7 Facts About Mangoes
With 35-40 varieties, rich in antioxidants, seeds used as a flour substitute in India, and a mature tree producing about 300 fruits annually. Discover 7 facts about the juiciest summer fruit from the tropical regions of China and India – the mango.
1. The mango is a tropical tree, originating from the tropical regions of China and India. There are about 35-40 different varieties of mango, but the most popular and sold is Mangifera Indica. Mango trees are evergreen, have deep roots, and can grow significantly tall - up to 30 meters. The maximum diameter is 10 meters.
2. The shape and color of the fruit vary between varieties, ranging from light yellow to orange and even red. Some mango varieties are ripe even when their color is green, and there are sour varieties that are red. How, then, can you tell if the fruit is ripe? The answer is simple: by its fragrance.
3. Do you have a mango tree in your garden? You should know to pick it before it ripens. If the fruit is picked after it ripens, it may fall off the tree and become inedible. For the ripening process, the fruit should stay at room temperature. Afterward, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Also, each picked fruit should be cleaned of resin residue.
4. Did you know? In India, they roast and grind mango seeds to use as a flour substitute and for making drinks. This is mainly done by the poorer population. Elsewhere, seed residues serve as food for cattle and poultry, as fertilizer, and sometimes as raw material for roof frames, shoes, and more. In West Africa, trunk resin is used to repair pottery.
5. The mango tree is considered very fruitful. A 10-20-year-old tree can produce about 200-300 fruits annually. The tree can produce fruit already at an early stage, at age 3 (although it's worth noting the "Halachot Orlah, which state that you may only eat from the tree's fruit starting its fourth year).
6. Mango, like many fruits or vegetables, has numerous nutritional and medicinal uses. First and foremost, it's a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A (20 times more than an orange). The bark contains splenocytes which strengthen the immune system (and according to some studies, can suppress tumors); soaking the fruit's seeds in water helps treat diarrhea, intestinal worms, and bleeding; mango leaves infusion is used to treat fever, diabetes, hypertension and diarrhea.
7. The mango fruit is a rich natural source of antioxidants, which neutralize carcinogens. Moreover, mangoes help maintain blood thinning and alkalinity, aid digestive system function, and help maintain low cholesterol.
Its blessing - Borei Pri Ha'etz.
