In pictures: Everything you need to know about Jordanian mangoes

Jordan

Published: 2018-07-17 11:48

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 09:54


Editor: Arwad Khalifeh

Each tree successfully produced 35 kg of fruit. (Roya)
Each tree successfully produced 35 kg of fruit. (Roya)

We were so excited about the news that Jordan has succeeded in growing its first ever batch of mangoes, that we went straight to the source and gathered more information about it.

We spoke to Raed Lutfi Ahmad, Project Coordinator for the Cultivation of Tropical Trees in Jordan, who told us that the planting process started five years ago.

Ahmad told us that he and his team planted an average of 50-70 trees in each location, over an area of five dunums.

Four types of mango were planted in several areas near the Jordan Valley; the different types were grafted on the rootstock of the tropical fruit.

The mangoes were modified to be able to withstand the dry climate and salty soil conditions, and each tree successfully bearing 35 kg of fruit.

For those wondering, the types were: Tommy Atkins, Maya, Keitt and Kent.

Some were sweeter than others, with Maya - the first to come out - containing 20% sugar in it, according to Ahmad, who added that Keitt is less sweet but bigger in size.

The project was fully funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), who provided everything from A to Z, including the mango trees, irrigation system and fertilizers.