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Mangos are the world's most popular fruit! They're also one of the world's most interesting fruits. The mango story sounds more like a fairytale than a history lesson. Mangos had their beginning in India over 5,000 years ago and are a part of many cultural traditions and folklore. Designs of the fruit, flowers and leaves of the mango tree are still found in Buddhist and Hindu temples throughout India. The 'Paisley' design comes from India and is based on the mango.

A Hindu legend tells the story of the mango tree growing from the ashes of the sun princess, who had been incinerated by an evil sorceress. The Emperor fell in love with the mango flower and subsequently its fruit. When the mango ripened and fell to the ground, the beautiful sun princess emerged. Thus, the mango has become a symbol of love in India, and a basket of mangos is considered a gesture of friendship. The mango tree plays a sacred role in India and some believe that it can grant wishes. In Hindu culture hanging fresh mango leaves outside the front door during the Hindu New Year is considered a blessing for the house.

Fun Facts About Mangos

If you think you are up for a challenge, take our mango quiz to see how much you really know. You might want to brush up on a few more facts before you begin:

• Mangos are distantly related to a few plants that you'd probably never guess: the cashew and pistachio.
• Most of the mangos sold in the United States are imported from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala and Haiti.
• More fresh mangos are eaten every day than any other fruit in the world.
• India grows more mangos than all other fruits combined.
• A mango tree can get as tall as 100ft.
• According to Indian folklore, Buddha was given a mango orchard by a faithful follower so that he could rest in its cool shade. Many believe that Buddha meditated under a mango tree!
• Even inedible parts of the mango have interesting uses. The bark, leaves, skin and pit have been used as folk remedies for centuries.
• Mangos are bursting with protective nutrients. The vitamin content depends upon the variety and maturity of the fruit. When the mango is immature the amount of vitamin C is higher, as it ripens the amount of beta carotene (vitamin A) increases.
• The English singular form mango comes from the Latin Mangifera indica meaning mango-bearing plant from India.