Mango(PART-1)

"Hello readers, I know it's been a while since we last caught up with a new article about another vein of food. Well, the wait is over for both sides as here I am with a new article about something that is not only considered the King of Fruits but also the King of many hearts-Mango. Read ahead to know what an amazing one stop source of wonderous facts it is."

THIS ARTICLE IS DIVIDED IN THREE PARTS AS PER INTRODUCTION & HISTORY, VARIETIES AND MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE.

The Mango Tree is an evergreen variety bearing terminal panicles (loose clusters) of small, pinkish, whitish and yellowish flowers, with leaves that are 30 cm long and 8 cm wide, oval or kidney shaped fruits; called Magnifera Indica lies in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). It is commonly known as the Mango tree which extends upto 50-60 ft including its stout trunk and dense dome of foliage. The leaves are pointed at both ends, upto 25 cm long, 8 cm wide and spirally arranged around branches. The foliage takes a dome shape, which on an average, measures upto 1000-4500 cm. This dome includes around 3000 tiny whitish-red or yellowish-green flowers which have a distinct fragrance. Later, these flowers develop into oval/ kidney-shaped/ heart-shaped fruits with a flat stone seed. These fruits vary from green, red, yellow or a mix of these colours. They measure around 5-25 cm long and weigh from 0.14-2kg respective to different varieties. The largest mango recorded is 2kg. Mangoes grow well in a dry atmosphere as humidity develops fungal diseases in the flowers and fruits. The life-span of the tree is upto 300 years.

Mangoes have originated from Bharat and travelled to China in the 7th century. Huang-tsang was then responsible to introduce mango to the world. In the 1498, the Portugese came in as spice traders and took the ‘Manna’ (Mango in Malayalam) fruit from Kerala and started calling it ‘Manga’. The traders then took the mango seeds from India to the Middle East; East Africa around the 10th century. Later in the 15th century, mango gained consumers in South and South East Asia (other then India). The tree was introduced to the western hemisphere in the 1700s. Manga was then called ‘Mango’ by the English and Spanish consumers. Mexico was introduced to mangoes by Spanish explorers in the 17th century as well. Mango tree cultivation began in Brazil and West Indies in 1740. Mango came into recognizance in Jamaica and Hawaii in the years 1782 & 1809 respectively. Spain first unsuccessfully attempted to introduce mangoes in Florida in 1833. Later, in the second half of the 19th century, it was positively accepted throughout America.

The mango tree is more than a food providing source in the Indian culture. Mango tree or ‘Kalpavruksh’ (wish granting tree). It has been a cultural treasure of Bharat which is cultivated in the South Asia for more than 4000 years. The significance has been mentioned in the cultural, religious, medicinal and socio-economic scriptures. The Ramayana also notes the description of Kalpavruksh and its fruits. The economic importance of mangoes is commuted through the Sanskrit name ‘Aamra’- provisions of victuals. The Stupa of Bharhut (110 BC) also proves the origin of the tree and holds inscriptions about the subject of mango. Till date, the ritual of hanging mango leaves on entrances and doors while celebrating auspicious occasions like Hindu New Years, Weddings, etc., usage of mango tree barks in Hawans (ritual of worshipping by giving offerings to fire)…. much more, are intact and well alive. Mango twigs are too great oral health boosters and used as brushes for teeth. Mango is a symbol of love & fertility. Mango was also found in travel notes of buddhist pilgrims like Fahein & Sung-yun, which mentioned about the mango orchard gifted by Amradharika to Gautam Buddha as a place to rest and meditate. Alexander, too, mentioned in his travel notes (327 BC), the spotting of mango gardens in the Indus valley during one of his invasions. Notes of other foreign travellers from between 632 AD-1508 AD also mention about this fruit, tree and mango plantations in the region of Bharat Varsh then.

The Portugese, along with spreading the mango tree to the world, began cultivating this mono-embryotic fruit through grafting in Asia. Portugal traders and invaders also cloned some original Indian varieties through vegetative propogation and developed many now famous varieties like- Alphonso (named after Alfonso de Albuquerque-Potugese Genral), Dashehari, Langra, etc. These varieties were highly cultivated and glorified during Akbar’s reign (1542 AD-1605 AD).

After reaching Asia, it was considered to be a symbol of prosperity there and was limited to the royals initially. South-East Asian Kings owned orchards of their private cultivars. These orchards showed their social standing and were a matter of pride for the Kings. Mango was considered to be so glorious amongst these royals, that a custom of gifting the choicest mangoes was maintained by them.

Mango has ruled the world since it has been found and there’s no end to its reign, hence it is declared as the national fruit of India, Pakistan & Phillipines.

"Coming to an end to this part which holds the importance and history of the mango tree, tune in for the other two parts bearing its varieties and medicinal importance."