In this article, we examine the history of mango and its different types. Mango tree is native of South Asia, especially Myanmar and India which is one of the most important and widely cultivated fruits in the tropics. Mango is a rich source of vitamins A, C and D.
History of mango and its different types
Mango is inextricably linked to Indian folk culture and religious ceremonies. The name mango, known in English and Spanish-speaking countries, is derived from “Mana” (Malayalam), which the Portuguese called Manga for their spice trade when they arrived in Kerala, India in 1498. Probably due to difficulty in transporting seeds, the tree did not enter the Western Hemisphere until about 1700 AD, when it was planted in Brazil.
Physical description of mango and mango fruit
The tree is evergreen, often reaching a height of 15-18 meters (50-60 feet). The leaves are lanceolate, up to 30 cm (12 inches) long. The flowers are small, pink and fragrant. Some have flags and females, while others have only flags. The size of the fruit is significantly different. Its shape is oval, round or long and narrow. The smallest mangoes are no larger than plums, while they may weigh 1.8 to 2.3 kg (4 to 5 pounds).
The best mango types in the world
Mango, without doubt has the most delicious pleasure that Mother Nature has given us. There are more than thousand different types of mango in the world, which we will examine the most famous of them here:
Alphonso
Origin: Konkan, Maharashtra, India
Other names: Hafoos, Hapus, Alphonse, King of mangoes
Named after the Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque, Alfonso Mango is known as the King of Mangoes. The unique taste and texture make Alfonso the most popular mango variety in the world. Alfonso mango weighs 230 to 260 grams due to its rich taste and lean meat. The season of this species starts from March and lasts until the beginning of June.
Carabao
Origin: Philippines
Other names: Philippine mango or Manila mango
Named after the Philippine buffalo, Carabao is one of the best mangoes in the world.
In 1995, Carabao mangoes entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the sweetest species in the world. It is reported to have 14 species which Sweet Elena is the sweetest. Carabao mango is green in color and if it is immature which it tastes sour and later turns yellow-orange.
This kind of mango is often seen as a symbol of national pride by Philippines. Other popular types of mango in this country include horse mango, apple mango, Pajo, Pico and many more.
Sindhri
Origin: Mirpur Khas, Sindh, Pakistan
Other names: Honey mango
The large oval mango is a Sindhri known as one of the best mangoes in the world. It is often referred to as the mango queen. Sandri mango is famous for its excellent durability and pleasant sweetness. It is also cultivated in Rahim Yarkhan and Multan areas of Pakistan. The harvest season for Sandri begins in mid-May and ends in the last weeks of June. Other types of mangoes found in Pakistan are Anwar Ratool, Chaunsa, Saruli, Samar Bahisht, Fajri, Nilum, Diamond, Sanval, Surkha, Sonra and many more.
Sein Ta Lone
Origin: Myanmar
Other names: Diamond Solitaire mango
“Sein Ta Lone” translates to diamond mango. These valuable mangoes from Myanmar are best known for their non-fibrous and juicy flesh. Diamond mangoes reach 15 cm in length and weigh more than 3 pounds (about 1.3 kg). Diamond mangoes are on the market from April to August and are generally grown in southern Myanmar.
Ataulfo
Origin: Mexico
Other names: Adaulfo, Adolfo or Champagne
This type of mango, named after Ataulfo Morales Gordillo, is recognizable by its golden yellow skin. Ataulfo mango is mainly produced in Mexico and is largely exported. It is mostly known for its beautiful Korean texture. Ataulfo is a descendant of Philipino mangoes. Its seedling arrived in Mexico during the 18th-century Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. In 2016, the Mexican Industrial Property Institute designated the state of Chiapas as the origin of Ataulfo. Many consider Ataulfo to be as valuable to Mexico as champagne to France. Undoubtedly, Ataulfo is one of the best mangoes in the world.
The largest mango types producing countries in the world
- India 15188000 tons
- China 4350000 tons
- Thailand 2600000 tons
- Indonesia 2131139 tons
- Pakistan 1888449 tons
- Mexico 1827314 tons
- Brazil 1249521 tons
- Bangladesh 889176 tons
- Nigeria 850,000 tons
- Philippines 800551 tons
Nutrition fact of mango in 100 g
- Calories 60
- Total fat 0.4 g
- Saturated fat 0.1 g
- Unsaturated fat 0.1 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 1 mg
- Potassium 168 mg
- Total carbohydrates 15 g
- Fiber 1.6 g
- sugar 14 g
- Protein 0.8 g
Health benefits of mango
Fresh and dried mangoes are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for example vitamin K prevents anemia in fact studies show that mango improves immunity, gastrointestinal health and vision and also as well as reducing the risk of some cancers.
Dried mango
Dried mango is one of the best option as a snack which can also be used in a variety of salads which for mango lovers who live in places where mangoes do not grow naturally dried mango is a good alternative choice.
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