the potential. What are your expectations? Are you excited to try this new mango? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And, do you think the price will be a barrier for some consumers? Let's discuss!
