Mango - King of Fruits

Scientific Synonym - Mangifera Indica

Also known as - Mango, Mangot, Manga, Mangou The name 'mango' is derived from the Tamil word 'mangkay' or 'man-gay'. When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as 'manga

Native to - Indian subcontinent It reached East Asia , East Africa and subsequently introduced to Brazil, West Indies and Mexico. Other regions where mango is cultivated include North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, south, west and central Africa, Australia, China, Pakistan and Southeast Asia.

Rich Source of - Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper and Vitamin A Mangoes also contain several important phytochemicals including: Cryptoxanthin, Lutein, Gallic Acid and Anacardic acid. Vitamin C promotes healthy immune function and collagen formation. Vitamin A is important for vision and bone growth.

Tastes like - sweet, aromatic, smooth and luxurious flavor

Propagation - Seedlings are a gamble. To grow mangoes from seed, remove the husk and plant the seed (before it dries out) with the hump at soil level. The seeds normally germinate in two to four weeks, and do best with bottom heat. Bats plant mango trees, the ones that can carry a mango fruit away from the parent tree and drop the seed, are the most effective mango tree planters.

Interesting Facts!!!

• It is also the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines
• Over a 1000 varieties of Mangos exist
• Mangos scored 93 out of 100 on the recently introduced NuVal scoring system for overall nutritional quality
• The Mango which is known to be the “king of the mangoes” is the Alphonso Mango due to its rich flavour
• Its leaves are ritually used as floral decorations at weddings and religious ceremonies
• If you are too thin and want to gain weight, a ripe mango consumed with milk in the form of a mango shake will help
• Mango wood is also used to make rafters, window frames, agricultural implements, boxes, plywood and charcoal
• Mango wood is used to make boats and dugout canoes. It is used to make elegant furniture, carved and turned bowls, vases, jewelry, drums, ukuleles, and toys
• Mango leaves are used for mulch and to feed cattle. The kernel from the mango seed is eaten as famine food, when people are short on food. Oil can be pressed from the kernel and used to make soap
• The leaves are used for mulch. The tree itself is a useful windbreak
• The tree is a sacred tree to Hindus because Prajapati, the Lord of Creatures, was changed into a mango tree
• Burning of mango wood, leaves and debris is not advised - toxic fumes can cause serious irritation to eyes and lungs
• Mango leaves are considered toxic and can kill cattle or other grazing livestock

Sought by - Parrots, squrilles, Monkeys, Bats

Availability - May to September

Health Benefits -

• Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals
• Mangoes contain beta-carotene which may help slow the aging process
• Improves lung function
• One of the benefits of mangoes comes from the presence of gallic acid. Since it is binding to the bowels, gallic acid works as a wonderful disinfectant for the body
• Mangoes are also wonderful blood cleansers
• It is also supposed to reduce excessive heat in the body and prevent body odors
• If you feel low in energy and are constantly tired, mangoes can be very beneficial
• Since it is rich in vitamin content, it provides the body with strength and stamina
• According to Ayurveda, mangoes improve appetite and build your resistance against diseases
• Mangoes also improve digestion and cure constipation
• If you want a radiant glow to your skin, don’t forget to take mangoes with milk and honey on a regular basis
• This will not only leave you with a blemish-free skin, but also improve your concentration
• The high phenol content in mangoes makes them a powerful anti-cancer fighting agent