National Mango Day
National Mango Day is observed on 22 July every year to celebrate one of the most beloved fruits of all time.
Whether you like them solo, in a salad, as a dessert, this day allows mango enthusiasts to enjoy the fruit without any limitations.
Established in 1987 by the National Horticulture Board in India, National Mango Day aims to promote the “king of fruits”, its rich cultural history and the many health benefits.
Influenced by the International Mango Festival, National Mango Day was created to be celebrated near the end of India's peak mango season.
History of Mangoes
The history of mango goes a long way to the region between northeastern India, Bangladesh and northwestern Myanmar.
It is said that this region is the original home of the mango tree and over time, mangoes started spreading to other tropical and subtropical regions.
Eventually it gained popularity and became one of the most beloved fruits globally.
Initially, it was believed that traditionally mangoes were domesticated in South Asia first and then got introduced to Southeast Asia.
But, recent studies from 2019 have shown a history far more complicated. Scientists discovered more genetic diversity in Southeast Asian mango types than in the Indian ones.
This finding possibly suggests that mangoes were first domesticated in Southeast Asia, or the diversity happened as a result from crossbreeding with other related species that were native to the region.
Mangoes were then put into two main genetic categories which are the Indian group and the Southeast Asian Group.
The Indian group produces monoembryonic seeds or one seedling per seed, and the Southeast Asian group has polyembryonic seeds meaning it has multiple seedlings from one seed.
These differences embodies the separate paths of cultivation in different parts of Asia.
In conclusion, the history of this beloved fruit is more complex than previously thought, as the domestication of mangoes likely involved multiple regions and stages.
How to Celebrate National Mango Day
There’s no better excuse to go mango-wild than Mango Day! Whether you love them juicy, tangy, sweet, or all of the above, here are some fun and flavorful ways to celebrate:
Kick off the day with a tropical twist, blend a mango smoothie, top your cereal or yogurt with fresh mango slices, or create a vibrant mango smoothie bowl loaded with nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes.
Add diced mango to a salad with lime juice, mint, and a pinch of chili flakes for a fresh, zesty lunch. Feeling creative? Whip up a mango dressing or a spicy mango chutney to elevate your favorite dishes.
Cool down with a chilled mango lassi, mango sorbet, or even a no-bake mango cheesecake. For something simple yet delightful, enjoy ripe mango cubes with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cardamom.
Mango salsa isn’t just a dip, it’s a celebration! Pair it with tortilla chips, or spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your mango delights and share the goodness online using #NationalMangoDay. Spread the sunshine and maybe inspire someone else to go mango crazy too!
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