Why Mango Is Called the King of Fruits

Mango is called the King of Fruits because of its unmatched combination of historical prestige (cultivated by Mughal emperors for 500+ years), superior nutrition (more vitamin A and C than most fruits), cultural significance across South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, and its status as the world's most consumed tropical fruit with a global industry worth over 50 billion USD annually (source: FAO/Grand View Research, 2024).

*Last Updated: March 2026*

The Historical Throne: Mughal Emperors and Mangoes

The mango's royal title has literal historical roots. The Mughal emperors of South Asia, who ruled from the 16th to 19th centuries, were passionate mango cultivators:

• **Emperor Akbar (1556-1605)** planted the famous Lakh Bagh — an orchard of 100,000 mango trees — near Darbhanga in Bihar. This was one of the largest planned orchards in history.
• **Emperor Jahangir** is recorded as awarding court titles to his favourite mango varieties, treating them as living treasures of the empire.
• **Emperor Shah Jahan**, builder of the Taj Mahal, considered mangoes essential at every royal feast. Court records describe elaborate mango tastings with dozens of varieties.
• The Mughal-era poet **Amir Khusrau** (13th century) called the mango "the fairest fruit of Hindustan" — naghz tarin mewa-i-Hindustan.

In Multan, where MMA Farms orchards stand today, mango cultivation predates even the Mughals. Archaeological evidence suggests mango growing in this region for over 4,000 years, making Multan's orchards among the oldest continuously cultivated fruit groves on Earth.

The Nutritional Crown

Mango outperforms most common fruits in multiple nutritional categories:

Mango provides 18 times more vitamin A than apples, 8 times more vitamin C, and contains unique bioactive compounds like mangiferin that no other common fruit offers. See our complete [mango nutrition guide](/blog/mango-nutrition-facts/) for detailed data.

Cultural Significance Across Civilizations

In Buddhism

The Buddha is said to have been given a mango grove (Jivaka's Mango Garden) for meditation. Mango motifs appear extensively in Buddhist art across India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The mango tree symbolises love, fertility, and attainment.

In Hinduism

The mango is sacred in Hindu tradition — its leaves are used in wedding ceremonies (toran), religious pujas, and as symbols of prosperity. The god of love, Kamadeva, is said to tip his arrows with mango blossoms.

In Islam

While not specifically mentioned in the Quran, mangoes became deeply embedded in the culinary and horticultural traditions of Islamic South Asia through the Mughal period. The Mughal gardens of Lahore and Delhi featured mango orchards as centrepieces.

In Pakistani Culture

Mango (aam — آم in Urdu) is the national fruit of Pakistan. During summer, mangoes dominate social gatherings, family celebrations, and even diplomatic gifts. Pakistan has gifted mangoes to foreign heads of state, and mango festivals are held annually in Islamabad, Lahore, and Multan.

The Poetry Connection

Pakistan's literary giant Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869) was famously obsessed with mangoes. He reportedly ate so many that contemporaries called him mad. When asked why he liked mangoes so much, he replied: "Aam mein do hi aibb hain, ya to bahut meethey hain, ya bahut mehengey" (Mangoes have only two faults — they are either too sweet or too expensive).

The Taste Argument

No other fruit offers mango's combination of:

• **Sweetness range**: From tangy [Langra](/mangoes/langra/) to honey-sweet [Sindhri](/mangoes/sindhri/) to caramel-rich [Nawab Puri](/mangoes/white-chaunsa-nawab-puri/)
• **Aroma intensity**: The intoxicating fragrance of [Anwar Ratol](/mangoes/anwar-ratol/) is unmatched in the fruit kingdom
• **Texture variety**: From firm and sliceable to custard-smooth to ultra-creamy
• **Culinary versatility**: Eaten fresh, in lassi, as ice cream, as pickle (achaar), in chutneys, as dried fruit (amchur), in salads, and in hundreds of desserts

The Global Empire: $50 Billion Industry

The mango industry's scale confirms its royal status:

• **Global production**: 54+ million tonnes annually (FAOSTAT, 2024)
• **Countries growing mangoes**: 100+ worldwide
• **Varieties worldwide**: Over 1,000 named cultivars
• **Market value**: Estimated $50-55 billion USD globally
• **Leading exporters**: India, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand, Brazil
• **Pakistan's contribution**: 1.8 million tonnes, with exports exceeding $61 million in 2024

National Fruit Status

Mango holds official "national fruit" status in three countries:

1. **India** — Mangifera indica is the national fruit
2. **Pakistan** — Aam is the national fruit
3. **Philippines** — Carabao mango is the national fruit

No other fruit holds national status in three separate nations, underscoring mango's unique cultural resonance across Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who first called mango the King of Fruits?

The exact origin is debated, but the title is widely attributed to Indian and South Asian literary traditions dating back centuries. The Mughal emperors treated mangoes as royal fruit, and the designation "king" appeared in English colonial writings about India in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Is there a Queen of Fruits?

Yes — the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is traditionally called the "Queen of Fruits" in Southeast Asian tradition. Queen Victoria reportedly offered a reward to anyone who could bring her fresh mangosteen.

What makes Pakistani mangoes different from Indian mangoes?

Pakistan and India share many mango varieties (Langra, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol) due to their shared pre-partition horticultural heritage. However, Multan's extreme summer heat (45°C+) and specific soil conditions produce exceptionally sweet, concentrated flavours. [Sindhri](/mangoes/sindhri/) is uniquely Pakistani, originating from Sindh province.

How many mango varieties exist worldwide?

Over 1,000 named cultivars exist globally, though about 20-30 dominate commercial production. Pakistan alone has over 200 known varieties, with MMA Farms focusing on the six finest: Langra, Sindhri, Anwar Ratol, White Chaunsa Mosami, 12 Number Ratol, and Nawab Puri.

Why are mangoes so popular in South Asia?

Mangoes originated in South and Southeast Asia 4,000-6,000 years ago. The fruit has been integral to the region's food culture, religion, art, and literature for millennia. The summer mango season is a cultural event — families gather to eat mangoes together, share boxes with neighbours, and celebrate the harvest.

Is mango really the most consumed fruit in the world?

By volume, mango is the most consumed tropical fruit in the world. Globally, when combining all varieties and all forms (fresh, dried, processed), mango ranks among the top five most consumed fruits alongside bananas, apples, oranges, and grapes.