Mango - The King Of Fruits

The mango originated in Southeast Asia where it has been grown for over 4,000 years.

Over the years mango groves have spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world, where the climate allows the mango to grow best. Mango is the favourite fruit of a great multitude among us. But not many among us know enough about this healthy and tasty seasonal fruit, which often comes with great fragrance too.

This juicy stone fruit or drupe belongs to the genus Mangifera. Its scientific name is Mangifera Indica. Though mango is native to South Asia, its taste has gained worldwide fame over the millennia. More precisely speaking, mango's origins can be traced to areas in north-east India, Burma and Andaman Islands.

Some 1,000 varieties of mangoes are grown in India, the world's largest producer of the fruit. The Alphonso mango grown on the west coast of India is termed as the "king of mangoes". The wide variety of mangoes produced in India, the range of taste and flavours and of course the long season from April to August, all contribute to positioning the mango as the potentially most important fruit of India. India produces many breeds such as Dussehri, Langda, Safeda and Chausa, which are grown in North India and can be harvested later even upto July, than the Haffus for which the season ends in May.

Alphonso mangoes are among the most superior varieties of mangoes found in the country. They are also more expensive than other varieties of mangoes found in India. Alphonso mangoes have rich, creamy texture and they have low fibre content. Alphonso mango was introduced in India by the Portuguese colonisers and they are primarily grown in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Ambrosia of the Gods