M is for Mango: Yummy Fruits A-Z

(Mango trees can grow more than 100 feet)

Mangoes are native to South Asia and were first grown in India over 5000 years ago. Later, around 300 or 400 A.D., the fruit was introduced to the Middle East, East Africa and South America. Today it is the national fruit of India and the Philippines, while the tree is the national tree of Bangladesh. 


Mangoes are an important part of South Asian culture. For instance, taking a basket of mangoes as a gift to someone in India is considered a gesture of friendship. In several cultures the fruit and leaves are used as decorations for weddings, religious ceremonies, and other public gatherings.   

Nutritionally, mangoes are full of healthy dietary fiber, vitamin C, Vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium, minerals and anti-oxidant compounds. Health studies have claimed that mangoes protect against certain cancers and help control blood pressure and heart rate, and more. The skin of mangoes has been linked to lowering high cholesterol, and diabetes prevention. However, people should be aware of the mango latex allergy, which affects some individuals when eating unripe or raw mango. 

Mangoes were first imported to the U.S. in the 17th century, but they had to be pickled prior to shipping for preservation. Today fresh mangoes are grown and distributed worldwide. The fruit sold in the U.S. mostly comes from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, and Haiti. Although India is the largest producer of mangoes, production is mostly for its population.

A common way to eat a mango in Latin America is on a stick. The skin is peeled back and the flesh is seasoned with salt, lime juice, and/or chili powder. In India, people squeeze the fruit and suck the juice through a hole at the top. Other ways to enjoy mango are in fruit smoothies, salads, salsas, chutneys, sauces for fish, chicken and pork, and desserts.

Mango Recipe

"Sassy Mangoes"

1 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup water
2 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks 
4 cups mangoes sliced (3-4 medium fruits) 
1 cup brandy
1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon) cornstarch

In 12-inch frying pan, add sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks. Bring mixture to boil. Turn down heat and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until liquid is clear. Add mangoes and gently stir to coat with sugar mixture. Simmer for 3 minutes. Remove mangoes with slotted spoon, and place in quart-size jars, filling jars 2/3 full. 

Add brandy to remaining syrup in pan. Dilute cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water; add to brandy syrup. Stir over medium heat until thick. Cool mixture. Pour cooled mixture over mangoes in jars. The jars can also be sealed and stored for future use. Serve over vanilla ice cream for a special treat, or alone as an after-dinner cordial. Yield: 2 quarts. A holiday treat! 

Mango Jokes

 

Q: What is red, yellow, green and goes up and down?

A: A mango in an elevator!

 
Q: How do you make a mango shake?

A: Take it to a scary movie!

Mango Books

--A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass (2005) (young adult)

--The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1991) (young adult)

--Mango Lucky by Bill Myers (2012)
(adult fiction)



--Castle Mango by Narise Konoh 
and Muku Ogura (2014) (adult fiction)

--The Mango Bride by Marivi Soliven (2013) (adult fiction)

Mango Movies

--The Mango Tree (1977)

(set in early 1940s; Australia) 

--Mango Yellow (2002)

(Brazilian underground; 

set around bar/hotel)

--Mango Tango (2009)

(comedy; thriller in New York City)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango; http://www.mango.org/mango-fun-facts