Mango Friend
A narrow road that snakes its way through the village, across paddy fields; bunch of boys on their way back home from school, and their smiles in the wind. A mango tree patiently waits by the road, waiting for the silence to be filled with the laughter and cries of the children who would soon come to it with the hope of getting a treat.
The children run around the tree; their eyes peeled to the ground like little pirates on a treasure hunt. Among them are Sunil and Nimal on a mission to find the most succulent of a mango and suddenly both their hands reach towards the same fruit. The next moment, both find themselves on a duel to decide who gets to keep it. Amidst the loud cheering of the onlookers, Nimal reluctantly hands over the fruit to Sunil who then throws it afar. The brawl had created a rift between the two friends – but this would soon turn into one of the most beautiful friendships that you would get to read in ‘Amba Yaluwo’ (loosely translating to mango friends) the beloved children’s novel by T. B. Illangarathne.
When it comes to mangoes, there is not a soul that doesn’t have a fond memory to cherish, relating to this royalty of a fruit. Much like Sunil and Nimal – almost all Sri Lankan children (and adults alike) love the mango season when trees are laden with fruits.
The first mention of the mango fruit can be found when perusing Sri Lanka’s Buddhist history, where Arahat Mihindu enlightened King Dewanampiyatissa by asking the famed question about the amount of mango trees in the forest to test his intelligence. Thus, history proves that Mango trees have been a part of Sri Lanka’s eco systems for thousands of years, making them endemic to the Island.
Mango trees grow in abundance in the tropical climate of the country and bear fruits throughout the month of May. It is during this month that a mango curry would find its way to the traditional Sri Lankan lunch or dinner; or wayside vendors would walk around with carts of freshly cut mangoes in small bags – with a spicy mixture of salt and chili sprinkled on them, a mouthwatering sight.
Fondly known as the king of fruits, it is believed that mangoes were originated in India. In Sri Lanka mangoes are popularly grown in Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Hambanthota, Puttalam, Moneragala, Jaffna districts – although it is hard to find a home garden without a mango tree (except in cities). And almost often these trees grow organically without needing any artificial fertilizer.
When the skin of the fruit takes after a green-yellowish or in some varieties a green-reddish hue, that is when you know that the fruit is ripe enough to be consumed. You can eat it fresh from the tree, pickle, cook or even make a delicious juice with each method having a unique taste.
Mangoes contain vitamins A and C and medicinal properties. Unripe mangoes in the form a drink is used as a remedy for body ailments caused by a raise in ambient air temperature. Unripe mangoes are effective in treating stomach problems and blood related diseases. Ripe mangoes protect the health of your skin and are also useful to overcome night blindness. Mango seeds, leaves and bark are used to treat diarrhea disorders in reproductive system of women. Mangoes also help digestion – so much so that there is a saying among Sri Lankans that if you sit under a mango tree after meal, that itself is enough to get the job done.
Befitting to its name as the ‘king of fruits’, mangoes are also a good export crop in Sri Lanka. Today, there is a growing trend among local producers to create processed mango products such as mango pulp, juice, nectar, dried slices, mango wine, glazings, jams and spread.
By now, you are certainly thinking of gifting yourself a mango treat, having read about the most royal of fruits. Don’t hesitate, be loyal to the royal fruit that grows naturally without any fertilizer! Enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan mango today!
