Mangoes are easily one of the most popular fruits you’ll find at the grocery store. They’re incredibly versatile and always in high demand, but by the time that delicious fruit makes it to your shopping cart, it has usually traveled quite a few miles.
Where do mangoes come from?
Mangoes likely got their start in India over 4,000 years ago, and they’ve been a staple of Indian cuisine ever since. Nowadays, you can find mangoes growing on almost every continent, though they definitely prefer tropical and subtropical climates. While the majority of the world’s mangoes still come from Asia, other major growing regions include:
- Brazil
- The USA
- Israel
- Mexico
- Spain
How mangoes get to your table
Mangoes take a few different routes to get to your local supermarket. You might have heard of “tree-ripened” or “air-freighted” mangoes—these are picked when they’re perfectly ripe and rushed to stores via airplane. Because the trip is so fast, you’re getting a fruit that’s ready to eat the moment you buy it.
Most mangoes, however, travel by ship. These are usually picked before they’re fully ripe with the idea that they’ll finish ripening during the voyage. The tricky part is that if the temperature isn’t just right during the trip, you might end up with a mango that’s either overripe or still rock-hard. It’s always a good idea to check the label for the origin and harvest time to make sure you’re getting the best quality possible.
The best way to store your mango
Since mangoes are tropical fruits, you should never store them in the refrigerator! Coming from warm climates, they are much happier sitting on your counter at room temperature. If you notice unappealing brown spots on the flesh, that’s usually a sign that the fruit got way too cold. Interestingly, though, mangoes freeze beautifully. If you find a great deal, you can stock up, freeze the chunks, and use them whenever you need a tropical fix.
Growing your own mango tree
Even if you don’t live in the tropics, you can actually grow your own mango tree right at home! The best way to start is by planting a mango pit and letting it germinate. Under the right conditions, you’ll have a gorgeous little tree within about two years. While our northern climate means it probably won’t produce fruit or reach the massive heights it would in the wild, it still brings a wonderful tropical vibe to your living room.
