Mango history
Native to southeast Asia and India, the mango is purportedly the most widely consumed fresh fruit in the world, with worldwide production exceeding 17 million metric tons a year. Mexico is the largest exporter of mangoes in the world.The English singular form mango comes from the Latin Mangifera indica meaning mango-bearing plant from India.
The mango is a member of the Anachardiaceae family which includes poison ivy, cashews, and pistachios. It is also known as manga, mangga, mangot, mangou, and mangue in other parts of the world.
Cultivated for over 6,000 years, the mango comes in over 50 varieties, ranging in color from greenish, yellowish, to reddish, often tinged with purple, pink, orange-yellow, or red.
If you live in a warm climate, you can easily grow your own.
More about Mangos:
• Mango Selection, Storage, and Freezing
• Mango Flavor, Texture, and Cooking Tips
• Mango History
• Mango Lore and Legends
• Mango Recipes
Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.
