National
Fruit of India - Mango - Designated as the King of all fruits by
Indians since long, ripe fleshy mangoes are certainly very tasty. The
raw ones can be used to make spicy pickles that are an important part of
Indian cuisine. Belonging to the Mangifera indica species, mangoes are
native to India and are the most cultivated fruits of the tropical
world. A rich source of Vitamins A, C and D, India hosts over 100
varieties of juicy mangoes that can be of green, orange, yellow and
shades of red. They can be of many sizes and shapes. Historians have
mentioned the deliciousness of this savory fruit in the ancient times.
The famous Indian poet Kalidasa has penned praises on mangoes while
historians mention that the great Alexander and the famous Chinese
traveler had tasted its divine flavor.
The great Moghul emperor Akabar has been known to plant as many as
100,000 mango trees in Lakhi Bagh in Darbhanga, Bihar. Now, the National
Fruit of India, International Mango Festival is now conducted in Delhi
every year that displays the wide range of traditionally favorite Indian
varieties along with the latest discoveries of mango varieties that are
tasty, healthy and quick to bear fruits. It allows the visitors to taste
the different flavors of the mangoes, buy a tree for your fruit garden
and impart knowledge about cultivating mangoes. This summer fruit may or
may not have one big large seed that is not edible but are usable in
making different medicines.
