Like many tropical trees, the mango is a multi-purpose commodity. Its timber is used in boat building and it holds a key position in the Hindu religion. Its leaves can be fed to cattle in moderation. The global market for mangoes is potentially very lucrative, and mango producers are keen to exploit the fruit's growing popularity. Modern shoppers appreciate the fruit's high nutritional value (the mango is a good source of vitamins A and C, protein, fructose and fibre), but also expect it to look and taste perfect. Unfortunately for producers, the seedlings of mangoes are extremely variable in quality, and many have to be rejected as below the standard required for propagation. For mass-cultivation, producers now select only the best quality seedlings which have the most chance of developing into good quality fruit.
Mangoes are usually in storage for some time after their arrival at their destination. The fruit must be kept cold or the sweet, juicy flesh will soon become over-ripe and the mangoes will be unfit for sale. Fortunately, extremely effective refrigeration is now available and this is the best way of preventing the fruit from deteriorating before it reaches the supermarket shelves.