Valeran Lothaniel

Marty Ennes

English 1A

2/27/07

You are either the happiest person alive or the most irritated being on Earth if there is a mango tree growing in your yard. Mangos are a much desired fruit; people go to great lengths to try and obtain them. For those of you unlucky enough to not have a mango tree in your yard, I’m sure you have some horror story relating to your fruitless search for a public tree that still had fruit. If you’re the more ambitious type, I’m sure you have a few stories about how you ripped your clothes trying to evade capture when you snuck onto other people’s property in the pursuit of the golden fruit.

The popularity of the fruit and the overall kindness of the Hawaiian people have made mango picking an island tradition, with its own unwritten rules of conduct.(Kekoa Enomoto, Mango Mores #1) This essay highlights the essential requirements for being a respectable mango picker wh can charm any property owner to give you leeway over their tree. So for those of you who love your mangos, pay attention.

The main thing to remember when out mango picking is that its not the mangos that count, but the good impression you will leave to the property owner. (Kekoa Enomoto, Mango Mores #8) Property owners will not open their gates for just anyone who comes knocking. As a mango picker, you want them to see you as an honest person there to pick fruit for your own consumption. Thus, the first thing you should do is to knock on the door of a mango owner and have a small chat with them, clearly stating your purpose and politely asking their permission. Don’t be too discouraged if they refuse. A single mango tree has more than enough fruit for a few large families, so unless they’ve had some prior misfortune (thieves) or currently have a valid reason (bad year and not enough fruit for example) they would at least consider allowing you to pick a few fruits. (Kekoa Enomoto, Mango Mores #4)

Once you obtain their permission, the next step is to come prepared. Those who know mango trees would know very well that dealing with one is no picnic. A mango tree usually does not bear fruit until it is at least well over thirty feet high. (Prude university 2) Thus a long pole, preferably between fifteen to twenty feet long, with a large ring of wire at the end must be in-hand when approaching the tree. Although a ring of stiff wire will suffice, an attached net or bag is highly recommended, since it will reduce the chances of both cracked fruits and cracked heads. It will also lessen the very real possibility of being sprayed with mango sap, which will irritate you to no end if it gets to your face. (see Fig. 2)

Another essential element is a partner. Since you will be occupied with the pole, you will need another pair of hands to remove the fruit from the basket, or to catch them before hitting the ground. A few plastic bags or strong baskets to put your harvested fruit in is also a must. Never use paper bags; mangos are heavy and will rip the bag easily. Coming unprepared to a mango picking will show the mango owner that you have not given this task much thought, and will discourage them from inviting you again. It is also highly unlikely that they will trust you with their equipment if you come empty-handed.

One of the main things to remember when picking mangos is to be sensible. Remember to practice common sense when mango picking, especially when the property owner will be liable for any injuries you will likely receive. Having the property owner responsible for your stupidity is the swiftest way to end a mango picking venture. Thus, climbing the mango tree is strictly forbidden, even if you are an experienced climber. It is also wise to clear away any lawn furniture or yard toys that may disrupt your picking and put blame on the owners.

The hardest, yet most important thing to remember when mango picking is not to be greedy. You can charm the property owner initially, but when you leave without acknowledgement and leave the tree fruitless and stripped, they will feel very betrayed and bar you and others from mango picking for the foreseeable future. To leave a good impression on the property owner: share a portion of your harvest with them, since by right the mango is theirs. (Kekoa Enomoto, Mango Mores #5) Getting fresh mangos from their tree without any effort on their part will surely get them to look at you with high regard. Cleaning the rotten mangos as well as reorganizing the lawn furniture to their original positions is almost a guarantee that they will gladly invite you back next season.

There is nothing wrong with pursuing that you really want, especially when it is growing thirty feet in the air in another person’s yard. You don’t necessarily need an invitation to go pick mangos, but if you wish to be welcomed back with high favor, having a respectable attitude and a polite personality is essential.

California Rare Fruit Growers

Mango, Mangifera indica L. 1996. 26 Feb 2007

<http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/mango.html>

Kekoa Enomoto, Catherine. “Mango on my mind”

Honolulu Star-Bulletin 1997. 22 Feb. 2007

<http://starbulletin.com/97/06/18/features/story1.html>

Prude University center for new crop and plant products.

Mango, Mangifera indica L. 9 April 1999. 22 Feb 2007 <http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/nexus/Mangifera_indica_nex.html>

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Prevention of post-harvest food losses: Fruits, vegetables and root crops.

1989. 26 Feb 2007

<http://www.fao.org/docrep/T0073E/T0073E00.HTM >