Have you seen a mango orchard where the air is thick with the heady scent of ripe fruit and the low canopy of trees create a respite from the sun’s relentless gaze? In India, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer, knowing that it brings a precious gift…the ripening of mangoes and the floodgates of childhood nostalgia, Sturdy mango trees, the creak of swings mingling with laughter and playful afternoons gathering the fallen fruit, their warm, golden skins hinting at sweet flesh within. They would be dipped in buckets of water to cool naturally before being shared with the entire family. A burst of sweetness, juices running down chins and satisfied smiles… that’s a classic Indian summer.
According to the National Horticulture Board, India has about 1,500 mango varieties, including 1,000 commercial varieties. A handful of these occupy a particular corner of our hearts. Uttar Pradesh’s Malihabad is the home of the sweet Dasheri, while in Maharashtra, the buttery soft Alphonso reigns as the “King of Mangoes”. The firm-fleshed ‘Banganapalli’ is cherished In Andhra Pradesh, while Gujarat celebrates saffron-hued ‘Kesar’. Tastes and textures may vary, but mangoes bring families together across India, a sweet tradition woven into daily life.
Mango, in India, is indisputably a favourite fruit, even a sweet obsession. Whether eaten fresh, juiced, or cooked, it never fails to delight with its succulent flesh and intoxicating aroma. Historically, the mango fruit has been a muse for poets, artists, and designers alike. It is often used in literature as a metaphor for love and longing, its sweet taste evoking nostalgia and desire. It finds its place in paintings and sculptures. The mango motif is often featured in traditional Indian textiles. Mango leaves are symbols of auspiciousness and prosperity. They adorn doorways and entrances during festivals and ceremonies, their gentle rustle deeply rooted in the fabric of Indian life.
Mango season showers a bounty of this tropical fruit, offering delicious flavours and wholesome nutrition. The health benefits of mangoes are well documented. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. Is mango good for you? Yes, but due to their natural sugar content, it’s wise to enjoy them in moderation.
Mango juice: A
luscious and refreshing drink blending ripe mangoes with water or milk, often
served chilled.
Aamras: A
popular dessert made of a sweet mango puree.
Mango Lassi: A
refreshing drink with ripe mangoes, yoghurt, and sugar, blended until smooth.
Mango Kulfi: A
creamy and rich frozen dessert similar to ice cream, made with mango puree,
condensed milk, and nuts.
Mango sorbet:
A refreshing frozen dessert made with ripe mango puree, sugar, and lemon juice,
churned to a smooth texture.
Mango pickle:
A tangy and spicy condiment made by marinating raw mango pieces in a mixture of
spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and turmeric, preserved in oil.
Mango Phirni:
A traditional rice pudding dessert flavoured with mango pulp and cardamom,
garnished with nuts.
Mango chutney:
A sweet and savoury condiment made with ripe mangoes, sugar, vinegar, and
spices. It pairs well with Indian snacks and curries.
Aam Panna: A refreshing summer drink made with raw mangoes, sugar, and spices like roasted cumin and black salt. It’s known for its cooling properties and is a popular way to beat the heat in India.
So, as the summer sun blazes overhead and the mango trees bow under the weight of their fruit, raise a toast to this most beloved of fruits. Here’s to mango mania!