Mango – Essay 1.
Introduction
A mango is a very juicy fruit that is mostly found in tropical areas. Mangoes have very many health benefits which makes it a popular fruit around the world. A ripe mango can be used to make healthy and natural fruit juices. It has a very unique flavor which is why many juice brands often offer a mango flavored drink.
Where the mango was first discovered
Mangoes are believed to have been first discovered in North East of India in the areas of Bangladesh and Western Myanmar. Scientists came to this conclusion after fossil remains were discovered in the regions that were dated to be between 25 and 30 million years old.
It is hence assumed that mangoes were first cultivated in the Indian region before the practice spread to other Asian countries and to other parts of the world. The spread of mangoes to other countries came as a result of the travels of Buddhist monks who tool mangoes to East Africa and Malaya. When the Portuguese also came to India in the fifteenth century, they spread the art of domesticating and cultivating the fruit to other continents.
Characteristics of a mango
- An unripe mango is green in colour and it is usually very sour.
- When a mango becomes ripe, it changes its colour from green to a pale yellow or orange and it is also very sweet.
- A mature and ready mango fruit has a weight of about a quarter pound to 3 pounds.
- A mango fruit usually takes a round shape. Some other mango varieties may however take an ovate shape.
- A ripe and mature mango fruit has a smooth and thin skin. The skin is also tough to protect the inner fruit.
- A mango fruit has one seed that is usually flat and is centrally located.
- The flesh of a ripe mango fruit is juicy and has fiber.
Where do most mangoes come from?
- India can be termed as the country that produces the highest amounts of mangoes. On average, the country produces 18 million tonnes of mangoes annually. There are over 2,309,000 acres of land that is set aside for mango farming. Some of the states that produce a lot of mangoes in the country include Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- China is also another country that produces a lot of mangoes. The country can produce an average of 4.77 million tonnes of mango fruits annually. The southern region of the country is where mangoes are mostly grown due to the warmer temperatures.
- Thailand is also a country that produces and average of 3.4 million tonnes of mangoes annually. 753,671 acres of land in the country have been set aside for mango farming. The country mostly exports processed versions of the fruit which may include dried, frozen and canned. Fresh mango fruits are also exported.
- Mexico is also a leading producer of the mango fruit. On average, about 1,911, 108 tonnes of mango fruit are produced annually in the country. The country is the number one exporter of mangoes to the USA as over 70% of mangoes eaten in the USA come from Mexico.
- Pakistan produces has an average annual production of about 1,784,300 tonnes of mangoes.
- Brazil is a country that has a climate and soil type that is most favorable for mango farming. About 1, 188,910 tonnes of mangoes are produced annually in the country. The country however mostly produces the Tommy Atkins variety which has low prices in the global market. Other varieties are however being introduced.
- Nigeria is the leading producer of mango fruit in the African continent. On average, 790,200 tonnes of mangoes are produced annually. This equates to about 3% of the total world mango production.
National fruit of India
The National fruit of India is the Mango fruit. India is the leading producer of the mango fruit in the world. In the country, the mango fruit is a representation of abundance, prosperity and wealth. The fruit was first discovered in the region billions of years ago. Indian rulers also planted mango trees on the side of roads and this served as a symbol of prosperity. Due to the rich background that the fruit has in India, it is the perfect representation of a mango fruit.
Conclusion
The mango fruit is a very beneficial fruit. Besides its many nutritional and health benefits, it is a fruit that is very sweet and refreshing. The mango fruit has been in existence for a long time and its cultivation originated in India. However, over the years, the fruit has spread to other parts of the world where different varieties are grown.
By Mary
Mango – Essay 2.
The mango is a fruit under the genus Mangifera. Mangoes appears in different types in terms of their color, flavor, seed as well as their shape. The outer skin of mangoes can either be red, orange or green.
The summer fruit is also often considered the king of fruits. Its sweet and slightly tangy taste is comparable to no other fruit. Also, it is versatile in the way it can be used for cooking.
Mango ice creams and sorbets are very popular. In India, the pulp of mango, sometimes sweetened lightly is a popular dessert in summer. It is often added in yogurt or candied into sweets or bars to be stored for a longer time; it is also regularly used to make drinks for its flavor and also for therapeutic uses.
Raw mangoes are used to make some flavourful chutneys and pickles. Dried mangoes in powdered form are a popular spice to add the special tang in many dishes.
Varieties of Mangoes
Alphonso mango that is believed to have been introduced by Alphonse to Goa is one of the most sought after varieties. It is considered the ‘King of mangoes.’ There are other varieties like Chausa, Langda, Dussehri, etc. which are famous for their taste. Others like Safeda, Kesar, etc. are used for other products like pickles, jams or other preserves.
Conditions favoring mango growth
Mangos grow well in areas with relatively low rainfall and humidity with warm temperatures. The soils that support mango growth should be well-drained, fertile with less acidity. The mango prefers low laying areas to the highlands. They also do well in coastal areas where the temperatures average. The average annual temperatures that support the growth of mangos ranges from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Conclusion
The mango fruit is an essential fruit that contributes to the health of individuals as well as helping them maintain perfect health by preventing some common diseases such as asthma. India produces over 50% of the mangoes across the world. Given its versatile taste and uses, it is not surprising that mango is named the national fruit of India.
By Teamwork
Last Updated: February 23, 2019