**Botanical Information and Taxonomy:**
– Mango trees grow up to 30–40m tall with a crown radius of 10–15m.
– The scientific name Mangifera indica refers to the mango-bearing plant in India.
– Mangoes originated in the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northeastern India.
– Mango cultivars are propagated by grafting, with many named varieties.
– Existence of two distinct genetic populations indicates a complex domestication history.
**Cultivation and Distribution:**
– Mango is cultivated in frost-free tropical and subtropical climates worldwide.
– India is the largest mango producer, followed by Indonesia, China, Pakistan, and Mexico.
– Mangoes were introduced to East Africa in the 9th-10th centuries and spread globally during the Colonial Era.
– Grown in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and some parts of Europe.
– Introduced to Brazil by the 16th-17th centuries and later to the Caribbean and Mexico.
**Production and Uses:**
– World production of mangoes in 2022 was 59 million tonnes.
– India led production with 44% of the total.
– Mangoes are used in various cuisines worldwide for chutneys, pickles, curries, and desserts.
– Mango pulp is used in juices, smoothies, ice cream, and jams.
– Green mangoes are used in salads, pickles, and savory dishes.
**Nutrition and Health Benefits:**
– Raw mango is 84% water, 15% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and has negligible fat.
– Fresh mango contains 44% of the Daily Value of vitamin C and 11% of folate.
– Mangoes are rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and polyphenols.
– Consuming mangoes may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
– Mangoes are beneficial for eye health and immune function.
**Cultural Significance and Allergies:**
– Mango is the national fruit of India and the national tree of Bangladesh.
– Mango has historical significance in Indian poetry and horticulture.
– Mango motifs are widely used in Indian embroidery and decorations.
– Contact with mango leaves, stems, sap, or skin can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions.
– Some individuals may experience allergic reactions even with peeled mango consumption.
A mango is an edible stone fruit produced by the tropical tree Mangifera indica. It originated from the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northeastern India. M. indica has been cultivated in South and Southeast Asia since ancient times resulting in two types of modern mango cultivars: the "Indian type" and the "Southeast Asian type". Other species in the genus Mangifera also produce edible fruits that are also called "mangoes", the majority of which are found in the Malesian ecoregion.
Worldwide, there are several hundred cultivars of mango. Depending on the cultivar, mango fruit varies in size, shape, sweetness, skin color, and flesh color, which may be pale yellow, gold, green, or orange. Mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines, while the mango tree is the national tree of Bangladesh.