Mangoes are a gorgeous summer fruit which lights up our lives. We have been consuming mangoes for more than 6 000 years, having originated in north eastern India and north western Myanmar and Bangladesh and later spreading to the rest of Asia. They later spread to South America, the Philippines and West Africa and are now cultivated commercially throughout tropical and subtropical areas.
Among all the countries in the world, India is the world’s top mango producer, with countless varieties accounting for an average annual output of 13m tons – 40 per cent of the worldwide total last year. The mango industry supports thousands of farming families there and the fruit is held in great respect, playing a central role in some ceremonies and trade fairs. In several cultures, its fruit and leaves are ritually used as floral decorations at weddings, public celebrations and religious ceremonies.