Yep!! Mango is the world's most consumed and number one selling fruit in the world. Mangoes are available from April to September, but the peak of the
Season for the best pick and best prices is June and July.
Some history of mango
Mangoes are native to southeastern Asia, (India) where they have been grown for more than 4,000 years. Because the mango seed can't be dispersed naturally by wind or water due to it's large size and weight, it is believed that people who moved from one region to another transported the fruit to new areas. The spread of Buddhism assisted in the distribution of mangoes in Southeastern Asia. Mango cultivation has now spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world, where they grow best. Mangoes were carried to Africa during the 16th century and later found their way aboard Portuguese ships to Brazil in the 1700's. Later, in 1742, mangoes were found growing in the West Indies.
In 1860, mangoes were successfully introduced to Florida along the East Coast, where only a few varieties were grown. In 1889, the United States Department of Agriculture introduced a grafted variety from India called the "Mulgoa," also known as "Mulgoba" in the United States.
Some Interesting Facts About Mangoes
Asia still accounts for more than three-quarters of the world's mangoes.
India remains the main producer of mangoes. Did you know that India grows more mangoes than all its other fruits combined. Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand are the other main countries in the world where mangoes are grown.
It is said that the Lord Buddha himself was given a mango grove in which he could find cool and shady repose and mango flowers and fruits have since been incorporated into certain ceremonies of Theravada Buddhism.
Mango tree can get as tall as 100 ft.
Mango tree belongs to the same family as poison ivy.
Mango is called king of the fruits.
HOW TO KNOW IF MANGO IS RIPE
The color of mangoes vary depending on the variety, and some people believe it does
not indicate ripeness or a better flavor. But I prefer a mango to be bright yellow. A ripe
mango will yield to slight pressure when held between your hands and will emit a fruity
aroma from the stem end of the fruit.
Varieties of mangoes
It is hard to say exactly how many varieties of mangoes are in world. Over 1000 varieties are grow all over the world. But with new breeding methods, there are new varieties are coming in the market. While growing up in my home land (Pakistan) which was once part of India. I was told there are close to 2000 varieties of mangoes. I have seen mangos as big as 10 inch long and about 5 to 6 inch in diameter. Those kinds of mangos are perfect to cut and eat. I have also seen very tiny size of mangos, with real small pit. Which are perfect to suck juice out of them without cutting. Below are name of some of the varieties I know.
Tommy atkins, Francis, Carne, Blanc, Rosalie, Jean-Marie, Kent, Keith, Haden, Glenn, Kensington pride, Davis, Irwin, Heidi, Brooks, Julie, Amelie, Zephirine, Van dyke, Graham, Peach, Grenada, Katchamitha, Langra, Ok-rong, Gaew, Fa-lan, Dawkmai.