It’s peak summertime and we cannot wait to get the celebrations started for Mango Day on July 22. The yellow fruit is world-famous for its sweet and juicy flavors. Mango is primarily a summer fruit, and it comes in all shapes and sizes, and with each variety, there’s a different way to enjoy the taste. Many people in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh eat the fruit whole, without cutting it up. They squeeze a mango thoroughly, turning its insides into a soft mushy pulp, and then make a hole in the skin to suck the pulp out. South Asia also happens to produce half the world’s mango supply. China is the second-largest mango producer.
History of Mango Day
According to several sources, the mango was first cultivated more than 4,000 years ago in India. Mango is a stone fruit that grows on a tropical tree called the Mangifera indica. The tree can grow up to 150 feet tall and can have an extremely long life span. When it is young, the mango tree has orange-red leaves that turn dark red to a luscious green over time. Mangos, growing from the tree’s flowers, can take four to five months to fully ripen and, before this, they are green and hard. There are more than 500 varieties in the world, and many of these were influenced and developed by political, religious, and social incidents.
As mentioned above, mango was first grown in India and it has a special significance for this country. The Buddha was depicted sitting near a huge mango tree and the Mughal emperor, Babur, decided to conquer India after he tasted a particularly delicious mango. It was the Mughal empire that went on to create and cultivate the many famous mango varieties like ‘chaunsa,’ ‘Anwar Ratol,’ and ‘Kesar’ mangoes. The mangoes were so beloved to the empire that one of the emperors, Shah Jahan Zafar, had his son punished after learning that he had reserved and eaten all the mangoes in the palace. As time went by, mangoes traveled from India to other countries of the world. Because it has a big seed, mangoes had to be transported by humans, unlike other fruits like cherries, which could easily be transported by birds and animals. The mango fruit was brought to Portugal and Britain by traders and colonizers. In South Asia, mangoes are so valued that they are considered the national fruit of Pakistan and India, and the national tree of Bangladesh. A basket of mangoes is also considered a gesture of friendship in the region.
Mango Day timeline
Mangoes are cultivated for the first time in India.
The disastrous freeze in Florida leads to many produce trees being destroyed except for the evergreen mango trees.
India’s tourism board commemorates the first International Mango Festival in the world.
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas starts promoting mangoes all over the country.
Mango Day FAQs
What day is National Mango Day?
July 22 is National Mango Day.
Is it okay to eat more than one mango a day?
It is okay to eat more than one mango a day, but you should still practice moderation. As mangoes are low in fiber and high in sucrose levels, your daily intake should be one to two cups.
Do mangoes help with anxiety?
Mangoes are great for helping you get rid of stress as they are a good source of energy. They are also extremely beneficial for gut health and functioning.
How To Celebrate Mango Day
Have a mango
Mangoes are divine fruits that deserve to be enjoyed throughout the year, but they are only in season during the summer. So don’t waste this opportunity and grab a mango to enjoy its sweet juiciness.
Have a mango South Asian style
South Asians like Indians and Pakistanis have their own trademark style of eating the fruit. First, they lightly press a mango all over using their fingers and thumbs, and once the mango becomes soft, they puncture a hole into the skin, usually at the top. And then they simply enjoy it by sucking out the softened pulp. It can get messy, so have paper towels on hand.
Make a mango dish
Mangoes are extremely versatile. They go well in sweet dishes as well as savory ones. You can crush them up to make ice popsicles or mango puree, or you can cut them into cubes to have in your leafy salads.
5 Facts About Mangoes That Will Blow Your Mind
Mangoes are a superfood
As if the amazing taste wasn’t enough, mangoes are also a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals.
The most popular fruit ever
Mango is considered the king of the fruit as it is the most eaten fruit on Earth.
Indian folklore about mango trees
According to Indian folklore, mango trees can grant wishes.
Green mangoes have more vitamin C
Unripe, green mangoes have more vitamin C than ripe ones.
Mangoes come from the nut family
Mangoes are close relatives of pistachios and cashews.
Why We Love Mango Day
It’s a celebration of mangoes
It is said that mangoes are a combination of the flavors of peaches, pineapples, and oranges. Additionally, the sweet and tangy taste is accompanied by a whole load of nutrients that are extremely beneficial for your body. It’s also a great addition to your diet as one mango may only contain 70 calories.
It’s a celebration of summer
Summer means warm days filled with being cooped up inside to beat the heat. But summer also means great times as mangoes are in season! You can have the refreshing fruit in shakes, smoothies, fruit bowls, savory dishes, or as is.
It’s a celebration of festivities
Mangoes are so beloved by many that when they are in season, the atmosphere is nothing short of a festival, especially in South Asia. People make special dishes incorporating the fruit or they prepare special mango baskets to send over to friends and family.
Mango Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 22 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 22 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 22 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 22 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 22 | Saturday |
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