Mango Blossom
Originating from evergreen trees native to Asia, mangoes have become a Caribbean staple, finding their way into everything from juices to cocktails, appetizers to desserts, whether ripe or unripe.
Belonging to the genus Mangifera, mangoes encompass about 30 species of tropical fruiting trees within the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. While native to Southern and Southeast Asia, mangoes now flourish in regions including Central and South America, Africa, Arabia, and India. These fruits hold significant cultural importance in South Asia, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years, serving as the national fruit of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
Mango Blossom
Green Mango and the Tree
Mango trees (Mangifera indica) can reach heights of 35-40 meters, with a crown radius of 10 meters. Their evergreen leaves, which are alternate and simple, measure 15-35 cm in length and 6-16 cm in width. Initially orange-pink, young leaves rapidly transition to dark glossy red before maturing to dark green. Mango trees produce small, white flowers with five petals, emitting a mild sweet fragrance reminiscent of lily of the valley. After flowering, it takes the fruit three to six months to ripen.
The flesh of a ripe mango is known for its exceptional sweetness and distinct taste. The texture of the flesh varies across different cultivars, ranging from soft and pulpy to firm, similar to cantaloupe or avocado. Mangoes are exceptionally juicy, offering a refreshing eating experience.
Mature Mango
Ripe Mango
Beyond consumption in its natural state, mangoes are utilized as a key ingredient in various cereal products, such as muesli and oat granola. Mangoes are also employed to make juices, both from ripe and unripe fruits. They can be mashed and incorporated into ice cream, used in pies, or blended with milk and ice to create thick milkshakes. In South East Asian countries like Thailand, sweet glutinous rice flavored with coconut is often served with sliced mango as a dessert.
Ripe Mango
Ripe Mango