It’s probably safe to say, that when asked which fruit is the most popular fruit in the world, the majority of Americans and Canadians would respond with apples or bananas. That response would be normal, but far from accurate.

To the astonishment of most North Americans, mangoes are consumed worldwide by a factor of three to one over bananas and ten to one over apples. Although mangoes are still considered to be exotic fruits in America, ranking as number 24 of the top 25 fruits consumed in the US, they are considered to be staples in India, South Asia, China, and Latin America; often being referred to as “the king of the fruits”. Evidently, those in the many far corners of the world have learned something that has yet to be discovered in North America!

There are over 2,000 different varieties of mangoes ranging in size from a few ounces to as much as four pounds. One thing they all have in common is their nutritional value; mangoes are a fantastic source of vitamins C and E, niacin, potassium, iron, and beta carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body.

The fresh, ripe mango is a very juicy and sweet fruit with a unique and delicious taste. Some mangoes have a soft and pulpy texture similar to an over-ripe plum, while others have a firmer flesh similar to that of a cantaloupe.

Mangoes are widely used in chutney, fruit bars, cereal products, juices, pies, ice creams, and even milk shakes. Although a little messy due to their high juice content, they can be enjoyed simply by slicing the fruit as you would a peach or pear.

Okay, now that we know what the most popular fruit in the world is, we must determine from where in the world these mangoes come. Mangoes are grown throughout the tropics but India is by far the largest producer and consumer of mangoes in the world. In fact, for more than 6,000 years, mango trees have been a status symbol in India. Behind India are other areas within South Asia and parts of Australia. It wasn’t until the 19th century that mangoes were introduced to parts of Africa, South America, Hawaii, and Mexico.

For years, India has been unsuccessfully negotiating the exportation of mangoes to the US, however just recently some agreements have been finalized, clearing the way for exportation of mangoes from India to the US. In return, they will allow the US to export peas, beans, almonds, and would you believe, Harley Davidson motorcycles to India. Of those mangoes that currently make their way to the US and Canada, approximately 80% come from Mexico with the majority being grown in the Mexican state of Nayarit which is on the same latitude as Hawaii.

Nayarit, one of Mexico’s 31 states, is located along the Pacific Ocean having its southern border with the state of Jalisco. The beautiful tourist destination and retirement community of Puerto Vallarta lies at the border of these two states with its downtown area or El Centro located in Jalisco and Nuevo Vallarta located in Nayarit. Puerto Vallarta is located at the northern end of the Mexican Riviera and just recently, Fonatur, the National Tourism and Development Board of Mexico, has coined the term Riviera Nayarit for that section of pristine and majestic Pacific shoreline in the state of Nayarit. As a note of interest, Fonatur has recently earmarked billions of dollars for a 15 year development program that will include more than 20,000 new condos and villas with the associated infrastructure. This entire area is surrounded by mango orchards where approximately 1.5 million metric tons of mangoes are grown annually, making Mexico the third largest producer of mangoes after India and China.

After vacationing in Vallarta two or three times a year for 15 years we decided to move there in 1997 and make Vallarta our permanent retirement destination. We bought our dream villa on the mountainside with a panoramic view of Banderas Bay in an area known as the Beverly Hills of Vallarta. One of our first projects was to landscape the

Mexico is one of the biggest countries in the world, spanning millions of square kilometers. It?s surrounded by several bodies of water, including the Pacific Island and the Caribbean Sea. It?s no wonder therefore that you can hardly count the number of beautiful and white-sand beaches that are scattered all over the country.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico is one of the world’s premier vacation destinations, distinguished for its genuine traditional ambience situated on a huge bay of gorgeous sandy beaches. In this beachfront destination, pre-Columbian mystical traditions fuse in an eclectic marriage with Spanish mores, Catholicism and contemporary cultures from around the world. Next to Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s second great Pacific playground.

One can say that a place is a paradise when all of the ingredients for total enjoyment are of the highest quality. Puerto Vallarta Mexico succeeds for this high distinction.

