Tommy Atkins mangoes belong to the speciesMangifera indica , part of the Anacardiaceae folk , which also includes cashews and poison ivy . aboriginal to South Asia , this tropical evergreen plant tree has been naturalize for millennia , result in legion cultivar like Tommy Atkins . This variety , specifically bred for commercial-grade appeal , contemplate the divers botanic parentage of mangoes , which thrive in warm climate and are prized for their gem fruit .
The Tommy Atkins mango tree issue in the early 20th one C in Florida , USA . It originate from a seed of the Haden mango , plant around 1922 on the property of Thomas H. Atkins in Broward County . Atkins , a horticulturist , championed the fruit despite initial rejection by the Florida Mango Forum in the 1950s due to its fibrous texture and small flavor . Recognizing its pictorial colour , disease resistance , and embark durability , he commercialize it to agriculturalist . By the late 20th century , Tommy Atkins became the dominant commercial-grade mango tree in the Americas , specially in the U.S. , where it now account for about 80 % of imported mangoes .
Tommy Atkins Mangifera indica are medium to turgid , typically oblong or oval , weighing 12–24 ounces . Their thick , leathery cutis transitions from green to a striking red rosiness with yellow - orangeness highlights as they mature , dust with little light-green - yellow pores . The golden - sensationalistic flesh is steady , gamey , and notably unchewable , encase a big , matt pit . Their gustatory modality is mildly sweet with a subtle tart border , lacking the acute complexity of varieties like Alphonso . The aroma carries faint tropical and citrus greenback , make it a solid , if not standout , selection for everyday function .
Tommy Atkins mangoes provide a square nutritional visibility . They ’re rich in vitamin C , furnish immune support and antioxidant benefits , and vitamin A , which promotes eye health . A cup ( about 165 gram ) drive home roughly 100 calories , 3 grams of fiber for digestion , and decent amount of potassium , calcium , and iron for muscular tissue , bone , and energy functions . They also contain digestive enzymes and folate , aiding metabolism . However , their pelt and sap can irritate sensible mortal , consanguineal to poison ivy , due to partake family trait .
Tommy Atkins mango trees boom in USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11 , where temperatures stay above 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) and ideally hover between 70–95 ° F ( 21–35 ° degree Celsius ) . They ask full sun—6–8 hours daily — and a tropic or subtropical climate with a dry time of year to spur flowering , followed by humidness for fruit bent . In the U.S. , they ’re grown commercially in Florida , parts of California , and Hawaii . Outside these zones , hoar - sensitive trees ask nursery or indoor tribute , make them less virtual for colder area .
