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The mango tree belongs to the genus Mangifera. This genus comprises of a number of species of tropical fruiting trees in the flowering plant family of Anacardiaceae. Known as the king of fruits, Mango, the name is derived from the Tamil word Mangkay or man-gay. In the 16th century, the Portuguese settlers in Western India adopted the name as manga. The mango tree is mainly cultivated for its fruit, though it is not only the fruit, but many parts of the tree like the leaves, bark, roots, etc., which can be put to some use or the other. The fruit is famous world over for its food, juice, flavour, colour and fragrance. The leaves of the mango tree are considered auspicious by many Indian communities and are often used as decorations at weddings and other religious ceremonies.
The mango tree reaches to a height of about 35-40 m I.e approximately 65ft. and has a crown radius of about 10m. The leaves are of the evergreen variety and orange-pink when the tree is young, and change to the dark glossy red, when they start maturing and as they mature, the colours of the leaves turn dark green. The trees flower with white coloured flowers having a lily like fragrance. Once the flowering gets over, the tree bears fruits, which take 3 to 6 months to ripen.
Growing Mangoes
The mango trees grow large in size and are shade providing dense trees, whose roots are not destructive. In winters, the tree requires full sun and a perfect air drainage. When grown on the slopes, care should be taken that it is grown at the top or middle level of the slope, and a wind break needs to be provided on the exposed areas. In the desert, the mango tree needs the shade of other plants. When grown in the greenhouse, free air movement and full light are mandatory in order to prevent the tree from diseases.
| The mango tree grows well in almost all types of well drained soil, but it is advisable to avoid heavy, wet soils. the preferred pH balance of the soil need to be anywhere between 5.5 to 7.5. The tree is also tolerant to alkalinity. To ensure good growth of the tree, mango tree should be grown in deep soil, as it needs space to accommodate its extensive roots. | |
| Irrigation needs to be provided to the trees, once the weather warms up a bit. The right time for irrigation varies in different regions, for example at the coastal regions, the trees need to be irrigated in April, whereas in the desert, irrigation is required in February. Watering is necessary on a regular basis to maintain the moisture of the soil, and should be continued till the fruit is harvested.A nitrogen fertilizer is essential when growing mangoes, to ensure a healthy flower production. Other micronutrients like iron are also added to facilitate a good harvest. it should be noted that the tree must not be fertilized after mid-summer. Organic fertilizers are also a good option. Care should be maintained as to not to over fertilize the tree, as it would cause irreparable damage to it. Sandy soils require more fertilizer than the clay or loom soil. | |
Mango and Its Varied Food Uses
| Mango Facts Mangoes have been grown on the Indian Sub-continent since time immemorial. They are believed to have originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal. It was in the 5th century BC that the Buddhist monks first took the mangoes to Malaysia and eastern Asia. According to a legend, Buddha is believed to have found tranquility in a mango groove. The traders from Persia took the mango trees to the Middle Eastern countries and Africa. It was from here that the Portuguese took them to Brazil and the West Indies. It was in the 1830s that the mango cultivars arrived in Florida and California. Hundreds of varieties of the fruit are now grown world over, throughout the tropical and the sub tropical world. India is the leading producer of mangoes followed by Mexico and China. It is also grown in Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, Philippines and Haiti. | |||
| Mango VarietiesMany cultivars of the fruit exist, and most of them are a result of cross-pollination. Alphonso or Hapoos, as it is popularly called, cultivated majorly in Maharashtra, is the most popular variety. It is an export quality mango. Some other cultivars include Kesar, found in Gujarat, Dasheri, the highly aromatic mangoes found in Uttar Pradesh, Langra variety in varanasi, Bombai from Bihar, Baganpalli/Benishan, Maldah from Bihar and West Bengal, Kuini from West malaysia, Tommy Atkins from USA, R2E2 variety from Australia, etc. are some of the most well known varieties worldwide. | |||
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Apple is a fleshy fruit of the tree of the species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae. The trees of the Malus family require a long period of dormancy, a well drained soil, years of careful pruning and pest management. The apple tree usually grows to about 5-12 m in height, and is one of the most cultivated fruit trees in the world. Apples ripen in autumn, and generally are 5-9 cm in diameter. They are available in a number of sizes, shapes, colours, etc. but are mostly round and come in the shades of red or yellow.The tree is believed to have originated from Asia, and now more than 7, 500 varieties of apples are available worldwide. These large number of varieties may be grouped in three categories, cider, cooking, and dessert varieties. Those varieties, which ripen in late summer are often the ones, which cannot be stored for long, whereas the ones that ripen in autumn may be stored all year round.
Apples can be eaten fresh, cooked, baked or be converted into drinks, and are a rich source of vitamins A and C, fiber, carbohydrates, etc. To know if an apple is good or not, one should first look at its texture, which should be smooth, and be free of any bruises or cuts. The firmness of the apple is the proof of its sweetness. Storage of the apples in an important aspect and care should be taken to store them in a cool and dry place, wrapped in a poly bag.Millions of tonnes of apples are grown throughout the world every year. China, USA, Turkey, France, Italy and Iran are amongst the top exporters of apples in the world. Apples are used in many recipes made world over. The American Apple Pie is world famous and is a traditional dish made on special occasions. Apple can also be baked and eaten as a side dish with any kind of meat. Apple sauce made from blanched apples is an excellent accompaniment with pork. Dried apples also make a health snack.
