The mango is so popular around the world that it even has its own special day: Today is Mango Day. It is one of the most eaten fruits in the world; there are more than 2000 varieties of it. In some countries the mango tree is even sacred.
Every year on July 22nd is Mango Day. The tropical fruit is rich in vitamins, extremely delicious and tastes like a holiday. Whether as chutney, raw as fruit, as an accompaniment to fish and meat dishes or in salads: the mango is one of the most popular fruits worldwide and is now available in almost all supermarkets. Here are some surprising, curious, fun facts about the mango.
Among the most eaten fruits in the world
The mango is the fruit that is eaten the most around the world, along with bananas. While fruits like apples rank higher in this country, the mango is the absolute leader in countries like India, Pakistan or Myanmar.
Mango trees bear 300 fruits a year
Mangoes grow on a tree that can grow up to 45 meters high and develop a tree crown of 30 meters in diameter. It can bear up to 300 fruits per year. The evergreen mango tree can be found in almost all subtropical and tropical areas. Incidentally, the mango tree is extremely long-lived: some trees still produce fruit even after 300 years.
Mango also grows in Europe
Due to cultivation, mangoes are now grown in almost all parts of the world. Even in Europe there are some plantations, mainly found in Spain, more specifically in the Canary Islands. About 75 percent of world production comes from Asia.
The mango tree is sacred in India
In India in particular, the mango tree is considered sacred in religious tradition, both by Hindus and Buddhists. Buddha is said to have stopped in a mango grove and praised the tree for its longevity, power and strength. Many Indians believe that the mango tree has magical powers. Hindus even brush their teeth with mango twigs during holy holidays.
Over 2000 varieties worldwide
Of the more than 2000 existing mango varieties, only about 30 different types come onto the German market. Mangoes vary in size from about the size of a plum to fruits weighing up to two kilograms. The color varies between red, yellow and green. But the different varieties also differ in terms of taste: The Philippine Manila Super Mango is considered the sweetest mango in the world, while the Indian Alphonso mango tastes rather juicy.
Mangoes are vitamin A bombs
Although mangoes are made up of around 80 percent water, they are still packed with vitamins. In addition to vitamins C and E, the mango also contains high amounts of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which supports cell renewal.
Mangoes in medicine
For many centuries, parts of the mango tree have been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat various diseases. The list of health problems treated with active ingredients from the tree is long.
