Nutritional Value Of Mangos

Mangos belong to the same family as that of pistachios, gandaria, mombin and cashews. Some common names for mango are mangot, manga, and mangou, depending on the region or nation. It originated in southern Asia, more specifically in Burma and eastern India, almost 4,000 years ago. Many stories in Indian mythology include the mention of the mango plant, and Lord Buddha is said to have often meditated in a mango grove. Mango cultivation first spread to Malaysia, eastern Asia and eastern Africa and was finally introduced to California around 1880. They were introduced to Africa and Brazil by Portuguese explorers, while mango cultivation started in Hawaii and Florida around the 19th century.

According to Indian beliefs, mangos symbolize life (it is the national fruit of India) and is used in almost every sacred ritual. Mango leaves are almost always used for festivals and wedding decorations. ‘Chutney’ made from Indian mangos is the original chutney and has become universally popular. Today, India remains the world’s major producer of mangos, but Thailand, China, Brazil and Mexico also cultivate this highly beneficial fruit.