Every year July 22 is dedicated to National Mango Day. The best way to observe the National Mango Day is by eating mangoes, a lot of them. The mangoes are juicy, sweet fruits with a seed at the centre and they are one of the many species of tropical trees. Mangoes are grown widely in frost-free tropical climates, which makes India more suitable for the cultivation. Mangoes have its native in South Asia from where the mangoes are distributed worldwide. Mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. In India, mangoes are commonly harvested during the months March-May. The popular paisley motif is said to be inspired by the shape of the mango. Nearly half of the world population enjoy mangoes that are harvested in India. There are around 100 varieties of mangoes grown in India. Ripe and unripe mangoes consumed directly as well as cooked as dishes. Skin, seed, the sap of mangoes are also used to make Ayurvedic medicines. Hence celebrate National Mango Day with any mango based dish. A mango is a deliciously sweet and juicy fruit from tropical regions. Did you know there’s a whole day dedicated to eating mangos! How exciting is that?

The History of Mango Day

Mangos were first cultivated in India 5000 years ago and traveled to Southeast Asia between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. In the 10th Century AD where cultivation began in East Africa. The paisley pattern developed in India is said to be based off of the shape of the mango. It is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, while also being the national tree of Bangladesh. The mango is cultivated in most frost-free tropical climates, with almost half the world’s mango supply harvested in India, with the second-largest source being China.

There is an international mango festival held in Delhi, India held every year since 1987. Included is over 50 mango growers from across the country. There are competitions and quizzes on the many aspects of mangos including different uses in cuisine as well as the many different varieties, of which there are more than 550.

Fun facts about mangos:

• 20 million tons of mangos are grown annually.
• They are related to cashews and pistachios.
• They provide 100 percent of your daily vitamin C
• A basket of mangos is a gesture of friendship in India.
• Mango trees can grow as tall as 100 feet!
• Most of the mangos sold in the U.S. come from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, and Haiti.
• There are also festivals in other places including Canada, Jamaica, the Philippines, and the USA.