B.N: Mangifera indica L.
Family: Anacardiaceae
Origin: Indo –Burma region

The mango is a tropical fruit which consists of about 30 species. Reference to mangoes as the "food of the gods" can be found in the Hindu Vedas and the leaves are used for floral decorations at Hindu marriages and religious ceremonies. In India there are over 100 varieties of mangoes, in different sizes, shapes and colours. Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, known as Lakhi Bagh.
Use and Importance: Mango is the king of fruit “Choicest fruit of India” “Pride of garden” “National fruit of India”, “Symbol of Nation”. The Young and unripe fruits are utilized for culinary purpose as well as for preparing pickles, chutney, murabba and amchoor due to their acidic taste. Ripe fruits are utilized as fresh, as well as canned for preparing pulp, juice, jam, baby food, papad, custard powder, toffee etc,. Its juicy fruit is a rich source of Vitamins A, C and D. Besides, fruits some of the varieties like Alphonso & Dashehari are sliced and canned for catering to the need of consumers during the off season. Alphonso is most suitable for canned juice preparation due to its very good color, consistency and flavor.

India is the largest producer and exporter of mango in the world. The mango is highly cross pollinated crop. Flowers are used in attar industry, and mango bark is used in diphtheria and rheumatism. The wood is use in furniture, flooring, packing boxes, matchboxes, brush back boats etc.

Mango is grown in India for over 4000 years. More than 1,000 varieties exist today. It is grown in almost all the states. India shares about 56% of total mango production in the world. Its production has been increasing since independence, contributing 39.5% of the total fruit production of India. Andhra Pradesh tops in total production, whereas Uttar Pradesh tops area-wise. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Gujarat together contribute for about 82% of the total production in India.