Dried Irwin Mango from Taiwan

100 gram bag - Taiwan

The Irwin mango—known in Taiwan as 愛文 (Aiwen)—is not unique in origin to Taiwan; it actually began in Florida. However, its cultivation in Taiwan has made it feel uniquely Taiwanese.

Developed in Florida, the Irwin mango was first grown from a seedling of the Lippens variety, open-pollinated with Haden. It was planted by F.D. Irwin in Miami in 1939, first fruited in 1945, and was named and commercialized by 1949.

Introduced to Taiwan in 1954, Irwin mangoes were selected among several American mango varieties by the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute.

The region became prosperous, hosting a government-designated “mango special agricultural zone” by 1973, and Cheng is honored as the “Father of Taiwan's Irwin mangoes.” The cultivar has remained Taiwan’s most popular mango for over 50 years.

Certain areas, such as around the Jingmian Reservoir in Nanhua District, Tainan, produce extraordinarily aromatic and sweet Irwin mangoes due to unique chalky soil, mudstone layers, and humidity, earning them the nickname “fruit of the sun”.

The Aiwen, as it is alternatively known, is adored locally for making the famous mango shave ice.

From the bag you'll pull giant pieces out that look like leaves or other shapes. You will need to bring a sharp knife, a pair of scissors, or all 8 strong incisors to eat these delicious bites of Aiwen mango!

Just be careful, these are delicious enough to form something like an addiction!