National Mango Day
Enjoy this sweet and juicy fruit on #NationalMangoDay
22 July is National Mango Day, a whole dedicated to one thing – eating mangoes!
5 000 years ago, mangoes were first cultivated in India before they spread to Southeast Asia. In the 10th century AD, cultivation of this deliciously sweet and juicy fruit began in East Africa.
It is said that the paisley pattern developed in India is based on the shape of the mango. The mango is also the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Phillipines. In Bangladesh, the mango tree is the national tree.
Since 1987, an international mango festival is held in New Dehli, India. It includes more than 50 mango growers from across the country. During this festival, there are competitions and quizzes on the many aspects of mangoes, including different uses in cuisine, as well as the many different varieties (more than 550).
Mangoes are cultivated in most frost-free tropical climates, with almost half of the world’s mango supply harvested in India. The second largest source is China.
Some fun facts about mangoes, include:
• 20 million tons of mangoes are grown annually.
• They are related to cashews and pistachios.
• They provide 100 per cent of your daily vitamin C
• A basket of mangoes is a gesture of friendship in India.
• Mango trees can grow as tall as 30 metres!
• Most of the mangoes sold in the US come from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, and Haiti.
• There are also mango festivals in other places, including Canada, Jamaica, the Philippines, and the USA.
To celebrate today, go buy a bag of mangoes, and try out different recipes. The mango you choose should be slightly soft to the touch. If it is firm, it is not yet ripe. If you happen to get a mango that is not yet ripe, try cutting out some cubes and putting a little salt on it – it won’t be as juicy, but it tastes quite nice. Mangoes are generally sweet and usually it is just the inside meat of the fruit that is consumed.
Have fun today learning more about this wonderful fruit and use #NationalMangoDay to post on social media.
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