One of the most loved fruits worldwide is the mango. A mango is not only a fantastic source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber, but it also represents love in India. In the nation, giving someone a basket of mangoes as a gift is considered friendly. Mangoes are quite popular in India. It may be one of the earliest fruits grown on the subcontinent, but this love goes beyond that.
There are plenty of additional reasons why the “king of fruits” has attracted such a large fan base that crosses all ages, classes, and other distinctions in society. The widespread obsession with mangoes has unified kingdoms, consolidated trade links, and impacted myths and folklore from Alexander the Great to the Mughal emperor Jehangir.
Here are some interesting facts about mangoes that every foodie must know:
One of the first fruits
Mango is one of the first fruits known to India. According to legends, they were first cultivated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is frequently said that the hills of northeastern India that border Myanmar are the most likely spot for the mango’s origin.
The mango tree is sacred to Buddhists
For Buddhists, mangoes hold a special significance. Due to the Buddha’s habit of taking naps in the lush mango groves, they worship it. Additionally, mangoes were regarded as one of the nicest gifts to give and receive. Mangoes gained popularity because Buddhist monks who traveled long distances would take some mangoes with them.
The flavor is irresistible
According to stories, Alexander the Great was likewise charmed by the fruit’s thick, pulpy flavor, and on his journey back to Greece, he brought plenty of mangoes with him.
The origin of the name “mango”is from India
Mangoes were originally referred to in South India as aam-kaay in the Tamil language, but maam-kaay came to be as a result of the prevalence of numerous regional dialects. As a result, maanga became the accepted expression in place of other alternatives. The Portuguese are responsible for both its fame and its modern name, “mango.”
Mangoes are significant in Indian mythology
Mango-related folktales and stories are prevalent in Hindu literature. Mango is considered to be the daughter of the Sun God Surya in one of the earliest mythologies. One day, after tumbling from a mango tree to the earth, a gorgeous princess named Surya Bai appeared out of the mango. A king is enchanted by her beauty and grace and makes a pledge to marry her. The king’s first wife curses and turns the princess into ashes upon seeing the newlyweds. It is reported that another gorgeous mango tree has emerged from the ashes. The princess also underwent reincarnation when one of the fruits fell to the ground.
Mangoes are just as diverse as apples or plums
Mangoes come in countless regional and totally different types. Some are creamy and sweet, some are fruity, a few are a little spicy , a few taste like pineapple, and some—often found in our supermarkets—are just a little boring. If you can, try to find the sweeter types; the Alphonso is a good choice.
Conclusion
When you hear the word mango, you probably think of a mouthwatering fruit that is creamy, flavorful, delicious, and refreshing but also nutritious. Mangoes are grown all over the world in thousands of different varieties, and the majority of them are only available in the summer.
However, the Alphonso mango, which is only available from June to July and has a taste that is both unique and distinct, is the most popular variety of mango. It is larger than any other mango variety and has a vivid yellow tint. The best thing is that India is also home to several mango varieties in addition to the Alphonso mango. Mangoes are among the things that make people eager for the summer. The best part is that you can easily incorporate it into your diet and that it tastes wonderful when added to smoothies and other dishes.