Mango Fruit – (Mangifera indica) (Mampazham)-The king of fruits – National fruit of India

The mango (Mangifera indica .) is considered to be the king of fruits. It is, undoubtedly, one of the choicest and most ancient fruits known to mankind. The mango is the most important foodstuff for inhabitants of the tropics after the banana. No one will have a difference of opinion about the status given to mango ‘King of Fruits’ owing to its captivating flavour and irresistible taste and sweetness. In India, mango is associated with the common during the different phases right from birth to death. Very a designated, this fruit as the ‘National fruit’ of the country.

Mango Tree’s Sacred Role (Mav & Mampazham)

The mango tree plays a sacred role here, it is a symbol of love and some believe grant wishes. In the Hindu culture, hanging fresh mango leaves front door during New Year and Diwali is considered a blessing to Mango leaves are used at weddings in some places to ensure the plenty of children. Mango blossoms are indispensable for the Goddess of Wisdom, Saraswathi in Hindu families. Dry twigs of tree are used to light the sacred fire for Homa and other rituals. Thus the myths and facts connected with mango tree and fruit are very interesting.

Mango Tree-Fruit – Origin-Distribution

The mango spread quite early in eastern part. Some Chinese travellers who came in India in seventh century, they described that mango is very sweet and delicious fruit. Even earlier than that in the Budhist and Hindu temples their is life like images of mango. The main mango growing States in India are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Of the various States, Uttar Pradesh has the largest area accounting for nearly 33.2 per-cent of the total area in the country

Mango Flowers ,Leaves ,Fruits and Seeds – Medicinal uses and values,health properties and benefits,culinary uses

Every part of mango, from root to top, is used in a variety of ways. The fruit itself, in the various stages of its development, is used in many ways. Mango flowers are born on terminal inflorescences (panicles) that are broadly conical and can be up to 60 cm (24 in) long on some varieties.Inflorescences usually have primary,secondary, and tertiary pubescent, cymose branches that are pale green to pink or red and bear hundreds of flowers.The mango has two flower forms,ermaphrodite and male,with both forms occurring on the same inflorescence.Dried mango flowers are used as a medicine for stomachache.

Mango Leaves -Ayurvedic Herb – The leaves are variable in shape and size but usually are oblong with tips varying from rounded to acuminate. Leaf form differs among varieties but is more consistent within a variety. However,a range of leaf sizes can be seen on a single tree. Mature leaves are dark green with a shiny upper surface and glabrous lighter green lower surface.In Philippines and Java, new flushes and tender leaves of mangoes are used as a vegetable for culinary purpose. Crushed shoots of mango plant are substitute for toothbrush in India, which is believed to protect the teeth and gum. Ash of burnt leaves is used as an antiseptic powder against injuries and burns in certain areas.Chew tender leaves to avoid bleeding in the gums. This reduces pain in the tooth .  Mango leaves used as a diabetes relief – Soak few tender leaves in water overnight and drink the water. This is supposed to help patients with diabetes.

Mango Seeds and timber- The seed kernels are edible, containing about 9.5% protein. The stones, besides their use for propagation, can serve as a good stock feed for Cattle. The inside kernel of the stone, being rich in carbohydrates, calcium and fat, can be used as a source of food for certain industrial purposes. Mango seed oil or mango butter is extracted from kernels, which resembles cocoa butter. Dried kernels can be used as feed for cattle and poultry. Timber of mango is used for soft uses like preparation of packing cases, matchbox manufacture and boat construction.

The Mango – A Tropical Treat – Raw Mangos – Tender Mango (Pacha Managa and Kanni Managa) – Mango Fruit (Mampazham)

Raw mango Kanni Manga uses benefits -Mango is a highly nutritive fruit. Immature and green mature fruits are suitable for curries ,pickling and delightful chutneys preparation due to the acidic nature.Mangos are predominantly grown for their fruit, which is mostly eaten ripe as a dessert fruit. Mature green mangos are also eaten fresh or as pickles. Green eating varieties are  distinguished from others by their sweet, non-starchy, nonastringent flavor at the green-mature stage of fruit development.Mature green eating mangos are eaten in several ways throughout the world. In Kerala they prepare wide varieties of mouth watery dishes and curries with mangoes such as Pacha manga, Kanni manga, Mampzham, kanni manga achar (pickle),Prawn and pachamnaga (Chemeen and manga),Uppumanaga etc .

Mango Fruits (Mampapzham) -preparations, Raw Mango Kanni Manga (Pacha Manga ) Preparations

Kerala traditional -Kerala thank Nadan -preparations-cooking recipes -quick methods- Availability of fresh natural fruits described in our blog recipe section

Mango Fruit – (Mampazham) – Health Benefits -Home remedies using this delicious fruit

How to glow skin using mango fruit ? Is it helps to control blood pressure ?

Mango possess unique nutritional and medicinal qualities apart from being a rich source of vitamins A and C. Besides its attractive form and appearance, delicious taste and appetizing flavour, the ripe mango fruit, according to nutritional experts, is also highly invigorating, fattening, laxative and diuretic.Ripe fruits are a delicacy for the table, while the unmarketable and inferior ones can be converted into delicious squashes, juices, nectars, syrups, jams and jellies. Canned mango slices and pulp are indeed very popular. During the mango season, drink a cup of milk after eating one ripe mango. The sugar of mango and protein in the milk helps improving overall health.

• Mango fruit’s rich sources of fiber,high levels of vitamin C  pectin  helps to reduce serum cholesterol levels
• Take a thin pieces of mango fruit or fresh mango pulp and apply on your face for 10 to 20 minutes and wash your face with fresh water and see the amazing results
• Like papayas ,mangoes also contain rich sources of  dietry fibre and  enzymes (breaking dwon protein)  helps in digestion
• Mango’s Vitamin A content promotes good vision. Taking mangoes regularly diet prevents refractive error,dry eye,night blindness,itching and burning eyes
• Fights Cancer : The phenols in mangoes, such as quercetin, isoquercitrin,astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and enzymes are abundant cancer prevention capabilities. Mangoes are also rich in soluble dietary fiber known as pectin.Scientists have identified a strong link between eating lots of fiber and decreased risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. About 165 grams contains 76 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against free radical damage and reduces the risk of cancer
• Mangoes are good for pregnant women and people with anemia due to iron content. Vitamin C in the handle helps the body absorb iron.Women after menopause become weak, and should take mangoes and other fruits rich in iron

Fun Fact of mango : Monkeys choose to eat the seed from the green mango,becuse this seed that gives powerful strength and energy to jump in the trees

Detect artificially ripened fruit – Try to buy fresh natural mangoes – An artificially ripened mango lacks uniformity in colour. It will have green and yellow patches around the surface. Moreover, the fruit gets yellow colour on the outside, but the pulp doesn’t ripen properly and does not taste sweet.

• The colour and texture of mangoes is not uniform them avoid to buying that fruits .
• Avoid buying fruits in off season. Try to buy from established shops