National Mango Day

Team Udayavani, Jul 22, 2021, 5:39 PM IST

Source: Unsplash

Mango is the national fruit of India and is a part of the culture and history of many countries.

Mangoes were first grown in India 5000 years ago. It is believed that mangoes originated between Myanmar, Bangladesh, and North East India. It is called the king of fruits in India.

National Mango Day or Mango Day is celebrated on July 22 every year.

The scientific name of Mango is Mangifera Indica and is a member of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). The mango tree is considered indigenous to eastern Asia, Myanmar (Burma), and the Assam state of India. Mangoes are rich sources of vitamins A, C, and D.

Mangoes can be eaten ripe and are also used for making pickles.

The name mango was derived from the Malayalam manna and when the Portuguese came to Kerala in 1498 for the spice trade adapted it as manga. The tree was not introduced into the Western Hemisphere until about 1700, due to  the difficulty in transporting seeds. When the tree was planted in Brazil, it reached West Indies in about 1740.

Some interesting facts about Mango.

• Mango bark, leaves, pulp have been used for centuries as home medicines.
• Japanese Miyazaki is one of the most expensive mangoes in the world.
• Bangladesh declared the mango tree as its national tree in 2019.
• A ripe mango is 14% sugar by weight and 0.5% acid by weight.

Mango day is celebrated in different ways in every country. On this occasion, you can try many recipes at home by buying mangoes. You can also campaign on social media with new hashtags and share history, photos and facts about the fruit.