Origin Of Mango
The mango tree is an evergreen and widely cultivated crop in the tropics. It is a member of the cashew family – Anacardiaceae. The fruit is a nutritious and excellent source of vitamins A, C, and D. Mangoes are indigenous to southern Asia, particularly Burma and India.
Mango is a perennial plant with a height often reaching 50-60 feet (15-18 meters). The leaves are about 30 cm (12 inches long) and have lancehead-shaped with no division into parts. The small, pinkish, and fragrant flowers are borne in large clusters. Some have stamens and pistils, others have only stamens.
The mango fruits are borne in different shapes and sizes. Some are round, oval, heart-shaped, kidney-shaped, or long and slender. Some mangoes weigh 1.8 to 2.3 kg (4 to 5 pounds), while the smallest ones can be compared to the size of a plum. They are low in calories and have about 81.2% water content.
Some cultivars are dull green, while others are clearly colored with red and yellow shades. The fruit has a flattened single large seed with a juicy yellow to orange flesh and a sweet-spicy flavor.
Nutrient Composition Of Mango
The nutritional component of 100g of mango includes:
- Calories 60
- Total Fat 0.4grams
- Potassium 168 mg
- Total Carbohydrates 15g
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g
- Sugars 14g
- Protein 0.8g
Preferred Botanical Name: Mangifera indica
Preferred Common Name: Mango
Local Common Name: Manko
Medicinal Properties And Uses Of Mango
Below are some of the benefits of mango:
- Mango is an excellent source of nutrients like vitamin C, which is a nutrient that helps growth and repair, iron absorption, and immunity.
- Mango contains a lot of polyphenols like mangiferin which act as antioxidants in the body.
- Eating mango helps your heart health due to its magnesium and potassium content.
- Mango is an essential fruit for eye health because it contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency can create vision problems while lutein and zeaxanthin protect from the sun.
- Eating mango may prevent your skin from sagging and wrinkling and boost your hair growth because it contains vitamins C and A.
- The polyphenols in mango may fight oxidative stress related to colon, lung, prostate, bone, and breast cancers.
- Eating mango controls high cholesterol levels due to its richness in fiber, vitamin C, and pectin.
- As mangoes are enriched with tartaric and malic acid and contain traces of citric acid, it helps maintain the alkali reserve of our body.
- Mangoes are a good fruit choice for a weight loss diet because it contains fiber. The fiber content improves digestive function and burns unwanted calories from the body.
- Eating mangoes improves eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes due to their vitamin A content.
- Mango has aphrodisiac qualities. It increases the sexual potency in men.
- The enzymes in mangoes help in breaking down protein content in the body. Eating mangoes aids good digestion and prevents several stomach-related diseases.
- This fruit also helps in preventing heatstroke. The fruit refreshes and cools down the system.
- Some essential nutrients such as vitamin C, A, and other kinds of carotenoids are present in mango; these nutrients are beneficial to your immune system by keeping it strong and healthy.
How To Grow Mango
Below is a detailed explanation of how to grow mango.
Yield Information Of Mango
Depending on the variety, a mature mango tree can yield 100 to 200 fruits or more in a year.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements Of Mango
Mango can be planted on raised beds of up to 12inches. On transplanting, you should move it carefully into its new hole. The transplant should be one with soil intact on the seedling’s root to prevent shock. Water properly after transplant.
Soil And Sun Requirements Of Mango
The mango tree can thrive on soil like lateritic, alluvial, sandy loam, and sandy soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter, well-drained, aerated, and deep (2 to 2.5 meters) with a pH between 5.5 to 7.7. Mango seedlings do not require direct sunlight but bright light.
Once the plants start to germinate, provide sufficient light to the plant, you can also take it outside. The plant should get at least 6 hours of light daily, but 8 to 10 hours is preferred.
Watering Requirements
Mango trees need to be watered throughout the first two years of their life to supplement rainfall and encourage growth. About 26 gallons of water is required of a tree weekly.
Planting And Spacing Requirements
Plant your mango trees in rows at 4 meters between rows and 2 meters between plants.
Harvesting
Mangoes are harvested when they are mature and ripe. They are either handpicked or plucked with a harvester. The fruit releases a latex substance that runs down its surface after it is detached from the tree, which sometimes gives it a messy look during storage.
Storage
Mango is usually stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Its seeds can be dried and stored for up to a month.
Diseases And Pests Of Mango
Algal Leaf Spot
Alga causes it. Symptoms include orange spots on leaves and irregular-shaped patches on leaves. You can manage Algal leaf spots by removing weeds around the tree’s base and practicing a wider tree spacing.
Sooty mold
This causes premature aging, stunted growth, and death. It is controlled by spraying starch and water jets on trees and controlling sap-sucking insects.
Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are insects that affect mangoes. You can manage fruit flies by collecting fallen fruit, destroying them, and harvesting fruit early to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Did you know that mangoes are more than just a sweet and refreshing fruit? These tropical treasures are bursting with vitamin A and C, providing a bounty of health benefits for our bodies. Mangoes not only promote good eye health, but they also strengthen our immunity and help our skin stay glowing and youthful with collagen formation. Plus, their high levels of antioxidants fight against oxidative stress and guard us against chronic diseases. But that’s not all – the fiber in mangoes aids in digestion, and the enzymes they contain, like amylases, help our bodies absorb essential nutrients for optimal wellness.
Moreover, the benefits of mangoes extend beyond just great taste. These tropical fruits are rich in potassium, which helps maintain a healthy heart by regulating blood pressure. Plus, their juicy flesh is also a good source of hydration, while the natural sugars offer a quick and refreshing energy boost. In addition, mangoes possess anti-inflammatory properties that have been linked to easing conditions such as arthritis. So go ahead and add some mangoes to your diet for improved overall well-being and a more vibrant lifestyle.