Tropical fruit is a staple food for many people in India. These fruits are also exported to other countries and are popularly consumed by people all around the world. Amongst these, mangoes occupy one of the most privileged positions. We all know the taste (and smell) of this luscious fruit and how difficult it is to resist its temptation! This article will highlight the National Fruit of India along with its significance. This will also help explain why a country has selected a certain fruit as its national fruit, just to make it clear that not every country has their own fruits as national fruit!

Which is the National fruit of India?

The national fruit of India is none other than the exotic and delicious Alphonso mango (Mangifera indica). It is a kind of fruit in terms of taste, quality and nutritional value. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and many other essential minerals. But this wonder fruit has a mouth-watering flavor that sets it apart from all others.

National Fruit of India

The Alphonso mango is native to North America and is widely cultivated in the tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. The fruit can be found all throughout the year, but it really shines during certain seasons like:  the monsoon season in June, autumn (when there is a change of temperature) and various other periods of time. The ripening process takes anywhere between 3 months to 5 months. This period depends on climate and other environmental factors. The maturity period also varies depending on several parameters, such as the area where it is grown, soil quality, weather conditions, etc. It is often found that mangoes grow better in certain places than others.

Why is Mango considered the National Fruit of India?

The Alphonso mango is a prized commodity in India. They are grown in abundance, yet the demand for this fruit is always higher than the supply. The country has officially declared this fruit to be its national fruit .To know why, let us take a look at some of its exotic and unique qualities:

•  Alphonso Mango is believed to be the king of all Indian fruits and is seen as a symbol of pride, health and prosperity. It has been cultivated since ancient times in places like Kashmir and Sindh.

The first written record about this fruit comes from 1650 CE, which mentions it as ‘mango of Ratnagiri’. This is where mangoes were first introduced in South Asia.

• The fruit that originated in India is named after the Italian botanist and traveller “Alphonso de Tovar” (1504 – 1650 CE). The name ‘mango’ comes from its Hindi name “Aamgandha”, which means ‘food of angels’.
• The Alphonso mango bears characteristics of an ideal fertilizer due to its high content of nitrogen. Through proper incorporation, the fruit can help increase crop yields by up to 25-30%. It is almost two times stronger than other organic fertilisers like cow dung cake, poultry manure and guano (bird droppings).
• The fruit is a rich source of minerals, namely Iron (which helps in the production of red blood cells and strengthens the immune system), as well as Potassium (a vital element in cellular metabolism).
• It is believed that eating this fruit after sunset is an excellent way to retain one’s youth and stay fit.
• Mango seeds contain high levels of vitamin A and many other essential antioxidants and polyphenols.
• The Alphonso mango is known to be very rich in minerals, vitamins and dietary supplements. These nutrients are useful in combating various diseases including cancer.
• The fruit is rich in Dietary Fiber. Dietary fiber helps in the digestion and absorption of various nutrients as well as regulating blood sugar levels.
• It is also a source of Heart-Healthy Cholesterol. It contains a high amount of Polyphenols that are known to help prevent various types of cancers such as breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer. It is an excellent source of Selenium that helps keep the body healthy and strong.

Conclusion

The Alphonso mango is the Queen of all fruits and is used in various forms (pickles, jams, chutney, etc.). It is a source of Vitamins A, C and many other essential minerals. This wonder fruit can be preserved for about 6 months and can be frozen for up to 2-3 years. The demand for this fruit is increasing with time and the export rates are growing rapidly. One can always look forward to eating this special delicacy!