India Mango, the Obsession

Exceptionally sweet, rich and smooth, Indian mangoes are among the finest in the world, and thus a much-loved symbol of national pride and identity. Because the delectable fruit is available for only a few months each year, mango season becomes a national sensation on both socially, and commercially.

India has long been the single largest producer of mangoes globally, growing over 40 percent of the world’s total supply. But it accounts for only about one percent of the international mango trade. Import regulation issues have meant that Indian mangoes aren’t easily available in the US, UK, and Europe. Domestic demand is so high though, that India is able to consume most of the millions of tons of mangoes produced annually, locally.

FUN FACTS
• Mangos are one of the most popular fruit in the World
• Mangos were first grown in India over 5,000 years ago
• Mango seeds traveled with humans from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa and South America beginning around 300 or 400 A.D.
• The paisley pattern, developed in India, is based on the shape of a mango
• A basket of mangos is considered a gesture of friendship in India
• Legend says that Buddha meditated under the cool shade of a mango tree
• Mangos are related to cashews and pistachios
• A mango tree can grow as tall as 100 feet
• The bark, leaves, skin, and pit of the mango have been used in folk remedies for centuries

Health Benefits
• One cup of mangos is just 100 calories, so it’s a satisfyingly sweet treat.
• Each serving of mango is fat-free, sodium free and cholesterol free.
• Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals, helping to make them a superfood.

Selection & Ripening
• Don’t judge a mango by its color – red/yellow does not mean ripe
• Squeeze gently to judge ripeness
• A ripe mango will “give” slightly and a firm mango will ripen at room temperature over a few days
• To speed up ripening, place mangos in a paper bag at room temperature
• Once ripe, mangos can be moved to the refrigerator to slow down ripening for several days
• For more information on how to choose a mango

Reference:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/leezamangaldas/2017/03/22/6-facts-you-may-not-have-known-about-indias-obsession-with-mangoes/#4d30072f4c5e
http://www.indiaonlinepages.com/national-symbols/national-fruit.html
http://www.mango.org/en/About-Mangos/Mango-Facts