Introduction

Out of all the delicious things, there are few fruits that can brighten up our mood and remind us of those wonderful summer days like mangoes. This is the presence of Indian mangoes in the USA as if to tell everybody that there is a season that had the joy of childhood and long summer days now shortened. The main purpose of this article is to find some interesting facts regarding mangoes with regard to history, cultural aspects, and its acceptance in the United States.

The Origin of Mangoes

Mangoes have been cultivated for over 4000 years dating back to the region known today as the Indian subcontinent. Mangoes are native to South Asia, and India and Myanmar are the primary countries where they are grown, and they have been incorporated into Indian culture and food. Historical records and religious books like the Vedas and the Upanishads of India are known to have references about mangoes and these are usually seen as fruits that bring wealth and blessings.

Over time, Mangoes reached out far and near by use of Persian traders, explorers, and colonizers. They got to the Middle Eastern region, the African region and the Americas as well. Mangoes are now cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical countries across the globe but despite technological advancement India remains the largest producer and exporter of mangoes.

Cultural Significance

For people to say that mangoes are just fruits with good taste; they are much more than that, they are endemic to several cultures. Mangoes are greatly popular in India and are associated with love and prosperity. In Hindu homes especially during Holi and Diwali, the new green mango leaves are fashioned to make home decorations for they symbolize good tidings. In the Philippine context, a mango tree is commonly planted in the backyard and the act of doing so symbolizes love. In Mexico, people enjoy mangoes in the Mango Festival which displays various types of mangoes and people get to taste them.

For Americans, mango is not only the fruit from far away countries, but it also symbolizes the country’s culture and the variety of American cuisine. Knowledge about Indian mango festivals and Mexican recipes with mangoes assists in incorporating this exotic fruit in the American palette.

Mango Varieties

Literally speaking, a world of flavors refers to the different tastes that people across the globe have to offer.

Another feature of the mango fruit that draws interest is the multitude of its sorts. They all differ in taste, texture, and even smell, depending on the preparation style and the specific ingredients used. Several types of mangoes are grown in the USA, and each type creates a unique flavor for the consumer. One of the most popular varieties is Alphonso, characterized by the dense, creamy texture and the taste resembling honey with a hint of flower scent. Tommy Atkins mangoes on the other hand has more firm and succulent flesh with quite moderate sweetness ideal for raw use like in salads and salsas.

Some other common types of mangoes are Ataulfo Mangoes, which has buttery texture and sweet like honey, Kent Mangoes which has fine-grained and fiberless pulp, and Haden Mangoes which has strong and brilliant color. These varieties have been introduced into the American market where they are used in preparing meals, as a way of making the Indian mangoes taste more exotic. For those who want to go back to basics, it has never been so easy to order Indian mangoes online, so as to enjoy these tropical fruits in their purity.

Fascinating Mango Facts

Mangoes are more than just a tasty fruit; they come with a treasure trove of interesting facts: Mangoes are more than just a tasty fruit; they come with a treasure trove of interesting facts:

Historical Significance: It is interesting to know that in ancient India mango trees were look upon as trees of love and it was also believed that if a person plucked a mango fruit wished for and then offered it to the goddess of love, the wish will come true. They were widely cultivated in royal gardens and were particularly appreciated by emperors and other members of the elite.

Global Popularity: Mangoes remain the most popular fruit in the globe according to the given record. They are famous and beloved all around the world, regardless of country or culture.

Nutritional Powerhouse: These fruits contain vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, and they are particularly known as mangoes. It is often believed that they strengthen the immune system, aid digestion, and maintain a healthy skin tone.

Cultural Celebrations: Many cultures associate mangoes with celebrations and festivals, and thus, it is essential during such events. For instance, the onset of summer is particularly associated with mangoes in India, and there are fritters, sweets and other preparations made out of mangoes.