Puerto Vallarta isn’t a ‘developed resort’ where it’s easy to forget you’re in a different country. It has historic areas with traditional Mexican architecture and cobblestone streets, beautiful weather, friendly people and warm smiles.

For family vacations, you won’t find a finer getaway. There are abundant activities for all ages and interests, from beachside fun to craft and sports gatherings for kids and adults. Horse trekking, whale watching, or visiting the crocodiles at the reptilarium– entertainment is guaranteed for the entire family. Whether it is the challenge of hiking, biking, or scuba diving expeditions, Puerto Vallarta offers activities to delight even the most experienced traveler. very spring, humpback whales wind their way from Alaska to gather in the bay’s shallow waters, and some simply call it Hump- back Bay.

The city offers endless alternatives for food enthusiast from small, family-run taco stands to globally acclaimed restaurants serving everything from regional Mexican cuisine to ingenious contemporary Mexican fare and the most varied international options, all which definitely impress the most sensitive palates.

There’s a wonderful range of choices of where to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Because it’s such a popular place, reservations are really necessary especially during the month of December to April, which is considered the peak season. One can find diverse and plentiful Mexico accommodations, whether it is the primitive bungalows or, bed-and-breakfasts, four and five-star lodging, boutiques, and luxurious villas, all will exceed your expectations. Puerto Vallarta is simply one of the most beautiful, cultured, luxurious vacation spots in all of Mexico, and indeed in the world.

Mexico has seen a lot of growth in the development of luxury beach villas, exquisite surfside residences and vacation homes alike. There are some very affordable luxurious oceanfront property options to explore, just south of the border, and well worth checking into.

Whether you are looking to purchase a home, looking for beachfront real estate investments, or checking out vacation homes for your next holiday, Mexico has a lot to offer.

Why The Move To Mexico?

A large number of Americans have chosen the Baja area as their permanent or retirement home because of its various enticements: beautiful luxury beach villas, ocean views, beaches, mild climate, relaxed lifestyle and the warmth and friendliness of its people.

But probably the biggest reason for the move south of the border is the lower cost of living and the close proximity to southern California.

Some of the most exclusive beachfront real estate can be found in the Baja area; luxury beach villas, seaside estates, and beautiful vacations homes all at far lower prices than the same type of homes just a few miles away in the states.

Area Attractions and Features

The Baja area attractions include tours of its wine country and colonial era missions, ecotourism options in several natural parks, deserts and protected areas, hunting and sport fishing, and water sports like snorkeling, surfing and sailing. Whale watching is another favorite attraction and tours are quite popular during the season from January to March.

With so much to offer; a warm and friendly atmosphere, mild climate and accessibility by land, sea and air, the Baja area has been the choice of tourists for decades when in search of the best value vacation homes.

Not only do visitors to this area receive more amenities for their money but the vacation homes located on oceanfront property in the area have the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Living a Luxurious Lifestyle in your Affordable Dream Home

Known for their architecture and amenities, luxury beach villas, exquisite surfside residences, and private homes on oceanfront property are all favorite choices for Americans moving to Mexico.

The reason the move to Mexico is more affordable is just a matter of economics. You get far more home for your money. More space, more amenities, more luxuries, and more enjoyment from living a life that would be less affordable in the US.

Beachfront real estate has become overpopulated in most areas stateside leaving the opportunity for privacy and enjoyment at a far lower level.

The trend for development of beachfront real estate in the United States has leaned more toward the building of high-rise condominiums and large resort type residences.

In Mexico there are many communities that were developed to cater to those wanting to get away from it all and enjoy a more private less inhibited lifestyle.

Now that we’ve taken a look at why other Americans are moving south of the border to improve their lifestyle and save some money, you may want to check it out for yourself.

Finding a new home in the Baja area or any other area of Mexico isn’t as daunting of a task as you may think. A simple search on the internet will help you start your search.

For an up-close look find a community with homes for sale and ask about their free tours and specials. Many new communities offer you first-class service tours and are very helpful in assisting you in finding the oceanfront property home of your dreams.