This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Published on November 20, 2019, a report highlighted the origins of the mango fruit, which has a rich history spanning over 4,000 years. The mango is native to the eastern Himalayas in India and Burma, where it is found in the border regions.
Before we delve into the history of the mango, it's essential to clarify that the term 'mango' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'amra,' which was used to describe the fruit in ancient India. The word 'mango' is believed to have originated from the Malay word 'maangay,' which was later modified to 'maamkaay' and eventually 'maangai.'
According to historical records, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first European to encounter the mango fruit when he arrived in Calicut, a port city in the Malabar region of Kerala, India, in the 15th century. The Portuguese referred to the fruit as 'maanga,' which they later modified to 'mango.'
However, it was not until the 16th century that the term 'mango' became widely used in Europe. The fruit was introduced to the Americas by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers, who brought it to the Caribbean and Central America. Today, mangoes are cultivated in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Interestingly, the mango has a long history of cultivation in India, dating back over 4,000 years. The fruit was highly valued by the ancient Indians, who used it in various ways, including as a source of food, medicine, and even as a form of currency. The mango was also an important crop during the reign of the Mughal Empire in India, with the emperor Akbar having a personal mango orchard.
Today, mangoes are grown in many parts of the world, with the majority of production coming from Asia. The fruit is widely cultivated in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, as well as in the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean. The mango is a popular fruit, enjoyed for its sweet and creamy flavor, as well as its numerous health benefits.