Mango Recipes from All Over the World

Mangoes are perhaps the most useful fruit in the kitchen as they can be used in almost every dish or recipe. Here are some delightful recipes from different parts of the world that showcase the culinary magic of mangoes:Here are some delightful recipes from different parts of the world that showcase the culinary magic of mangoes:

1. Indian Mango Lassi

A traditional Indian drink for the hot summer months, mango lassi is made with yogurt and ripe mangoes.

Ingredients:

2 pieces of ripe mangoes (preferably Indian Mangoes) peeled and diced
2 cups plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar, but depending on personal taste, it can be adjusted as needed.
It is spiced with a pinch of cardamom powder.

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Puree the mangoes, combine the puree with yogurt, milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
Lastly, it is recommended to add ice cubes and blend the drink again until it becomes frothy.
This drink should be chilled and should be served with a dusting of cardamom powder.

2. Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is one of the most famous Thai desserts, and these are freshly ripe mangoes with coconut rice.

Ingredients:

1 cup glutinous rice
1 1/2 cups coconut milk.
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ripe mangoes, sliced

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

Rinse the rice in water and let it sit in a container of water for at least 1 hour, then steam it until it is tender.
In a saucepan, warm coconut milk mixed with sugar and salt until dissolved. Save a little for decorating purposes or for drizzling over the top.
Pour the rest of the coconut milk over the rice and leave it to cook on the steamed rice for 10 minutes.
Spoon the rice and serve it garnished with mango pieces followed by a spoonful of coconut milk left aside. Garnish with sesame seeds.

3. Mexican Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is also great with tacos or for dipping chips; they add Mexican flare to your meals.

Ingredients:

2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 red bell pepper chopped into small pieces
Since this recipe is for two servings, I used ½ red onion that has been chopped finely.
1 jalapeno chili, and remove the seeds and membranes then chop.
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Mix it all together in a bowl.
Toss gently to mix.
Drain the liquid and serve immediately or, better yet, let the dish sit for a few hours in the refrigerator for the flavors to develop.

Mango Preservation and Storage

However, for those who wish to consume mangoes at any time of the year, it is right to know how to store and preserve it properly. When choosing mangoes, the best ones are those which are slightly tender to the fingers and emit sweet smell at the stem end. Mangoes with skin that has some wrinkles or certain dark stains should not be consumed since they are overly ripe.

If you have an abundance of mangoes, consider these preservation methods:If you have an abundance of mangoes, consider these preservation methods:

Freezing: What you want to do is to peel the mangoes and then chop them into pieces. Put them on one layer on a baking sheet and freeze it until they become firm. Place the frozen mangoes in a ziplock bag or container that is suitable for use in the freezer. They are ideal for use in smoothies, desserts, and sauces in cases where one wants to use fresh mangoes but they are not available.

Canning: There are two ways, through which mangoes can be preserved including the use of canning in a sugar syrup or as a chutney. This is important because it enables one to taste mangoes that are out of season yet they are actually out of season.

Drying: Dried mango slices are easy to prepare, relatively cheap and are very good for you when consumed in moderation. Dry thin pieces of mango in a dehydrator or a very low-heated oven until the pieces are leathery but flexible.

For those who are interested in real Indian mangoes, they can order Indian mangoes online, thus giving them the opportunity to taste these exotic fruits while being anywhere.

Conclusion

Mangoes are not just a food item; they are an entity that has gone beyond mere fruit and is an icon across the world. Nowhere else in the world does one find mangoes’ historical roots dating back to the South Asian subcontinent, but the fruit now boasts an almost universal appeal, even in the Americas. It can be eaten fresh as dessert in the form of a mango lassi or savored Thai mango sticky rice or even jazzed up the tacos with a mango salsa, mango is always fantastic.

Thus, for those living in USA, being able to order Indian mangoes online has enabled him/her to be able to enjoy fully the different tastes and also the cultural aspects associated with Indian mangoes. Hence, the next time you plan to take a bite of a juicy mango, you should certainly take some time out to think about how it reached your table from the plantation. Love the lore, enjoy the taste and get ready to fall in love with all things banana, again and again.

The Mango Chronicles: Stories, Facts, and Recipes