Mango

·         The mango is one of the most cultivated fruits in tropical areas of the world, it is native to the South Asian areas of Eastern India, Burma and the Andaman Islands. ·         Buddhist monks are believed to have introduced the mango to Malaysia and eastern Asia around the 5th century B.C. Legend has it that the God Buddha found tranquillity and meditated under the cool shade of a mango tree. ·         The evergreen mango tree can grow as high as 35 - 40 m (115–130 ft).They are a long living tree with some specimens having been known to still bear fruit after 300 years. ·         The flowers of a mango tree are small and white with five petals, and the fruit takes between three and six months to ripen. ·         Mango fruit can come in various shapes, size and colour including yellow, orange, red and green. ·         Mangos contain many nutrients. The vitamin content depends on the variety and maturity of the fruit. When a mango is green and still growing there is a high  vitamin C content, as the fruit ripens and matures the amount of beta carotene (vitamin A) increases. ·         Nearly half of the world's mangoes are produced in India, but the country accounts for less than one percent of the international mango trade due to the fact India consumes most of its own production. ·         More fresh mangoes are eaten around the world every day than any other fruit. ·         Mangoes are a very common food used in a number of cuisines around the world especially in the tropics. The fruit is used in all types of meals and courses such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and used in refreshing juices. ·         Sour, unripe mangoes can be used in chutneys, pickles, as side dishes, or eaten raw on a stick dipped in salt, black pepper, chilli, lime, or soy sauce. ·         Mango lassi is a very popular drink throughout South Asia, it is a combination of ripe mangoes or mango pulp with buttermilk and sugar. Aamras is also a popular thick juice made of mangoes with sugar or milk, and is often consumed with bread or rice. Mangoes are added to smoothies and as a topping on ice cream. ·         Mango salsa and chutney are very popular as accompaniments to salads, chicken, and fish or served as a snack. ·         Ripe mangoes are often used as an ingredient in curries. ·         The mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines. It is also the national tree of Bangladesh. ·         In India and several other cultures the mango fruit and leaves are ritually used as floral decorations at weddings, public celebrations and religious ceremonies. ·         Giving someone a basket of mangoes is considered a gesture of friendship. ·         Common mango varieties in countries such as the US and UK include: Tommy Atkins, Haden, Kent, Keitt, Ataulfo and Francis. In Asian countries such as India popular varieties include Alphonso, Benishaan, Kesar and Chaunsa.

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