Imam Pasand facts for kids
The Imam Pasand mango, also known as Himayat or Himam Pasand, is a special and less common type of mango. It is mostly grown in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India. Its name suggests it was a favorite of kings and queens, making it a truly royal fruit!
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Discover the Imam Pasand Mango
This unique mango is loved by people who really know their fruit. Many consider it the 'King of Mangoes' because of its amazing taste. Unlike some mangoes that are just sweet, the Imam Pasand offers a mix of flavors.
What Makes It Special?
When you bite into an Imam Pasand mango, you first notice a slightly tangy outer layer. This hides the wonderfully sweet flesh inside. The taste is quite complex. It starts sweet, but then you might notice hints of coconut and lime in its aftertaste. Some people even compare its unique flavor to a spicy-sour Thai curry, which is very different from the rich taste of other famous mangoes like Alphonsos.
Appearance and Size
The Imam Pasand mango is quite large. It might not look super pretty at first glance, as it's often a mottled green color. As it ripens, this green lightens to a blotchy yellow-green. These mangoes can be quite heavy, weighing anywhere from about 400 grams (like a large apple) to 1000 grams (like a small melon)!
When Can You Find It?
This special mango is only available for a short time each year. You can usually find it during the months of May and June. This limited availability makes it even more sought after by mango lovers.
Handling This Special Fruit
Imam Pasand mangoes have a very soft skin. This makes them easy to bite into or even eat with the skin on. However, this soft skin also means they can be tricky to transport without getting bruised. Luckily, modern ways of shipping and selling fruit are helping to get these delicate mangoes to more stores. This means more people can enjoy this delicious and royal fruit!
A Royal History
The exact story behind the Hindi name of this prized mango is a bit of a mystery. Some people believe it first grew in Kerala, a state in southern India. It is said that the Mughal emperor Humayun loved this fruit so much that it was called Humayun Pasand, meaning "Humayun's Favorite." In another Indian state, Andhra Pradesh, it is known as Himayat. It is thought that the family who owns the Thathachariar gardens in Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, helped bring this fruit to Tamil Nadu.
