Mango: A Global History (Edible)
Description
From smoothies to folklore, a global history of the many incarnations of the mango.
This beautifully illustrated book takes us on a tour through the rich world of mangoes, which inspire fervent devotion across the world. In South Asia, mangoes boast a history steeped in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, even earning a mention in the Kama Sutra. Beyond myth, the authors show us that mangoes hold literary significance as a potent metaphor. While mango-flavored smoothies grace Western grocery shelves, the true essence of sweet, juicy mangoes or tangy, unripe varieties is a rarity: supermarket offerings often prioritize shelf-life over taste.
This book offers an accessible introduction to the world of true mango aficionados and the thousand varieties they cherish.
Praise for Mango: A Global History (Edible)
"Kirker and Newman’s exhaustive research turns up plenty that informs and entertains (mangoes are a 'hell of a fruit,' former president George W. Bush declared during a 2006 visit to India). . . readers with a taste for trivia will eat this up."
— Publishers Weekly
"Kirker and Newman weave a beautiful narrative around one of South East Asia’s most prized and glorious possessions – the mango."
— Sonal Ved, author of "Tiffin" and "Whose Samosa Is It Anyway?"