More Mangos, Please!

Do you remember the one about the mango? Seinfeld’s fifth season opened with an episode about George questioning his performance “south of the equator” and talk of fake orgasms. He then suffered from stress-induced impotence that was miraculously cured by a taste of succulent mango. In light of the fourteenth annual Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, we decided to ask the King of the Mango Festival, Richard Campbell, if he is aware of any magical mango properties. “Yes, I’ve seen the episode,” Campbell laughs. “I reserve comment except to say that I have three children. I guess we can say that it does have benefits.... Maybe we can put Viagra right out of business!”

It is an amazing fruit. “The mango is more versatile than any other fruit,” Campbell states. “You can consume the leaves to small green fruit.” And to celebrate its origins, this year’s theme is Mangos of Old Cuba. “Without Cuba we wouldn’t have mangos here in South Florida,” says Campbell. In addition to the more than 150 varieties on display, there will be mango trees for sale, workshops, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of samples. Give props to this tempting fruit Saturday and today from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $20, $15 for seniors, $10 for children ages six to seventeen. Call 305-667-1651, or visit www.fairchildgarden.org.
July 8-9