Sunday, June 20, 2010

King of Fruit – Mangoes:

In India, every year with the onset of summer, for almost from the time immemorial the mango season starts and by May when summer at its peak Mangoes is the common sight through out the country selling like hot cakes. No wonder the Mangoes are the national fruit of the India and “Food of the God”. Today, India is the world’s largest mango producer, growing nearly 1000 varieties of mango and contributing over 50 per cent of the world’s total mango production of approximately 23 million metric tons with very little export as most are consumed within the country. 



Mango has been the most popular tropical fruit since 2000 BC or earlier finds a mentioned in the Indian history as well. In fact, the famous poet Kalidasa is known to have sung its praises. Apart from that, ancient Greek King Alexander the Great and Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang have been said to have savored its taste. Historical records also mention the instance of Mughal King Akbar planting 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, known as Lakhibagh.
ALPHONSE 

BANGANABALLI

JAVAD

MALGOVA

Some interesting facts and myths about Mangoes:

The mango is known as the 'king of fruit' throughout the world.

The name 'mango' is derived from the Tamil word 'mangkay' or 'man-gay'. When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as 'manga'.

Mangos originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal. Around the 5th century B.C., Buddhist monks are believed to have introduced the mango to Malaysia and eastern Asia - legend has it that Buddha found tranquility and repose in a mango grove. Persian traders took the mango into the Middle East and Africa, from there the Portuguese brought it to Brazil and the West Indies. Mango cultivars arrived in Florida in the 1830's and in California in the 1880's.

The Mango tree plays a sacred role in India; it is a symbol of love and some believe that the Mango tree can grant wishes.
In the Hindu culture hanging fresh mango leaves outside the front door during Pongal (Tamil New Year) and Deepavali is considered a blessing to the house.
Mango leaves are used at weddings to ensure the couples bear plenty of children.
Mangos are bursting with protective nutrients. The vitamin content depends upon the variety and maturity of the fruit, when the mango is green the amount of vitamin C is higher, as it ripens the amount of beta carotene (vitamin A) increases.

Every part of the mango is beneficial and has been utilized in folk remedies in some form or another. Whether the bark, leaves, skin or pit; all have been concocted into various types of treatments or preventatives down through the centuries. A partial list of the many medicinal properties and purported uses attributed to the mango tree are as follows: anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-septic, anti-tussive (cough), anti-asthmatic, expectorant, cardio tonic, contraceptive, aphrodisiac, hypertensive, laxative, stomachic (beneficial to digestion).

Mangoes are powerful antioxidants that can prevent aging.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Pristine natural beauty, ABBI Falls - Coorg

Abbi Falls, the pride of Coorg, around 8 km from Madikeri, the capital of Coorg, is a sight that is truly stupendous; the spectacular sight of cascading water is an absolute treat for the eyes and the senses! Reaching the place is a jolly ride in itself as the road that you drive on is very narrow with lots of turns and twists, ups and downs. A smiling mother nature welcomes you at every turn. Nestled amidst private coffee plantations; the Abbi Falls provide a striking contrast to the sylvan surroundings of Coorg. A narrow road winding through the green and dense foliage of surrounding coffee plantations leads to Abbi Falls. Situated on private property, a narrow pathway leads you downward to where the waterfall can be seen.

Formerly this water fall was known as Jessey Falls. 'Abbi' in the local language Kodagu means falls. The falls is more enjoyable within the fenced area wherefrom you get its friendly pose for your camera! The best place to have a better view of the falls is by standing on the hanging bridge opposite to the falls itself.

If you are a nature lover, then Coorg should be your next holiday destination, if you are in India and intending to visit South India. Coorg also referred as ‘Scotland of India’ known for its pristine natural beauty and lush green forests. It is a well-known hill station near Mysore and is a leading coffee growing district. The moderate climate and vast expanses of greenery have made it a highly sought-after tourist spot in Karnataka. 

If you are a nature lover, then Coorg should be your next holiday destination, if you are in India and intending to visit South India. Coorg also referred as ‘Scotland of India’ known for its pristine natural beauty and lush green forests. It is a well-known hill station near Mysore and is a leading coffee growing district. The moderate climate and vast expanses of greenery have made it a highly sought-after tourist spot in Karnataka. 

These images are taken by me during my recent trip to Mysore and some of them are displayed here.