Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh is
encouraging Queenslanders to eat home grown mangoes this summer
and appreciate the history behind each bite.
Today at the Brisbane Markets in Rocklea, Mr McVeigh celebrated
the R2E2 mango’s 30th year with a few slices.
“Summertime in Queensland wouldn’t be complete without eating a
mango or two,” Mr McVeigh said.
“We are the fruit bowl of the nation and the mango is an iconic
Queensland fruit.
“Without a doubt one of the best varieties is our very own R2E2,
which has become an international success story.
“The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
have been breeding mangoes for a very long time, and in 1982 they
struck gold with the R2E2.
“By crossing a Bowen and Kent mango, our researchers came up with
a new variety with the same size seed as a Bowen but with a lot
more flesh than other varieties.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the R2E2, which is now
one of Queensland’s best exports thanks to its delicious taste
and superior shelf life.
“In 1982, the R2E2 was first selected as a variety with great
market potential.
“In 1991, it was released for commercial production and today is
exported to more than 30 countries.
“In fact it’s been so successful, the R2E2 accounts for about 70
per cent of mango exports thanks to its large size, good red
blush and longer shelf life.
“Customers love it in the Asian markets including China, Hong
Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
“Building on that overseas interest, Queensland company Emu
Exports has established large orchards in Vietnam to ensure this
Queensland variety is available year round.”
DAFF supports the mango industry with a continuing breeding
program to help boost productivity and profitability.
About 7,000 ha of mangoes are grown in Queensland. The main
production areas are in the Burdekin, Bundaberg and Mareeba
regions.
Apart from the R2E2, varieties grown include Kensington Pride,
Calypso, Honey Gold, Keitt, Kent, Palmer, Brooks, Keow Savoey and
Nam Doc Mai.
The Queensland mango industry is worth an estimated $70 million
annually. The harvest starts in North Queensland in late October
and, in southern areas, ends in early April.
Australia’s proximity to Asian markets and world-class cool chain
facilities and transport technologies means exported Australian
mangoes reach their destination fresh and with a prolonged shelf
life.
Storage tips
Unripe mangoes should never be refrigerated. Store them out of
direct sunlight at room temperature for a few days until they
ripen.
Once ripe, they can be stored in the fridge for two to three days
before use.
Mangoes need to breathe—never store them in plastic bags.
Mangoes freeze really well. They can be sliced and bagged, or
pureed and placed into ice cube trays.
Why is it called the R2E2? This particular variety takes its name
from the row and position in the field of the original tree at
DAFF’s Bowen Research Station.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry
The Honourable John McVeigh
17 December 2012
