Mango

Origin / Growing regions:
Mangos are grown from East Asia to South and Southeast Asia to several regions of East and West Africa and in suitable climate zones of the (subtropical) American continent.

Description:
Mangos are stone fruits which grow on evergreen trees that reach heights of 10 to 30 metres. They are originated in East Asia (India, the Malaysian archipelago and South China). Mangos have been cultivated in India, which is still the world’s largest producer, for over 4,000 years. They are regarded as the national fruit of India and believed to have secret powers.

Fruit:
Mangos vary from plum- to melon-size. There are roughly 1,000 varieties which come in wide range of shapes (oval, heart-shaped or round) and colours (green, orange, yellow and red). The fruit weigh between 100 grams and two kilograms. The more or less fibrous, tender, apricot-coloured pulp lies beneath a leathery, inedible skin and encloses an elongated pit that is difficult to remove.

Flavour:
The pulp of the mango is very juice and has a sweetish or slightly sour taste, depending on the variety. Its aroma is similar to that of the peach.

Distinctive characteristics:
Mangos have the highest provitamin A content of any fruit known to mankind and contain roughly as much vitamin C as lemons and a number of essential mineral substances. The pulp has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.