National Mango Day
Head to a farmer’s market or grocery store and find a mango that’s just a bit soft, but not too squishy. Great in smoothies, or sliced up on its own.
A mango is a deliciously sweet and juicy fruit from tropical regions. Did you know there’s a whole day dedicated to eating mangos! How exciting is that?
The History of National Mango Day
Mangos were first cultivated in India 5000 years ago and traveled to Southeast Asia between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. In the 10th Century AD where cultivation began in East Africa. The paisley pattern developed in India is said to be based off of the shape of the mango. It is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, while also being the national tree of Bangladesh. The mango is cultivated in most frost-free tropical climates, with almost half the world’s mango supply harvested in India, with the second-largest source being China.
There is an international mango festival held in Delhi, India held every year since 1987. Included is over 50 mango growers from across the country. There are competitions and quizzes on the many aspects of mangos including different uses in cuisine as well as the many different varieties, of which there are more than 550.
Fun facts about mangos:
- 20 million tons of mangos are grown annually.
- They are related to cashews and pistachios.
- They provide 100 percent of your daily vitamin C
- A basket of mangos is a gesture of friendship in India.
- Mango trees can grow as tall as 100 feet!
- Most of the mangos sold in the U.S. come from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, and Haiti.
- There are also festivals in other places including Canada, Jamaica, the Philippines, and the USA.
How to celebrate National Mango Day
On Mango day go buy a bunch of mangos and try out different recipes. The mango you choose should be slightly soft to the tough. If it is firm, it is not yet ripe. If you happen to get a not yet ripe mango, try cutting out some cubes and putting a little salt on it, it won’t be as juicy, but tastes quite nice. Mangos are generally sweet and it’s generally just the inside meat of the fruit that is consumed.
Have a great day learning more about this wonderful fruit on National Mango Day. Here’s an easy recipe that you can try.
Mango and Banana Smoothie recipe
Ingredients
- 3 mangos (about 3 pounds), peeled, pitted and chopped
- ¾ cup low-fat milk
- 1 cup ice
- ½ banana
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in blender. Pulse until your desired consistency. For a thicker smoothie, add more ice.
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