In 1889 the USDA planted three mango trees from India in West Palm Beach. One of them survived the 1895 freeze and, three years later, bore tasty fruit. South Florida horticulturalists were delighted. One of them, Captain Haden of Coconut Grove, bought 30 seeds and planted them. In 1910 an accidental cross between one of those trees and a turpentine mango bore fruit. Florence Haden named the new, surprisingly improved variety after her husband, and, as they say, the rest is history. South Floridians are still growing and eating Haden mangos.
Here is Florence Hayden’s 1912 recipe for mango chutney:
“Ten large fine mangoes, one-half pint seeded raisins, one-half pint lime juice, one-half pint vinegar, two chili peppers, two garlic buttons grated, one medium-sized onion, one tablespoonful white mustard seed, one tablespoonful ground ginger, one heaping tablespoonful of salt, one and one-half pounds brown sugar. Pare and cut mangoes in small pieces. Put all ingredients in a crock or bowl. Let it stand covered over night, and cook it very slowly next morning for three hours. Put in glass jars or bottles, and seal at once.”
Postcard: “Haden Mangoes on Tropical Treasures Grove, Fort Myers, Florida.” ca. 1940. Image no. 1979-011-235.
-- Rebecca A. Smith, Curator of Research Materials
No comments:
Post a Comment