Mango Facts

• What are mangos? Mangos are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are the succulent, aromatic fruits of an evergreen tree (Mangifera indica), a member of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) of flowering plants.

• Botanically, mango is a drupe, consisting of an outer skin, a fleshy edible portion, and a central stone enclosing a single seed – also called stone fruit, like a plum, cherry, or peach.

• Where do mangos come from? Mangos were first grown in India over 5,000 years ago.

• Mango seeds traveled with humans from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa and South America beginning around 300 or 400 A.D.

• The paisley pattern, developed in India, is based on the shape of a mango

• A basket of mangos is considered a gesture of friendship in India

• The mango is a symbol of love in India

• Legend says that Buddha meditated under the cool shade of a mango tree

• Mangos are related to cashews and pistachios

• A ripe mango is known to be 14% sugar by weight and 0.5% acid by weight, with a sugar acid ratio of 28.

• Spanish explorers brought mangos to South America and Mexico in the 1600’s. The first attempt to introduce the mango into the U.S. came in 1833 to Florida.

• The species name of the mango is Mangiferi indica, which means “an Indian plant bearing mangos.”

• Mango bark, leaves, skin, flesh, and the pit have been used in folk remedies for centuries.

{ Mango Fun Facts }