From emperors and kings like Akbar and Bahadur Shah Zafar, to poets like Ghalib and Rabindranath Tagore, to commoners like you and me, the mango was—and remains—a universal favourite.
Did you know that the mango was born in India? Or that our country is the largest producer of the fruit, producing more than 52% of the world’s mangoes?
It’s true!
‘Amra’ or ‘Amra Phal’ are its earliest names. The 7th Century Chinese traveller Hsuan Tsan is credited with bringing the fruit to the notice of people outside India. In the 16th century, Persian traders took the Aam to Africa, from where it gradually spread to different parts of the world.
Indeed, it is fair to say all Indians eat at least one mango every season. It’s what makes the ‘500 days of the Indian summer’ bearable, perhaps even enjoyable each year.
From emperors and kings like Akbar and Bahadur Shah Zafar, to poets like Ghalib and Rabindranath Tagore, to commoners like you and me, the mango was—and remains—a universal favourite.
But there are people who dislike mangoes (gasp!)
Don’t believe me? Check out the full episode here!
In this first episode, you will also hear from Shree Kishan Suman and Ravi Marchetwar, two farmers who have made significant innovations in mango cultivation. While Suman developed Sadabahar, a mango variety that gives fruit three times a year, Ravi modified a tree in his orchard such that it gives 51 varieties of mangoes!
Also Read: ‘Bite On This’ Episode 2: Is Biryani India’s National Dish?
(Edited by Vinayak Hegde)
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