When Ataulfo Morales first stumbled upon a special golden-yellow mango in his lush orchards of Chiapas, little did he know he had struck gold -Mexican gold—in the form of what is today one of the most popular mango varietals in America.
Little did he know that this chance discovery in the 1950s would transform Mexico’s agricultural landscape and revolutionize the global mango market. The Ataulfo mango, with its rich, golden hue and extraordinary qualities, stands today as a testament to the brilliance of this Mexican “gold rush.”
Having worked intimately within Mexico’s mango industry, I’ve seen first-hand how this golden treasure has not only captured the hearts of consumers but also redefined the very essence of what we expect from mangoes, delivering an unparalleled example of success, from orchard to table.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE GOLDEN TREASURE
Born in the Soconusco region of Chiapas, near Tapachula, during the 1950s, the mango Ataulfo was named after grower Ataulfo Morales, who first recognized its potential when he discovered a tree on his property, which still stands tall today.
What set this mango apart was its intensely tropical, sweet, caramel-like flavor reminiscent of traditional Mexican cajeta, combined with subtle spice notes evocative of Mexico’s spices and chilies, particularly the fruity essence of habaneros.
Its low acidity and nearly fiberless flesh further enhanced its appeal, earning widespread adoration in its homeland and securing commercial success globally, especially among U.S. consumers.
THE RAPID SUCCESS OF THE MANGO ATAULFO
Mango Ataulfo’s journey from Chiapas to becoming Mexico’s agricultural success story is reminiscent of the modern-day gold rush.
Over the past few decades, growers across the country have recognized the immense potential of this sweet, fiberless fruit, fueling a rapid expansion in cultivation.
Once concentrated in Chiapas, mango Ataulfo trees now thrive in all significant commercial mango-producing regions, including Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Sinaloa.
As demand for mango Ataulfo surged, particularly in the U.S. market, growers expanded existing orchards and planted new ones in emerging regions, eager to satisfy the growing consumer appetite.
This expansion has reshaped the landscape of mango production in Mexico, turning the mango Ataulfo into a commercial powerhouse and a symbol of the nation’s agricultural innovation.
PURE TASTE OF MEXICO
What truly sets the Ataulfo apart is its unique eating experience. Unlike fibrous mango varieties, Ataulfos offers a smooth, creamy texture and a distinctive flavor profile that can only be described as puro México.
The intense caramel sweetness and spice notes come together to capture the essence of Mexico.
Its smaller pit and higher flesh-to-seed ratio only add to its appeal, making it a favorite among consumers who crave both the rich flavor and the nostalgia—real or imagined—of eating a genuinely tropical mango.
In the U.S., the mango Ataulfo has transitioned from a specialty item to a mainstream favorite.
While demand was initially driven by urban markets of the well-traveled, rural areas have increasingly embraced it, reflecting its growing appeal.
Thanks to its climate resilience, its extended season ensures a consistent market presence during peak summer months, helping to strengthen consumer recognition and drive desire for this particular golden mango.
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VARIETY RESISTANT TO CLIMATE CHANGE
The rise of the mango Ataulfo is a testament to Mexico’s rich agricultural cradle and, today, particularly in the face of climate change, its fortitude.
As Mexico’s own mango, it has proven more resilient on its native soils than most other commercial varieties developed in Florida.
Dr. Noris Ledesma, an expert in Mangifera species, highlights the Ataulfo’s remarkable adaptability to shifting climates.
“The Ataulfo has shown greater resistance to climate change over the past two years compared to other varieties like Tommy Atkins, Kent, Keitt, and Haden,” she explains. “Its flexibility allows it to thrive in regions where other varieties have struggled.”
Dr. Ledesma also highlights the importance of temperature in the Ataulfo’s flowering and fruiting cycles, which are critical to its success. “In subtropical regions, lower temperatures stimulate mango trees to flower, leading to increased production,” she notes. “The Ataulfo, with its ultra-tropical nature, is more resilient during these fluctuations, allowing it to continue producing high-quality fruit even in more challenging conditions.”
This resilience, coupled with the unique and profoundly decadent eating experience the Ataulfo offers, underscores the strength of this varietal within Mexico’s mango industry.
The mango Ataulfo is positioning itself as a gift from nature to Mexico—a golden treasure that reflects the nation’s natural ability to thrive amidst global challenges.