Mangos

Walk About Magazine

The Unkown King. The Ancient King of Love

Sept - Oct 2005 *By Paul Widerburg*

The journey I wish to take you on today is to an ancient land where elephants, monkeys and tigers roam. A land of Temples, jungles, deserts, beautiful mountains and banyan tree groves. Here we meet a King known to many, yet unknown to even more. He is a King of Love, temptation, mystery and the King of fruit, the mango. Mangos originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and are, according to an ancient Eastern proverb, among the three things in life so important that they should only be shared with the ones you love: a bed, a prayer mat, and a mango. Many people believe it can grant wishes. A grove of Mangos was gifted to Buddha for meditation. The poet Kalidasa sang its praises. Alexander the Great savored its taste, as did the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang. Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga. Some scientists think that apple trees are not native to the region where they think Eve tempted Adam. Most likely, she tempted him with a mango. Therefore the mango must be the most tempting fruit in the world. More mangos are consumed worldwide than any other fruit. Yet in North America, forty-five percent of the population has never tasted a mango. Mangos sugar out at over 15% where a peach will usually sugar out at 10% to 12%. The mango is so juicy that I consider it also to be the king of the dribble-down-your-chin fruits. They remind me of a peach with a hint of vanilla flavor to it. Mangos can be substituted in any recipe that calls for peaches, papayas, pineapple, melons, or nectarines. In Mexico, sliced mango is eaten with chili powder and/or salt. In Guatemala, Ecuador and Honduras, small, green mangoes are popular; they have a sharp, brisk flavor like a Granny Smith apple. Vendors sell slices of peeled green mango on the streets of these countries, often served with salt. In Hawaii it is common to pickle green mango slices. The Mango is a comfort food. Mangos really can make you feel better! Beyond being delicious and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, mangos contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties similar to papain found in papayas. These comforting enzymes act as a digestive aid and can be held partially responsible for that feeling of contentment we experience during and after our daily mango ritual. Yes, it is quite natural to crave those mangos Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against degenerative diseases, especially with regards to the heart, which may help prevent certain types of cancer as well as lowering blood-cholesterol levels. An average sized mango may contain up to 40% of your daily fiber requirement. For those of you who are physically active, mangos are also a great way to replenish that lost potassium. Deliciously rich in antioxidants, potassium and fiber -- the mango is the perfect fruit! Mangos are good source beta carotene, rich in Vitamins A, B and C, high in fiber, low in calories (about 80) and have more carotenoids than most other fruits -- and that helps to ward off colds and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. Mango can be a great way to get a child interested in eating fruit and this is how I got my daughters Sadie and Chantelle interested. Slice the mango so that the knife just passes over the flat surface of the stone. Turn the mango over and repeat the process, cutting across the other flat surface. With each big slice that has been removed, cut hatch marks through the flesh just down to the skin making it look like your are playing tic tac toe only with one extra line. Then, holding the piece flesh side up, press the thumb on the skin side underneath as if turning the piece inside out, I call this popping a mango. You can serve it this way on a saucer, This way of preparing a mango will fascinate you child, intrigue you dinner guest, surprise your husband or wife, girlfriend or boyfriend, and beautify any meal or occasion. So, if you have never taken the adventure of the wonder King of fruit (the mango) you are missing out on one of the true incredible tropical taste adventures of life. The mango is scrumptious, dribble-down-your-chin juicy, beautiful, tropical, mysterious, aromatic, romantic, a comfort food rich in beautiful colors, delightful to the eye, fun and super nutritious. Visit this wonderful Kingdom - the kingdom of the mango. The mango is truly 'The King of Fruit.'
Uncle Paul first started working with produce at the age of 14. He owns, along with his wife Calla, Uncle Paul’s European Style Open Air Produce market, 2310 SE Hawthorne, 503-484-8612. His specialty is working with local farmers to bring the freshest, highest quality produce at the lowest prices to his customers.