Mango is a flowering fruit plant belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It’s a drupe, consisting of an outer skin, a fleshy edible portion, and a central stone enclosing a single seedis. It’s a tropical fruit from the Mangifera indica tree which is the scientific name. Originally from South Asia, it is now grown in many warm regions.
Mangoes have sweet, juicy flesh and come in colors like yellow, orange, red, and green. They are full of vitamins A, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them healthy and tasty. You can eat mangoes fresh, dried, or use them in various dishes and drinks. Another well-known fruit in the same family is the cashew. It’s name is derived from the Malayalam word “māṅṅa,” which was adopted into Portuguese as “manga” during the spice trade in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Portuguese introduced the word to other European languages, including English.
Historical Background of Mango
Mangoes have a history dating back thousands of years, originating in South Asia, particularly in northeastern India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. They have been cultivated for over 4,000 years and were highly valued by ancient Indian kings. By the 4th and 5th centuries BCE, mangoes spread to East Asia. Persian traders introduced them to the Middle East and Africa in the 10th century. Portuguese explorers brought mangoes to Brazil in the 16th century, and from there, they spread throughout the Americas.
Today, mangoes are grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, becoming a beloved fruit in many cultures for their sweet taste and nutritional benefits.
Types of Mango
There are over 90 varieties of mangoes grown around the world, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and appearance. Here are a few popular types:
- Alphonso
- Haden
- Kent
- Ataulfo
- Tommy Atkin
- Keitt
- Palmer
1. Alphonso mangoes
This type is often called the King of Mangoes is a highly prized variety known for its rich, creamy texture and sweet, intense flavor. It comes from India, especially from the Ratnagiri and Devgad regions of Maharashtra. This mango stands out with its vibrant orange color, non-fibrous pulp, and unique aroma.
We can use it by eating fresh. They are very popular for their delicious taste. Also used in ice creams, cakes, puddings, and Indian sweets like mango lassi and aamras and its Ideal for juices, smoothies, and cocktails due to their strong flavor and sweetness. We can add in cooked salads, chutneys, and various dishes for a sweet and tangy flavor. Because of their high quality and special taste, these types are in great demand, especially during the mango season.
2. Haden Mangoes
The popular variety of mango known for its attractive appearance and delicious taste. originated in Florida in 1902 and is widely grown in the United States. This mango is easily recognizable by its bright red skin with green and yellow areas, adorned with small white dots. It boasts a juicy, sweet, and slightly tart flavor, a smooth, non-fibrous texture, and a pleasant fruity aroma.
These are versatile in their uses: they are great to eat fresh, add a tropical flavor to fruit or green salads, are perfect for making mango salsas, and are commonly used in smoothies, ice creams, and cakes. Additionally, they enhance dishes like chutneys, sauces, and marinades. Loved for their delicious taste and smooth texture, Haden mangoes are a favorite among mango enthusiasts.
3. Kent Mangoes
These types are known for their sweet and juicy flavor. It originated in Florida in the 1940s and is now widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Key features are their green skin with a red or yellow blush when ripe, sweet and rich flesh with very little fiber, smooth and buttery texture, and pleasant, fruity aroma. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed fresh for its sweet taste, added to fruit salads for extra sweetness, used in desserts like smoothies, sorbets, and cakes, and are suitable for making salsas, chutneys, and sauces. They are prized for their rich flavor, smooth texture, and versatility in a variety of dishes.
4. Ataulfo Mangoes
They are also known as the “Honey Mango” due to its exceptionally sweet flavor and rich taste reminiscent of honey. It is a small, kidney-shaped variety prized for its smooth, buttery texture and exceptionally sweet flavor. Originating in Mexico, it stands out with its bright yellow skin when ripe and creamy, non-fibrous flesh. They are enjoyed fresh, straight from the fruit, for their sweet and creamy taste. They add a natural sweetness to fruit salads and green salads, enhancing both flavors and textures. In desserts, they are perfect for blending into smoothies, creating refreshing sorbets, or enriching creamy puddings. Their rich flavor and smooth consistency also make them ideal for preparing flavorful salsas, chutneys, and sauces.
These types are beloved worldwide not only for their delicious taste and texture but also for their ability to enhance both savory and sweet dishes, making them a favorite among mango aficionados.
