“Look, Moidootty!” gasped Malu, “You’re no longer spitting mangoes when you speak! The curse has been reversed!”

“So what would you like to do now, my boy?” asked Maangasura. “Would you like a few lovely, ripe mangoes to take home with you?”

“No thank you!! I may have had my fill of mangoes for now!” laughed Moidootty.

M for… Mangoes!

It is not just Maangasura who would do anything for mangoes. Through the centuries, mangoes have shaped trade routes, played roles in love stories, and even caused wars!

Mangoes were first grown in India around 4000 years ago, although the Western world tasted it only 400 years ago. Kerala, where Malu and Moidootty are from, is credited with giving the mango it’s English name. Portugese traders were so enchanted by the Malayali Maanga that they transported it to Europe, and called it Mango!

Mughals, Marathas, Mauryas and other rulers were all enchanted by the king of fruits, the mango. And they encouraged the creation of new varieties of mangoes many of which Maangasura enjoyed in his mango feast. In fact, Alaudin Khilji is said to have once held a feast in Siwana Fort (Rajasthan) where his guests were served only mangoes in different forms.