Yesterday, Finance Minister announced special economic package for Micro, Small and medium enterprises (MSME) totalling to approx 6 lakh Crores. This forms the part of the economic package of Rs 20 lakh Crores announced by PM two days back. Now if you look into comments by some opposition leaders on the package announced by FM, they really look funny-Mamta Banerjee CM of West Bengal described the package announced by PM and FM ‘as trash, as it has nothing for states’. Even spoke person of Congress party also aired the similar comments, and added it is just an eye wash etc etc. The Congress and other opposition parties want the Centre should give the package to states and then states transfer the benefits to the needy industries.
The Covid 19 virus is at full force in India, and total number of cases in the country now stands at 78,000+.
Now on the food topic- today I am writing about a fruit which is only available through the summer season, and the fact is that this is the only fruit that is eaten fresh than any other fruit in the world. As you must have guessed, the fruit is Mango. Mango is available in different varieties, which are grown in different region of the country. The best known variety of mango is Hapus or Alphanso (which is also the most exported variety of mango), this variety is generally available in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
There is an old Indian saying that seasonal fruits are supposed to be eaten during season, and that they do not generally cause any harm. Mango if eaten excessively can lead to stomach disorders. We Indians also make variety of dishes with mango, and since the cooked food is much safer. Whichever way you enjoy it , make sure that you enjoy eating mango during the season.
Benefits of Mango– They are said to be good for your health in many different ways. It is good for your skin and lowers cholesterol. It has rich antioxidants that can help you keep diseases like cancer at bay. In fact mangoes also have sufficient Vitamin A to provide you with your daily dose and ensure your eye health. They can also improve your digestion by helping breakdown of proteins and fibre in the mango also helps in digestive system. It also contains Vitamin C that helps in boosting the immune system. It fact mangoes contain more than 20 vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to human being. Consumption of mangoes can help reduce age and asthma related issues and help in Calcium absorption, which is important for healthy bones and ageing. It is also said that mango eaten in moderation, can help with sugar and insulin levels as it is high in fibre contents. Mangoes even help with heart diseases as it contains potassium and many other beneficial vitamins. The Vitamins A & C in mangoes can help a lot in keeping your skin healthy and your hair moisturised.
How to consume– Mangoes can be eaten fresh, or in the form of juice or a milkshake or even topped with ice creams to make it more tasties. Raw mangoes can be used to make pickles, chutney, chunda, murabba, or Aampanna, which is refreshing drink in the summer. Ripe mangoes can be used to make dishes, or Jams, Cakes, Ice creams, Shrikhand or even beaten into a lassi with a curd. Aam ras puri is a favourite dish of Maharashtra, which is hit with children. In fact many variations of the mango dish like Barfi, Kheer, Phirni etc are made apart from the traditional dishes in various regions in the country.
Whichever part of India you are in, it is for sure that you will find a few different varieties of mangoes during the summer. So, during the summer, think about the benefits and enjoy the King of fruits, even more, in different forms. You will hardly find a person in India who does not relish mangoes, unless he/she is refrained from eating by doctor.
SO HAPPY EATING MANGOES DURING THE SUMMER SEASON.
Waiting for your views, comments and feed backs.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
14th May 2020.
R. N. Mungale.
Yes. Mangoes are great!