Explore the myriad flavours of mangoes – creamy, citrusy, even pineapple-like. Don't settle for bland; indulge in the sweetness of Alphonso and other exquisite varieties.
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Buddha's Blessing: Sacred Mango Trees
Legend has it that Buddha found solace in mango groves during meditation, elevating the mango tree to a revered status in Buddhism.
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Mango Origins: A Linguistic Journey
The English term 'mango' traces back to Tamil 'mankay' or Keralan 'mangga'. Portuguese traders later adapted it as 'manga', while the British solidified 'mango' during their trade with South India in the 15th and 16th centuries.
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Mango Monopoly: Tommy Atkins
Tommy Atkins mangoes dominate markets with their size, colour, and durability. Despite the global appeal, they lack flavour and tenderness, often disappointing taste enthusiasts.
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Fairchild's Mango Adventure
David Fairchild, a US agricultural explorer, discovered mangoes in India. To ship, he hired local children to eat them, leaving stones. His early varieties thrive in South Florida.
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Mango Origins: Himalayan Foothills
Wild mango likely began in the Himalayan foothills of India and Myanmar. Cultivation traces back 5,000 years to Southern India, Myanmar, and the Andaman Islands.
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Record-Breaking Mango: Philippines
Guinness World Records note the heaviest mango at 3.435 kg, harvested in 2009 from Sergio and Maria Socorro Bodiongan’s garden.
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Mango: A Drupe With Kin
Mango, like olives and cherries, belongs to the drupe family, characterised by a fleshy fruit surrounding a large stone. Cashews and pistachios also hail from drupes, linking them as distant relatives of the mango.
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Mango: Nutrient Powerhouse
Just one cup packs 60 mg of vitamin C, surpassing daily needs. Loaded with over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, folate, and fibre, mangoes offer guilt-free indulgence.
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A Living Legacy: 300-Year-Old Mango
In East Khandesh, Central India, stands the oldest known mango tree, still bearing fruit despite its age.
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