Origin Researchers believe that the apple tree was one of the earliest cultivated trees. The apple fruit has improved over a period of thousand years of its existence owing to the process of selection. Some botanists theorize that apples originate somewhere in central and southern China. The seeds of this mystic fruit are believed to have been spread by birds throughout the northern hemisphere. In 300 BC, Alexander the Great is believed to have found dwarfed apples in Asia Minor, which he brought back to Greece.The colonists brought the apples to North America in the 1600s, and the first apple orchard was built in Boston in North America in 1625. Apples have been relished as a winter fruit in Asia and Europe since time immemorial. The Europeans took the apples to the USA in the 1900s, as the irrigation projects in Washington state started at that time and the multi-billion fruit industry spread its roots.
Some Delicious Apple Facts
Myths and ApplesFrom the very outset, apples have been associated with health, beauty, fertility, temptation and sexuality. Many mythical tales have been long associated with this mystical fruit. In the Bible, the apple is depicted as the forbidden fruit, which Adam and Eve ate, and brought wrath on the entire race of humans. In Greek Mythology, Heracles, a Greek hero, was required to travel to the garden of Hesperides and pick golden apples from the tree of life located at the centre.
In another myth from the Greek mythology, Atlanta, raced all her suitors, and outran them all in order to avoid marriage. But she could not defeat Hippomenes, who defeated her by his cunning plan. He used the three golden apples given to him by Aphrodite, the Godess of love. He used these apples to distract her, and as a result successfully won her hand in marriage. There are many such myths associated with this supple fruit, which have been going around for centuries.
Apples and Their Health BenefitsApple is an extremely dexterous fruit, as it is not only delicious but is also healthy. In the day and age we live in today, fitness and health seem to be on every ones mind. Apples are sweet, do not have many calories, and also aid in weight management; making them an ideal fruit. They also possesses many health benefits, which may be enumerated as follows:
Guava is a tropical fruit, which is in very much like the shape of a pear, and has a yellow-green skin and white, yellow, or red/pink flesh. The guava tree belongs to the myrtle family Myrtaceae. The tree is native to Mexico, as well as Central America, Northern South America and parts of the Carribbean. They are now cultivated throughout the tropics.The fruit is known by many names in various countries. They are called Pera in Sri Lanka, Amrood in Hindi and Urdu. In Bengali it is known as Peyara. They are also referred to as the bayabas locals of Guayaba. Some people prefer eating guavas to oranges, as the former have more concentration of Vitamin C and are also a lot cheaper than the latter.
Guavas can be consumed raw, but need to be ripe, as raw guavas are hard on the stomach. They make excellent jams, preserves, and sauces. Guava trees are ideal for use as fruiting hedges, landscaping trees and as ornamental potted specimen trees
Nutritive Value Guava is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. A guava contains approximately five times more Vitamin C than an orange. It also possesses vitamins A and B and is also rich in Calcium, Nicotinic Acid, Phosphorous, Potassium, Iron, Folic Acid, Fiber, etc
Varieties of Guava
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Grape is a climacteric fruit that grows on the perennial and deciduous woody vines of the genus Vitis. Grapes are small round or oval berries, which have a translucent flesh, and a smooth textured skin. They sometimes have seeds, which are edible, but most of the varieties are seedless. The grapes, which are eaten are called table grapes, the ones used in the fabrication of wine are called wine grapes, and the ones used to make resins are called resin grapes.
Different varieties of grapes range in colour, size, taste and physical characteristics. The colors range from green, amber, red, blue-black, and purple. In general, whole grapes have a slightly crunchy texture and have a dry, sweet and tart taste. Grapes generally grow in clusters of 6 to 300
The fruit is an excellent source of manganese, Vitamin B6, thiamin, potassium and Vitamin C. Grapes contain flavnoids:phytochemicals that are antioxidant compounds. While there are thousands of varieties of grapes, only about 20 varieties are actually consumed as a table variety.
Wine Grape Varieties
Selecting and Storing GrapesPlump and wrinkle free grapes attached to a healthy stem are an ideal pick. While selecting, make sure you pick up intact grapes, whose juice is not leaking. The colour of grapes are easy identifiers of the sweet variety. Green grapes with a slight yellow hue are sweet, and so are extremely red and deep purple and deep black grapes. The more ripe the grapes are, the more antioxidants they have.
The fruit spoils if kept at room temperature, as it starts fermenting; care should be taken to always refrigerate the grapes. Ideal way to store them, and keep them fresh for longer is to wrap them in a paper towel and place then in a polythene bag, into the refrigerator.
