The Mango
Mangoes which are quite commonly grown in all the islands and is one of the favourite fruits among the locals and the tourists. Mangoes are used to prepare a variety of delicacies. It is also very popular among the youth to be eaten when it is not ripe. A mixture of chili powder with salt is used when mango is eaten in this fashion.
Mangoes are also used to prepare curries and pickles. Maldivians make the best use of mangoes when they are in season.
Another local dish that is very commonly made out of mangoes is “anbu majaa”, which is usually prepared when going on picnics. This is a very spicy dish which is prepared by mixing a number of ingredients and does not need any cooking.
Mango is rich in a variety of phytochemicals and nutrients that qualify it as a model "superfruit", a term used to highlight potential health value of certain edible fruits. The fruit is high in prebiotic dietary fiber, vitamin C, polyphenols and carotenoids.
- Mangos are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, both important antioxidant nutrients. Vitamin C promotes healthy immune function and collagen formation. Vitamin A is important for vision and bone growth.
- Mangos are a good source of dietary fiber. Diets low in fat and high in fiber-containing grain products, fruits, and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of some types of cancer.
- Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals.
- Mangos scored 93 out of 100 on the recently introduced NuVal scoring system for overall nutritional quality.
