Neelum

A South Indian dessert mango, widely grown throughout the country and to an increasing extent in southernmost China. The fruit weigh 9 to 12 oz, with the general shape of a fat cashew nut. They are smooth-skinned and bright yellow upon ripening and have no blush. The flesh is deep yellow or orange. There is no fiber and a rich, aromatic flavor that is over-powering to the unaccustomed palate. Neelum is best eaten out-of-hand, or used as slices or cubes in mixed fruit salads, as the firm flesh holds its shape. They have a late ripening season and can be stored for an extended time, which offers advantages in marketing. However, the fruit are only occasionally exported outside of their production areas, due to significant local demand. Fruit should be harvested when mature green and ripened at room temperature off the tree. Neelum is a dwarf tree perfect for the home gardener and may fit into modern production systems, which will hopefully increase its availability in commercial export markets.