5. Tommy atkin mangoes
This is one of the most widely grown commercial varieties globally. It is known for its resilience to disease, making it a popular choice for cultivation. The name “Tommy Atkins” was not based on a person, but rather a randomly assigned label given to the mango variety when it was imported into the United States from Haiti in the late 1920s. This variety of mango is characterized by its large size, colorful appearance with green, orange, yellow, and red hues, and fibrous flesh. It is primarily used for fresh consumption and can also be used in various culinary applications such as salads, smoothies, and chutneys.
6. Keitt Mangoes
The Keitt mango is a popular late-season mango variety known for its large size, green skin even when ripe, and excellent taste. Originating in Florida, the Keitt mango is distinguished by its juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. Its flesh is smooth, firm, and relatively free of fibers, making it a favorite for fresh consumption. They are also great in fruit and green salads, adding a refreshing touch. In desserts, they are used in smoothies, sorbets, and baked goods. Additionally, their firm texture and balanced flavor make them ideal for salsas, chutneys, and sauces. Keitt mangoes are loved for their delicious taste, smooth texture, and versatility, making them a popular choice for fresh eating and various culinary dishes.
7. palmer Mangoes
Palmer mangoes are medium to large, weighing about 1-2 pounds each, and are oval-shaped. They start green and turn a pretty red-purple when ripe. The flesh is orange-yellow, sweet, and mild, with hardly any fibers, making them easy to eat. Originally grown from a seed in Florida in 1925, Palmer mangoes are now enjoyed worldwide. These types are great for eating fresh or using in drinks and desserts because they are so sweet and juicy. Their late-season availability and delicious flavor make them a favorite for extending mango enjoyment into the end of summer.
5 Health Benefits of Mango
Mangoes offer numerous health benefits due to their rich content of vitamins A, vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some key benefits:
1. Bone Health
Mangoes are high in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot properly and prevents anemia. It also plays a crucial role in strengthening bones.
2. Healing and Collagen Formation
Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, essential for forming blood vessels and healthy collagen, which aids in healing.
3. Cancer Prevention
It contain beta carotene, an antioxidant that gives them their yellow-orenge color. Beta carotene helps to fight free radicals, which can damage cells and potentially leads to cancer
4. Heart Health
Mangoes support cardiovascular health by providing magnesium and potassium, which help lower blood pressure and maintain a regular pulse. They also contain mangiferin. Mangiferin is a compound that may reduce heart inflammation
5. Eye Health
also provide vitamins A, essential for preventing conditions like dry eyes and nighttime blindness. A diet lacking in vitamin A can lead to more severe eye issues, such as corneal scarring. They are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants concentrated in the retina, especially in the macula. These nutrients act like a natural sunblock, absorbing excess light and protecting against harmful blue light. Eating it, can contribute to your overall health by strengthening bones, supporting healing, reducing cancer risk, and promoting heart health.
The Nutrients of Mango
It has many nutrients but we are suggests that what the studies suggested. It includes
- vitamins A
- vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Beta-carotene
- Folate
- Choline
- Magnesium There are another nutrients are also exist but small in amount these are:
- Dietary Fiber
- vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
- Copper
- Calcium
- Iron
- Antioxidants (such as mangiferin, quercetin, and astragalin).
Each of the nutrients have their own role in our health.
The Nutrients found in Mango per 100 gram
nutrients found in mango per 100 grams:
Nutrient | Amount |
vitamins A | 54 IU |
vitamin C | 36.4 mg |
Vitamin K | 2.6 mcg |
Potassium | 168 mg |
Beta-carotene | 445 mcg |
Folate | 14 mcg |
Choline | 7.6 mg |
Magnesium | 10 mg |
Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g |
vitamin E | 0.9 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.134 mg |
Copper | 0.110 mg |
Calcium | 11 mg |
Iron | 0.16 mg |
Conclusion
In conclusion, mango is a tropical fruit known for its rich history, diverse varieties, and numerous health benefits. It provides essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, potassium, and dietary fiber, supporting overall well-being, including eye health. Mangoes’ historical significance and various types highlight their cultural and culinary importance worldwide. Incorporating mango into your diet not only adds delicious flavor but also contributes to a balanced and nutritious eating plan. Its versatility in recipes and refreshing taste make mango a delightful choice for promoting health and enjoying diverse culinary experiences.