Mango is king of Miami’s summer

A mango tree at the University of Florida’s tropical research and education centre in Homestead. — ©2023 The New York Times Company

By Patricia MazzeiTHE air gets thick with humidity as summer arrives in South Florida. Evening thunder murmurs. The tropics begin to stir.

Then, something magical happens: the mango trees bear fruit. In good years, they produce so much that strangers give away mangoes on their lawns. Neighbours pack them in boxes to mail to loved ones. Friends offer homemade pies.