Mango! History and Varieties in Pakistan
The King, Mango In the 19th century Mirza Ghalib, the great Urdu/Persian poet, immortalized the mango in his beautiful verses, describing it as the “king of fruits” and extolling qualities such as its exotic aroma and its honey-sweetness. It shines at every feast, for rich or the poor alike. Mangoes are not only Pakistan’s national fruit, but they are also part of the culture, a networking tool, an instrument of social bonding, and a diplomatic emissary worthy of being gifted to dignitaries all over the world. At this time of the year, the renowned Chaunsa variety has arrived in the Kingdom, following on from the Sindhari, which ripens earlier. They are just two of 1595 known varieties of mangoes known. Other commercially produced varieties in Pakistan include Langra, Dasehri, Anwar Ratool, Samar Bahisht, and Desi. All hail the KING! The arrival of summer in Pakistan also translates into mango season. After all, we are now the fourth-largest producer of mangoes in the world ...