by Maurice Sassoon

Created on: July 02, 2008

Mango trees mostly grow in a warm climate, such as Southern Asia, Africa and South America. In the United States mango trees are grown in Florida and California. There are more than five hundred different varieties of mangoe trees, some of which grow to be about 90 feet tall. It is an evergreen tree, which means that it does not lose its leaves in the fall. Mango trees are beautiful. It has shiny leaves, with clusters of pink flowers. The tree has a soft, gray wood that is used to build canoes and other light boats. There are mangoes that are oval-shaped and there are those that are also round. The fruit can either be small or large. The skin is thick, with a yellowish red color. The flesh of the mango is yellow in color and very juicy and succulent. It has a large seed. It tastes either sour or sweet and is delicious.

Mangoes are as important a food for the people that live in tropical parts of the world as apples are to those that live in colder climates. Most people eat mangoes while it is fresh. Mangoes can be canned and dried and made into sauces and jellies.

Mangoes are also imported to the United States from Mexico and many parts of South America.
There is a particular kind of mangoe that grows abundantly in the Phillipines. The fruit is small and is generally available in supermarkets, but mostly in Oriental markets. When fully ripe, it is sweet and satisfying. The fruit is much sought after, and generally costs more than the usual varieties of mangoes. Many Indian restaurants include mango juice on their menu. It has a wholesome flavor and is particularly popular among orientals. Mangoes are generally stringy, but the juiciness and succulence of the fruit more than compensates for its messy characteristic.

Pickles and preserves can be made from green, unripe mangoes. Hot or mild pickled mangoes, treated with chillies and special spices can be purchased from Indian stores. It is easily available and particularly popular among Indians and other Oriental people. Although mango trees grow in certain parts of the United States, the fruit is mostly imported from South America and Mexico. When easily available, the cost is reasonable and cheaper when purchased in boxes. It may sometimes be available in all seasons, though the cost may be higher than otherwise.

The fruit is well-regarded in India, China, Malaysia and many other Asian countries and since mango trees abound in such countries, the fruit also serves as a source of delicacy for the people.

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