Lemon Zest is a Florida mango from Gary Zill's breeding program, grown from a Lemon Meringue seedling. It's a larger, oval-oblong yellow fruit with smooth flesh and a rich, very sweet citrus flavor with lemon and orange notes. On our Merritt Island trees it ripens in July and August, later than Lemon Meringue.
Where does Lemon Zest come from?
Tropical Acres Farms reports that Lemon Zest was a seedling of Po Pyu Kalay, better known as Lemon Meringue, from Gary Zill's program in Boynton Beach, Florida (Zill planting 27-1). UF/IFAS lists it as originating in Florida. It's a sibling of Orange Sherbet, which also came from a Lemon Meringue seedling.
What does Lemon Zest taste like?
The 2025 Zill and UF/IFAS cultivar review describes a rich, sweet, moderately intense Indian flavor “with lemon, orange-citrus notes.” UF/IFAS calls it a “sweet, rich citrus flavor of excellent quality” with a pleasant aroma. Tropical Acres Farms goes further: “unbelievably richly sweet with candied orange and tangelo citrus flavors dominating.” The flesh is yellow to orange-yellow and smooth; Zill and Tropical Acres Farms call it fiberless, while UF/IFAS notes some non-objectionable fiber.
Lemon Zest vs. Lemon Meringue
Tropical Acres Farms says Lemon Zest resembles its parent, solid yellow, but is much larger and more oval-oblong. The Zill and UF/IFAS review lists it at 14–16 oz. It also ripens later: on our trees Lemon Meringue comes in June–July and Lemon Zest July–August, so you can enjoy the two back to back.
How to eat it
Ripen it on the counter until it gives slightly and smells sweet at the stem end. It's good just ripe, when the citrus tang is brightest.
How to order
Lemon Zest is a Rare & Collector variety: $197 for a Small Box (4–5 lb) or $247 for a Large Box (8–10 lb), with free USPS Priority shipping (2–3 days) to the lower 48 states except California. We can't ship to Alaska, Hawaii or U.S. territories. It's a pre-order for the 2027 season, and it usually ripens July–August on our trees. If the harvest comes up short, you can choose a substitute variety or store credit for the full amount (no cash refunds). Pre-order Lemon Zest mangoes.
More grower's guides: What is a Lemon Meringue mango?, What is an Orange Sherbet mango?, and What is an Orange Essence mango?