Mango

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

A mango is a type of fruit. The mango tree is native to South Asia, from where it has been taken to become one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the tropics.It is harvested in the month of march(summer season) till the end of May.

Mangos - single and halved.jpg

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

  • Name: Mangifera indica
  • Image: A picture of unripe mango fruits
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Magnoliophyta (flowering plants)
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Sapindales
  • Family: Anacardiaceae
  • Genus: Mangifera
  • Genus authority: L. (Carolus Linnaeus)

National fruit[edit | edit source]

Pakistan and India share the major export market of mangoes. It is also their national fruit.

Taste[edit | edit source]

Ripe mangoes are very sweet in taste but they are bitterly sour before they ripen. There are many different types of mangoes found in India such as Langra, Dusshera, Chausa, Tota, Safadi. Alphonso mangoes can be found in various parts of western India.

These mangoes are also indigenous to the southern part of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom. Described by these southerners (the Ibibios) as Grade 1 mangoes.

Mango trees[edit | edit source]

A mango tree

The tree is mainly known for its fruit rather than for its wood. However, mango trees can be converted to lumber once their fruit bearing lifespan had finished. The wood is susceptible to damage from fungi and insects. The wood is used for musical instruments such as Ukeleles, plywood and low-cost furniture. The wood is also known to produce phenolic substances that can cause dermatitis. It was the state tree of Junagadh State.

Mango is a tropical fruit that is native to South Asia, but is now grown and consumed in many different countries around the world. It is known for its sweet, juicy flavor and bright orange flesh.

Culinary Uses[edit | edit source]

  • Mango can be eaten raw or cooked, and is used in a wide variety of dishes and preparations. It is commonly used in smoothies, salads, and chutneys, and can also be used to make jams, sauces, and desserts.
  • In many cultures, mango is paired with other ingredients, such as chili powder, lime, or coconut, to enhance its flavor. It is also commonly used in savory dishes, such as curries and stir-fries.
Mango cross sections
Mango cross sections

Nutritional Value[edit | edit source]

  • Mango is a good source of vitamins C and A, potassium, and fiber. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
  • Mango has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cancer, promoting heart health, and improving digestion. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Production and Distribution[edit | edit source]

  • Mango is grown and consumed in many different countries around the world, with the largest producers including India, China, and Thailand. The fruit is typically harvested in the summer months, and can be stored and transported in a variety of different forms, such as fresh, frozen, or canned.
  • Mango is widely available in most grocery stores and supermarkets, and can be found in a variety of different forms, such as fresh, frozen, or canned. It is also commonly used as an ingredient in a variety of different food products, such as smoothies, sauces, and desserts.

Interesting facts about Mango[edit | edit source]

Mango lassi drink
Mango lassi drink

Here are some interesting facts about mangoes:

  • Mangoes are the most popular fruit eaten in the world, as common as apples to more than half the world's population.
  • Mangoes originated in Southeast Asia or India over 4,000 years ago.
  • Mango trees require hot, tropical weather to produce fruit.
  • Mangoes grow on trees, which can reach up to 60 feet tall.
  • Mangoes hang from the tree like lollipops on long stems.
  • Most of the mangoes in the United States are shipped in from Mexico, Haiti, the Caribbean, and South America.
  • Asia produces three-quarters of the world’s mangoes.
  • India consumes the most mangoes and calls them the fruit of the gods.
  • There are over a 1,000 varieties of mangoes.
  • Mangoes can weigh a few ounces to five pounds and range in color from yellow to green to orange or red.
  • Mangoes are juicy and taste like a combination of peach and pineapple.
  • Mangoes have a large flat stone in the middle of the fruit that is difficult to remove.
  • Mangoes are high in vitamin A; a half of a mango contains 40% of your recommended daily value. Vitamin A is important for cell growth and development, for fighting off diseases, and for good vision.
  • Mangoes are kidney-shaped.
  • A firm mango will ripen, if left unrefrigerated, in just a few days.

See also[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD