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In our daily lives, we frequently come across a wide variety of fruits that we enjoy eating. One fruit that many of us love is the mango. Most of us have probably tasted the delicious and juicy flesh of a ripe mango. It has a unique flavor and bright color that makes it a popular choice for many dishes.

Mangoes are known for their versatility in cooking. They can be eaten on their own, added to smoothies, used in desserts, or even included in savory recipes. The mango’s soft and juicy texture, along with its sweet and tangy taste, makes it a favorite fruit for many people.

Even if we haven’t personally tried a mango, we have likely heard about it. Mangoes are often talked about in conversations, recipes, and we often see them in grocery stores and markets.

Have you ever heard of white mango? If not, let’s discover what white mango actually is and explore its numerous health benefits.

What Is White Mango?

The white mango, scientifically known as Mangifera caesia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the same family as cashew trees. It is similar to regular mangoes and is grown in various countries in Asia, including Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Kerala. Unlike other mango varieties, the white mango prefers marshy areas and is rarely found in forests. The white mango tree has round-shaped leaves that grow closely together to form a dense crown. It can grow up to 30 meters tall.

The plant is known by different names in different regions. In the Malay language, it is called “binjai,” while in the Balinese and Dusun languages, it is known as “wani.” Other names for it include “yaa-lam” in Thai, “bayuno/baluno/belunok” in Filipino, “mangga wani” in Cebuano and Sabah languages, and “gwani” in the Subanen language.

The small flowers of the tree are about 0.7 centimeters long. The fruits of the white mango tree are large and oval-shaped, measuring between 10 to 15 centimeters in length and 6 to 8 centimeters in width. The fruits have thin brown skin with patches of different colors. The flesh of the fruit is both sweet and sour, with a white or yellow color and a strong smell. The white mango tree is native to Borneo but is also cultivated in other countries in the region for its tasty fruit. In western Malaysia, it is the most commonly grown species of Mangifera. It is also cultivated on a large scale in Borneo, Sumatra, and Bali.

Health Benefits Of White Mango

White mango offers a range of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to your diet. Here are some of the health benefits of white mango:

1. Fights against free radicals: It is rich in antioxidants, which help combat harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of diseases like cancer.
2. Skin health: With its high Vitamin C content, It supports various bodily functions and contributes to maintaining healthy skin, giving it a fresh and moisturized appearance.
3. Digestive support: White mango, when used as a part of a healthy diet and being a good source of fiber, aids in maintaining digestive health, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the body, just like a carburetor in a motor vehicle.
4. Relieves constipation: Due to its fiber content, it can effectively alleviate constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
5. Eye health: It contains beta-carotene (provitamin A), which is beneficial for eye health, particularly in maintaining the health of the retina, which may deteriorate with age.
6. Endurance enhancement: This white mango provides beta-carotene and vitamin C, which are essential for improving the overall function of the body systems and promoting endurance.
7. Osteoarthritis prevention: The beta-carotene present in this can help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition.
8. Heart disease management: Consumption of this mango, rich in beta-carotene, serves as a source of vitamin E, which aids in lowering bad cholesterol levels that contribute to cardiovascular issues.
9. Respiratory health support: White mango’s vitamin C and beta-carotene content can enhance lung capacity, helping to alleviate respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma.

By incorporating White mango into your diet, you can potentially enjoy these health benefits and improve your overall well-being.

Uses Of White Mango

The white mango has several uses. Here are some of them:

Uses in Bali:

• White Mango is utilized to create creamy juices.
• It is also used as a primary ingredient for making spicy chili sambal, which is commonly paired with river fish.
• Additionally, the fruit can be pickled to create a tangy and flavorful condiment.
• The wood of the White Mango tree is employed for light construction purposes.

Uses in Brunei:

• In Brunei, the fruit is referred to as binjai.
• It is utilized to prepare various dipping sauces that accompany ambuyat, a traditional sago dish known as the national dish of the country.

How To Consume White Mangoes

There are various ways to enjoy white mangoes:

1. Eating the Ripe Flesh: The ripe flesh of these mangoes can be consumed directly. Simply peel off the skin and enjoy the sweet and juicy fruit.
2. Dip in Chili, Sugar, and Dark Soy Sauce: Another popular way to enjoy this is by cutting the fruit into slices and dipping them in a mixture of chili, sugar, and dark soy sauce. This combination adds a delightful blend of flavors to the mangoes.
3. Make Jeruk and Sambal: These can be used to make “jeruk,” a traditional Indonesian fruit preserve. The fruit is sliced and mixed with sugar or salt to create a sweet or savory pickle. Additionally, white mangoes can be used as an ingredient in sambal, a spicy condiment often enjoyed with grilled fish.
4. Pickle with Salt: The flesh of white mangoes can also be pickled by preserving it with salt. This creates a tangy and flavorful condiment that can be enjoyed with various dishes.
5. Creamy Juices: White mangoes can be blended to create delicious and creamy juices. Their sweet and fragrant flavor makes them a perfect ingredient for refreshing and nutritious beverages.
6. Enjoy Fresh: Of course, you can always enjoy white mangoes as they are, fresh and unadorned. Simply peel the skin and indulge in the natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruit.

These different methods provide a range of flavors and textures to savor the unique taste of white mangoes. Feel free to explore and find your favorite way to enjoy this delightful tropical fruit.

Side Effects Of White Mango

It is important to note that consuming white mango fruit when it is not fully ripe is not recommended. The juice of unripe white mango is toxic and can act as a poison when ingested. In some parts of Asia, it has been historically used for this purpose. Additionally, the juice of unripe white mango can cause irritation to the skin upon contact.

Because of these factors, harvesting white mango can be a hazardous task. Workers involved in harvesting must take precautions to protect themselves. They need to cover their entire bodies and wear gloves to avoid any contact with the toxic juice, which could cause harm or injury. These safety measures are crucial to ensure the well-being of the workers during the harvesting process.

Takeaway

White mango, also known as Mangifera caesia, is a unique variety of mango with its own set of characteristics and health benefits. It offers a range of advantages, such as being rich in antioxidants, supporting skin health, aiding digestion, promoting eye health, boosting endurance, and more. White mangoes can be enjoyed in various ways, including eating the ripe flesh, dipping them in chili and soy sauce, making pickles or creamy juices, and consuming them fresh.

However, it’s important to avoid consuming white mangoes when they are not fully ripe, as the juice can be toxic and cause skin irritation. When harvesting white mangoes, protective measures must be taken to ensure safety. Overall, white mangoes are a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit worth exploring.