The mango is a deliciously sweet and moist fruit that develops on trees. It originates from South Asia, an area encompassing nations such as India and Pakistan. From this region, mango cultivation has expanded to numerous warm, tropical zones across the globe. Presently, it ranks among the most widely cultivated and enjoyed fruits worldwide.
Pakistan and India are significant exporters of mangoes. Additionally, the mango serves as the national fruit for both countries. When fully ripe, mangoes are exceptionally sweet. However, in their unripened state, they can be notably tart. India cultivates numerous mango varieties, including Langra, Dussheri, Chausa, and Alphonso. These distinct types mature at different periods throughout the year.
Appearance of the Mango Tree
Mango trees are notably tall, reaching heights between 35 to 40 meters (approximately 115 to 130 feet). Their broad canopies can extend about 10 meters (33 feet) wide. These trees are also long-lived, with some specimens continuing to bear fruit for over three centuries.
Their primary root, known as a taproot, can penetrate the soil up to 6 meters (20 feet) deep. A network of many other roots also spreads widely and deeply. Mango leaves remain evergreen, typically measuring 15 to 35 cm (6 to 14 inches) in length. New foliage emerges in an orange-pink shade, transforms to a shiny red, and finally matures to a deep green.
Mango trees produce clusters of small, fragrant white flowers. From flowering, it takes roughly four to five months for the fruit to ripen. There are more than 500 documented mango cultivars. While most ripen in the summer, certain varieties can yield fruit twice annually.
The ripe fruit varies greatly in size, shape, and color, appearing in shades of yellow, orange, red, or green. Each mango contains a single flat, elongated seed, which may be somewhat fibrous. The skin is leathery and smooth with a sweet aroma, changing from green to yellow, orange, or red upon full ripening.
Ripe mangoes possess a rich, sweet fragrance. The seed is encased in a thin membrane. Mango seeds are sensitive to freezing and drying out. Trees germinate readily from seeds, particularly those taken from ripe fruit.
Origin of the Mango
The English term "mango" is derived from the Malayalam word *māṅṅa*. Malayalam is a language spoken in southern India. Portuguese merchants introduced the word to Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Mangoes were first formally described in a botanical publication in 1678. When mangoes initially arrived in the American colonies in the 1600s, they had to be preserved through pickling due to the lack of refrigeration. Other pickled fruits were also referred to as "mangoes," and by the 18th century, the verb "to mango" meant to pickle something.
Global Cultivation of Mangoes
Mangoes have been cultivated in South Asia for millennia. They spread to Southeast Asia around 500 to 400 BCE. By the 10th century CE, they were being grown in East Africa, and later introduced to regions such as Brazil, the Caribbean, and Mexico, all of which offer suitably warm climates.
Today, mangoes are farmed in most frost-free tropical and subtropical regions. India produces nearly half of the world's supply, with China being the second-largest producer. Mangoes are also cultivated in Spain, particularly in the coastal province of Málaga, whose unique microclimate supports tropical flora. Other growing regions include Australia, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. Despite India's dominant production, it exports less than one percent of its harvest, consuming the majority domestically.
Many mango varieties are propagated through grafting, a technique that joins a shoot from one tree to the rootstock of another to improve growth. Some cultivars are classified as "dwarf" or "semi-dwarf," suitable for container growing and ornamental use.
Mango Varieties
There are hundreds of named mango cultivars. Growers often plant several varieties in proximity to aid pollination. Many popular types, such as 'Alphonso', must be propagated by grafting. The 'Alphonso' mango is a major export variety frequently hailed as "the king of mangoes."
A cultivar that thrives in one location may not perform well in another. For instance, the 'Julie' mango excels in Jamaica but requires specific fungicide treatments in Florida to combat anthracnose disease. Asian mango varieties tend to have natural resistance to this fungus.
The 'Tommy Atkins' mango is a globally widespread commercial variety, valued for its high yield, disease resistance, long shelf life, and attractive appearance. Despite its commercial success, many consumers prefer the taste of other cultivars like 'Alphonso'.
Ripe mangoes typically exhibit orange-yellow or reddish skin and are succulent. Mangoes intended for international export are often harvested while still firm and green. These fruits may not be as juicy or flavorful as those ripened fully on the tree.
