MANGO

The Mango is one of the best known and savoured tropical fruits and since ancient times (around 4000 years) it has been of importance in India, from where it originates. The mango tree is present in many Indian legends and is considered sacred, garlands of the leaves are used to decorate temples. It was taken from India to East Asia in 4 AD and introduced to East Africa by Arab Merchants in the 10th century, but it was the Portuguese who first exported it to South America in the 1600s. Mangos vary greatly in shape and size, they can be round, oval or shaped like a bean. The most common variety is the size of an avocado. The fruit has a smooth, thin skin when mature and the colour may vary from yellow to orange, red or purple. The flesh is yellow and soft, easily digested and a source of Vitamin A, E, B1, B2, B6 and C, as well as Potassium. It is used to ease chest infections and cleansing of the blood.