By Paola Ochoa, AgTools.
The mango initially comes from the Indo-Burma area, probably cultivated by man for over 4,000 years. India, where wild mango forests still grow today, is the main growing area for this plant.
Mangoes have spread to almost all tropical areas: South and Southeast Asia, Australia, Madagascar, East Africa, Brazil, and Central America. It also grows in subtropical regions with favorable climates, such as Florida, South Africa, Israel, Cyprus, and Egypt.
The arrival of this fruit in America was due to the Portuguese, who introduced it to Brazil in the 18th century. They were also the ones who brought it to West Africa.
On the other hand, the Spanish contributed to the expansion of the mango in America, as they transported small mango trees from the Philippines to Mexico.
Its introduction into southern Spain does not appear to have occurred until the 20th century.
Notably, the “Haden” mango became one of the most widely grown mangoes in the world after its introduction to Florida in 1910, marking the beginning of the modern development of this crop.
Mango is one of those fruits that stand out anywhere in the world because you can find them in any country where you are.
That is why it is considered one of the most essential fruits worldwide, occupying one of the first places in production.
The Health Benefits of Mangoes
Mango helps digestion since it contains enzymes that accelerate the decomposition of proteins. This also makes it recommended to treat acidity and soothes the stomach.
Mango varieties rich in fiber are ideal for counteracting constipation. The fruit helps absorb iron and is recommended for people with anemia and pregnant women.
It is highly recommended that children consume this delicious fruit with glutamine acid that helps stimulate memory and improves concentration.
Due to its high vitamin B6 and iron content, mango consumption is ideal for the proper functioning of the brain.
In 2022, 1.26 billion pounds of mangoes were marketed in the United States, while in 2021, 1.23 billion pounds were marketed.
The difference represents a volume increase of 2.5%, making this year a record one, which we can see in the following graph:
77% of this mango comes from Mexico and Peru, with 65% and 12% market share, respectively.
Both regions are complementary, and it is thanks to this that consumers can enjoy mangos all year round, no matter what time of the year they are in.
In 2022 Mexico had an increase in mango exports of 7.85%, while Peru rose 1.24%.
Mexico’s increase was mainly towards the beginning and end of the season, with Sinaloa and Guerrero, the states with the highest Mexican production, with 19%, followed by Nayarit with 15.5%.
Despite the increase in volume, this has not been reflected in a decrease in the price paid by consumers at the national level due to the high demand for the product.
In 2020 the maximum price paid for each mango was $1.25, while in 2022, this fruit reached the price of $1.56.
If this pattern continues in the following years, the amount of fruit imported from other countries will surely increase so that consumer demand continues to be supplied.
In addition to the exquisite taste of mango, it is also a fruit that brings tremendous and essential benefits to our health.