Come May and it is mangoes all over

This remarkable production volume underscores the skilled craftsmanship of Indian farmers, blending traditional expertise with modern technologies to uphold the legacy of the country’s mango industry

When summers are here can mangoes be anywhere else. Hailed as the king of fruits, mango is one of the most popular and nutritionally rich fruits with unique flavour, fragrance and taste, In addition to being sumptuous, pulpy and amazing, mangoes pack a host of health benefits too. They are rich in potassium and magnesium and are a great remedy for high blood pressure. Mangoes are vitamin powerhouses, rich in B-vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

But here are some health benefits of mangoes that you may not have known.

The word mango is derived from the Tamil word ‘mangkay’ or ‘man-gay’. When the Portuguese traders settled in western India they adopted the name as ‘manga’.

Mangos originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal. Around the 5th century B.C., Buddhist monks are believed to have introduced the fruit to Malaysia and eastern Asia – legend has it that Buddha found tranquility and repose in a mango grove. Persian traders took the mango into the Middle-East and Africa, from where the Portuguese brought it to Brazil and the West Indies.

With a production of 25 million metric tonnes, India is the largest mango producer in the world. Its exports to the USA alone surged by 19 per cent, totalling 2043.60 MT this year. Aside from the USA, India exported mangoes to Japan (43.08 MT), New Zealand (110.99 MT), Australia (58.42 MT) and South Africa (4.44 MT). It expanded its exports to 41 countries, exploring new markets in Iran, Mauritius, the Czech Republic and Nigeria.

Incidentally, mango is not just a tropical delight but also a significant agricultural commodity globally. With its sweet, juicy flavor and versatility in culinary applications, mangoes have secured a prime position in the hearts of consumers worldwide. In 2024, mango production continues to thrive, with several countries contributing significantly to meet the global demand.

Mangoes can be eaten fresh, preserved, juiced or in desserts. Slice a fresh mango in half lengthwise along the pit to eat it. Next, remove the pulp from the skin by cutting it into squares. Mangoes are great in smoothies, fruit salads, sauces, and desserts.

The combined production volume of mangoes, mangosteens, and guavas reached over 59 million metric tons in 2022, up from approximately 57 million metric tons in 2021. This increase reflects the growing popularity and demand for these tropical fruits across the world, showcasing their enduring appeal and importance in the global agricultural landscape.

In 2024, India remains the undisputed leader in mango production, yielding a staggering 25 million metric tons annually. Its tropical fruit supremacy is evident in the diverse flavours and sweetness found in its orchards across the subcontinent. Alphonso and Kesar mangoes stand out as the pinnacle of India’s mango season, coveted both domestically and internationally for their exquisite taste and aroma. This remarkable production volume underscores the skilled craftsmanship of Indian farmers, blending traditional expertise with modern technologies to uphold the legacy of the country’s mango industry.

India with the total mango production of 25 million metric tons, holds the title of largest mango producer in the world, followed by China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Mexico.

Renowned for varieties like Alphonso and Kesar, its mangoes are cherished worldwide for their exquisite taste and aroma. Indian farmers, blending traditional wisdom with modern techniques, sustain this thriving mango industry, symbolizing expertise over sheer quantity.

The second largest country in terms of mango production is China with production of 3.8 million metric tonnes, while Indonesia is in third position with production of 3.6 million metric tonnes. Amid all these India reigns supreme when it comes to the king of fruits.