Mangifera indica

The mango the king of fruits is also the fruit of desire and the fruit of love. Every aspect of the tree is profoundly intertwined with Indian civilization. The leaves flowers and fruits of the mango are depicted in paintings and sculptures and references to it are found in Indian literature through the ages and in several languages. It has played and continues to play an important role in religion cuisine and a variety of cultural forms. But do we really know all there is to know about this delectable fruit? <p/>In this deeply researched and superbly written book we go beyond the well-trodden stories of the obsessions of nawabs and kings and breathless annual debates about the best mangoes in the world. From the orchards where they grow to the vibrant markets redolent with their aroma and ultimately to our tables <i>Mangifera indica</i> describes every aspect of India's favorite fruit. Book One begins with the history origin and the relevance of the mango in contemporary culture including its place in religious rituals and festivals literature and diplomatic relations. Book Two takes us far back in time 4500 million years ago to chart the coevolution of the ancestors of the mango and humans. In Book Three we traverse the length and breadth of India encountering a kaleidoscope of mango varieties-the fragrant Alphonso sweet Kesar succulent Dashehri and dozens of others-as well as never before heard stories of growers traders distributors and consumers. <p/>An ambitious synthesis of reportage history biology ecology economics and culture Mangifera indica is the definitive account of India's treasured fruit.<p><br></p>