King of fruits makes royal appearance

Mangoes are high in fibre low in calories and are rich in vitamins, A, B and C

ISLAMABAD: With the advent of the summer season mango the fruit aptly described as the ‘The King of Fruits’ and one of the most sought after items by people of age groups has made its regal appearance in markets everywhere.

Pakistani mangoes are high in fibre low in calories and contain a small amount of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, potassium and a little protein and are rich in vitamins, A, B and C containing other anti-oxidant vitamins as well. It is one of the sweetest fruits in the world.

Chaunsa mango of Pakistan is one of the worlds' top available varieties. Chaunsa is a variety of mango grown in different parts of the world, but originally from Rahim Yar Khan and Multan in Punjab. It is an exceptionally sweet mango with a wonderful fragrance and delicious soft, succulent flesh with only the minimum of fibre.

Sindhri is a leading variety of Sindh. Its shape is ovalish long, size large, skin colour lemon yellow when ripe, pulp colour yellowish cadium, texture fine and firm fibreless, stone medium sized, flavour pleasantly aromatic and taste sweet. It's origin is from Mirpurkhas

Langra mango's flesh is fiberless, yellowish brown in colour and has a strong smell when it ripens. As compared to other varieties of mangoes, it is naturally very sugary and soft. The size of the seed is small and oval in shape. Langra maintains it green colour after it gets ripe, while other mangoes change into yellow-reddish color.

A vendor Sajjid Khan said that mango of Pakistan was well known for its taste and quality abroad as well as in Pakistan.

Another shopkeeper Zia Muhammad said, "Different varieties of mangoes grow in different parts of the country, and consumers have very strong affinity for the varieties that grow in their home region.

"Mango is my most favorite fruit during the season as Pakistani mangoes have more than 400 varieties and are considered one of the best in the world," Ali Azam a customer claimed, adding that "the most popular commercial varieties are different in colour and sizes and have distinct flavour and taste".

A citizen Fatima Iman said mangoes are one of those fruits that I crave for. Besides their sweet, delicious, and irresistible taste, mangoes also have many advantages and health benefits.

A nutritionist Asma Iman said mangoes not only help lower cholesterol and improve eye health, but they also help prevent cancer. Scientists have discovered that the antioxidants in mangoes are linked to protecting against breast, colon, prostate cancers and leukemia. As if this was not reason enough, mangoes also help alkalise our bodies, which is important considering how much we sweat during summers, fight chances of heat stroke and improve our digestion.  

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2018.