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Mango Tree, Barbados Pocket Guide

Mango Tree

The mango tree (Mangifera indica) is quite a crucial fruit in its native land India and that cruciality has grown and very much extended to Barbados. Writings from its native land India, show that the mango tree is one of the oldest cultivated trees with records dating back more than 4,000 years.

In Barbados, the most popular types of mango are 'Julie' and 'Pawi' (Père Louis). The usual fruiting season for the mango tree is in the summer months but it is also possible for this season to go into the month of December.

Description

The mango tree is a beautiful, large tropical tree that grows on the island of Barbados and produces a fruit that is enjoyed by Barbadians of all ages. The mango tree is self-fruiting with large stalks of small flowers, which don't always mature into full fruit. The ovate fruits of the mango tree grow at the end of stringlike stems with waxy and smooth surfaces. When ripe, mangoes are usually bright yellow to orange in colour.

The flesh of the mango is peachlike, very juicy and eaten directly off the seed or cut into pieces depending on the individual's preference. When new growth appears on the tree, it is rather pretty with a colour of light green to dark red to purple leaves.

Mangoes on the island of Barbados are truly a delicacy as children can be seen throwing pebbles or the very fruit at them just to ensure their share of mangoes in the summer time. A favourite in Barbados is eating mangoes while in the sea to give them that semi-salty taste.

Medicinal Properties of the Mango

Mangoes are not just sweet and juicy to taste, they are also filled with many health benefits.

•	They contain a soothing digestive aid called papain, that can also be found in papayas. These proteolytic enzymes that break down proteins are effective meat tenderizers regularly used in tropical countries where mangoes are grown. The enzyme list continues with magneferin, katechol oxidase, and lactase that not only protect the mango from insects, but help humans by stimulating metabolism and purifying the intestinal tract
•	Once tolerated, every part of the mango is valuable and has been employed in folk remedies throughout the years in some form or another. The bark, leaves, skin and pit all have been concocted into various types of treatments or preventatives down through the centuries
•	Mango is a powerful antioxidant, anticancer, and anticardiovascular abilities have been showed in foods that contain phenolic compounds. Mangoes have been blessed with the phenols quercetin, isoquercitfin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid, and methylgallat
•	In India, mangoes are used as blood builders because of their high iron content. They are suggested for treatment of anemia and are beneficial to women during pregnancy and menstruation. People who suffer from muscle cramps, stress, and heart problems can benefit from the high potassium and magnesium content that also helps those with acidosis
•	Also, in India, a drink is made from unripe mango fruit and used as a remedy for exhaustion and heat stroke. Half-ripe mangoes eaten with salt and honey are used for treating gastro-intestinal disorders, bilious disorders, blood disorders, and scurvy
•	Ripe mangoes are a rich source of vitamin A and are used to treat vitamin A deficiencies such as night blindness. Diabetes has been treated with a drink made from the infusion of fresh mango leaves
•	Dried mango seed ground into flour is used to treat diarrhea. Diarrhea and throat disorders are treated by gargling bark extracts mixed with water
•	In India, fruit sap has been used to treat the pain of bee and scorpion stings
•	Mango is a shining star in the beta carotene realm, summing up at 8061 IU for that same medium size. If you're looking for a boost in potassium, look no further than a medium mango with its 322.92 mg. It's the perfect fruit to replenish energy after heavy physical exercise like jogging or working out. Magnesium content is 18.63 mg
•	Dried mango flowers, containing 15% tannin, serve as astringents in cases of diarrhea, chronic dysentery, catarrh of the bladder and chronic urethritis resulting from gonorrhea. The bark contains mangiferine and is astringent and employed against rheumatism and diphtheria in India. The resinous gum from the trunk is applied on cracks in the skin of the feet and on scabies, and is believed helpful in cases of syphilis
•	Lab test show that mango juice has the ability to destroy viruses shortly after coming into contact with them

Mangoes are often eaten fresh off the tree but can also be used in preserves, desserts and as a flavoring for many foods. The skin is not normally eaten, however, children on the island of Barbados find it quite delightful to eat. Green mangoes are used to make mango chutney.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this page should not be interpreted as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site.

Readers should consult the appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well being.

The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best information available to the writers. However, readers who fail to consult the appropriate health authorities automatically assume risk of any injuries. Barbados Pocket Guide is not in any way responsible for errors or omissions.

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