Lemon Meringue / Po Pyu Kalay

Lemon Meringue, originally known by its original Burmese name Po Pyu Kalay (or PPK), this small, oval-oblong yellow mango is one of the most distinctive citrus-flavored varieties grown in South Florida today.

Native to Myanmar (formerly Burma), the mango variety PPK was introduced to Florida by Maurice Kong, a founding member of the Miami Rare Fruit Council, and later renamed "Lemon Meringue" by Gary Zill — a name that captures its flavour perfectly. Two legendary citrus flavour varieties - Orange Sherbet and Lemon Zest were derived from this very mango variety Lemon Meringue/PPK.

The Lemon Meringue/PPK mango is elongated and somewhat pointed, ripening to a bright golden-yellow skin, sometimes with a faint orange blush. The pulp is pale yellow, soft, creamy and completely fiberless, with a rich, sweet flavour carrying a strong, distinctive citrus note reminiscent of lemon candy or lemon meringue pie/pastry — striking a fine balance between sweet and tart. It's one of the most popular mangos among first-time tasters. The seed is small and polyembryonic.

It is a regular, and a reasonably good, early producer — typically fruiting from May to 1st week of June in West Bengal, India, and in June-July in Florida, USA. Both tree and fruit show excellent anthracnose resistance. It is best suited for table purpose. 

The tree is a vigorous, upright grower with dense foliage. However, Lemon Meringue / PPK plants can be maintained at low heights through regular pruning, making it suitable for home garden, kitchen garden, rooftop garden, and for large farms. Indian farmers may try planting few Lemon Meringue/PPK trees to test its potential.

ColourBright golden-yellow skinAverage Weight250-300 gramsSweetnessTSS 21-23 BrixShelf LifeModerate — approximately 1 weekSeed TypePolyembryonicBearingRegular and heavy bearer in India — bears in bunches