Mango is a “hidden gem” fruit that grows in Asia, as it is by far one of the most exotic, and tasty fruits you can eat.
- A mango is an edible stone fruit.
- It is produced by the tropical tree Mangifera indica
- Is believed to have originated from the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northeastern India.
- M. indica has been cultivated in South and Southeast Asia since ancient times.
- This resulted in two distinct types of modern mango cultivars: the “Indian type” and the “Southeast Asian type”.
- Other species in the genus Mangifera also produce edible fruits that are also called “mangoes”, the majority of which are found in the Malesian ecoregion.
- Worldwide, there are several hundred cultivars of mango.
- Depending on the cultivar, mango fruit varies in size, shape, sweetness, skin color, and flesh color which may be pale yellow, gold, or orange.
- Mango is the national fruit of India and Pakistan.
- Also, it is the national tree of Bangladesh.
- The English word mango originated from the Portuguese word, manga, from the Malay mangga, probably ultimately from the Dravidian (Tamil) man (“mango tree”) + kay (“fruit”).
- It plural is either “mangoes” or “mangos”.
- Mangoes first appeared in India over 5,000 years ago.
- Around 300 or 400 A.D., the seeds spread from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa and South America thanks to traveling humans.
- Mangoes are related to cashews and pistachios.
- Their trees can grow up to 100 feet with a canopy of over 35 feet.
- Trees can still bear fruit after 300 years.
- Their flowers are pollinated by insects.
- Less than 1% of the flowers will mature.
- It takes about 4 to 6 years for a tree to bear fruit.
- Trees are harvested once a year.
- It takes about 4 months for the fruit to mature and each one is harvested by hand.
- Mango leaves are toxic for cattle feed. Burning their leaves, wood, or debris is also toxic.
- The fruit is not judged on ripeness by color, but by squeezing. A ripe mango should have a little give.
- A firm fruit will ripen at room temperature within a few days.
- India is the largest producer of the fruit, followed by China and Thailand.
- Majority of the mangoes sold in the United States come from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, and Haiti.
- The first attempt to introduce mangoes to the U.S. was made in Florida in 1833.
- There are over 500 varieties throughout the world. The most popular varieties sold in the United States are Tommy Atkins, Haden, Kent, Keitt, Ataulfo and Francis.
- The fruit is available all year.
