2016 Jul 24
By Shamila Naleer
The sweet, rich and juicy taste of mango is one many of us find most difficult to resist. Be it the saccharine slices of the fruit itself, or in the form of a thick, luscious juice or smoothie, mango will always be pretty high on the list of our fruity delights.
Home to over almost 20 different types of mango, we in Sri Lanka have quite a range to choose from when it comes to this delectable fruit. Among this variety we have Karutha Colombun, Vellai Colombun, Willard, Betti amba, Giraa amba and the very-curiosity-rousing, Peterprasand.
Devouring mangoes
Oh, mangoes. My absolute favorite. Personally, I love mangoes in their liquid form. A cool, thick concoction of mango juice on a hot Ceylonese afternoon is pure perfection.
Our little tropical island is additionally well known for our making of mango achcharu. Famed among our street food, mango achcharu tastes best when barely ripe raw mangoes are used and mixed in with an ample fusion of pepper, salt and chili powder.
A serving of mango curry or mango chutney is always welcome on my plate of rice and curry. It adds a sweet zesty taste to the cuisine and more often than not, tends to be finger-licking (and plate-licking) good!
Our Mangoes
So far, we’ve established that there are over 20 different types of mango in our country, and as Lankans and we consume this delightful fruit in so many different ways (most loved as achcharu).
Among our diverse selection;
- Karutha Colomban
This mango reigns high among our mangoes owing to the sweet, juicy, ripened taste it holds as well as its considerable size. It is the most popular mango cultivar in Jaffna and is also known as the Jaffna mango. Moreover we know its presence in the form of ice cream in our country and it is favored by many Lankan palettes.
- Willard
- Gira Amba
- Malwana
- Sour Mango
These mangoes are usually the main component when it comes to making mango achcharu. It tastes particularly delicious when it has a tang of sweetness in its rich taste.
- Mee Amba
- TEJC Mango
Weighing almost 600g, this certain mango is one of the world’s biggest and juiciest mangoes. It was first introduced to Lanka from Australia, Florida or Malaysia.
The Boons of Mango
Like so many other fruits, mangoes have their health benefits as well.
Health Benefits;
- Mangoes contain certain antioxidants that help in the prevention of cancer.
- They help lower cholesterol levels as they are rich in fiber, pectin and vitamin C.
- For those of us who have to put up with skin issues; add mango to your diet! Studies have shown that clear up clogged pores as well as those annoying pimples.
- It contains vitamin A which improves eye health as it promotes good eyesight and prevents dry eyes and night blindness (a plus point for bookworms!)
- In a country where diabetes torments so many, eating mango can prove to be favorable when it comes to fighting this plight.
- It also promotes healthy sex. *Ahem Ahem*
- The fiber present in mangoes assists with digestion and elimination.
- Battling hot days can be so much easier with the help of mangoes as the cooling, sweet and hydrating components of the fruit cools down our bodies.
- Mangoes additionally boost our immune systems.
Did You Know…….
Time for some fun facts!
- Mangoes are related to cashews and pistachios.
- The seed of the mango fruit can be used to produce soap! This is a result of mangoes being rich in stearic acid content.
(Citrus and Ginger soap with Mango seed butter)
- Apparently, eating mango before you smoke up is supposed to enhance the effects and this, might I add, I find most interesting. *insert smirking emoji*
- When choosing a mango, slightly pinch the nose of the fruit. If it gives in, it is considered ripe.
- It is believed that gifting a basket of mangoes indicates a sign of friendship.