Uses of GrapesGrapes are best eaten raw, but can also be consumed in some interesting forms and recipes like:
Health BenefitsGrapes have since time immemorial been regarded as a fruit with immense health benefits. Whether you consume them raw or as wine (their fermented form), be rest assured that you are raising a toast to your good health. Some of the health benefits associated with grapes, may be listed as follows:
Grapefruit or the Forbidened fruit of Barbados is a subtropical citrus tree. The tree is an evergreen tree, which grows to a height of about 5-6m, though they may also attain a height upto 13-15m also. The leaves of the tree are long and and thin and dark green in colour. It bears four petaled flowers, which are usually white in colour.
The grapefruit is an oblate fruit, which ranges in diameter from 10-15 cm. The skin is usually yellow-orange in colour and the flesh is segmented and acidic. The colour of the flesh varies as per the cultivars; it may have a white, pink and red colour.
A lesser known fruit, it became popular only in the 19th century, as earlier it was only considered an ornamental plant. USA became a major producer of the fruit, with a number of orchards in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. In Spain, the fruit is known as toronja or pomelo.
The grapefruit is tart and tangy with a subtle sweetness. The juiciness of the fruit is unparalleled, and even the ever popular orange is no competition to it. The flavor of the grapefruit is like paradise, as is expressed by its Latin name, Citrus paradisi. Though the fruit is available throughout the year, the best season for consuming the fruit is winter through early spring.
Grapefruit Varieties
Selecting GrapefruitsThe grapefruit need not be perfect in colour. Though the skin of the fruit may have scratches or marks, but they in no way affect the taste or the texture of the fruit. However, if there is a soft spot at the stem end of the fruit, it means that the fruit is rotting. A decaying grapefruit usually lacks in flavour, is less vibrant and has a poor flavour and is more bitter.
To choose a good grapefruit, it is advisable to pickup heavy ones, as this indicates that the fruit has a thin skin, and therefore more concentration of juice. The ones with wrinkles, should be avoided, as they have a thich skin and less concentration of a juicy flesh.
njoying the Grapefruit
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The watermelon plant is a climber or a trailer or a vine like structure, originally from South Africa. Scientifically known as the Citrullus lanatus, it belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. The fruit produced by this plant is called pepo by the scientists. This fruit has a thick rind (exocarp)and has a soft edible pulp (endocarp or mesocarp)on the inside, usually with a lot of seeds. The sweet and juicy flesh ranges in colour from pink, red to yellow.
Watermelon is a tasty and filling fruit, which is low on calories and has absolutely no fat. Though, it is mostly the pulp which is consumed, but the outer shell and seeds are also consumed in many countries. In many Asian countries, roasted watermelon seeds are eaten as a snack. The rind is used in the form of pickles, jams, etc.
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| Nutritional ProfileA watermelon is approximately 92% water, and is an excellent thirst quenching fruit. It is full of phytonutrients, and is also a good source of vitamins A, C and has ample amounts of potassium, thiamine, etc. | ||||
Is it Sweet?
The question almost never skips our mind, when we are buying watermelons. Buying melons is a gamble, as one cannot say if they would be sweet or not. Buying them cut is easier, as the ones having a deep colour without the presence of any white streaks are the indications of a sweet flesh. While choosing a whole watermelon, care should be taken to purchase a heavy one, with a rind, which is neither too dull nor too shiny. Also, the base of the fruit should be of a lighter yellow shade, as this shows that the fruit was allowed to ripen with the yellow portion resting on the ground. The even coloured small watermelons are generally the ones, which have been picked before they were fully ripe, and therefore suffer in their taste, texture and juiciness.
Getting Experimental with Watermelon
Unknown Facts
The custard Apple, also known as the bullocks heart or bulls heart, is the fruit of the tree Annona reticulata. The tree is a small deciduous ever green tree, which grows to an average height of about 6 meters. As a fruit of the tropics, the tree thrives in hot and humid conditions. It also occurs in many other parts of the world including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, India, Australia, and Africa.
The custard apple plant bears flowers on the mature branches. The fruits are generally round in shape and have a white and creamy flesh with an extremely sugary taste. The seeds of the fruit are lustrous black in colour, but are not consumed, as they are slightly poisonous in nature.
Not just the fruit, but other parts of the trees also have their own benefits and uses. For example the leaves of this tree are rich in an ingredient used to make dyes, stains, inks, tattoos, etc. The whole plant is a rich source of hydrogen cyanide. The fatty-acid methyl-ester of the seed oil meet all the bio diesel requirements in many countries like USA, Germany and many countries in the European Union.
Commonly Cultivated Varieties
Nutritive ValueSitaphal or Custard Apple is a fruit rich in calories, and is a must have for those on a weight gain diet. Athletes and people indulging in other sports activities should consume this fruit regularly, as it gives an instant energy boost and also helps in restoring the depleted energy. It gives 104kcal per 100gm of edible portion. The fruit also has ample amounts of iron, phosphorous, potassium, and vitamin C. The edible portion comprises of about 3.1% fiber.
Custard Apple on My Plate
Health Benefits of Custard AppleCustard Apple or Sitaphal as it is most commonly known in most parts of India is an Epic fruit having many medicinal properties. The fruit is rich in minerals like iron, phosphorous, calcium and riboflavin. Not just the fruit pulp, but other parts of the sitaphal plant are also beneficial in curing many ailments. Some of the medicinal properties associated with the fruit include the following:
