Hebrew: מַנְגּוֹ, mango
Family: Anacardiaceae (sumac)
Scientific name: Mangifera indica
The mango tree blooms abundantly in the spring, filling with both male and bisexual flowers. A mature tree yields hundreds of fruits, with production increasing as the tree ages. The fruit ripens 4-5 months after blooming, turning shades of yellow, orange, and red. Each mango contains a single large seed at its center, and its flavor ranges from sweet to sour. Mangoes can be enjoyed on their own as a refreshing summer treat or used in the condiment amba, fermented mango sauce (a traditional Indian-Iraqi dish).
In Israel, mango trees are relatively short, but in their natural habitat, they can reach 40 m tall.
Native to tropical and subtropical regions, the mango originates from India and China. It is unclear when it arrived in our region, but it may have occurred as early as the Arab conquest around 1,300 years ago, which is why it was unknown in the Land of Israel during the time of the Talmudic sages.
Orlah & neta revay (waiting three years for fruit & fourth-year trees): Since it is a tree, one must wait three orlah years before using, eating, or benefiting from its fruit. On the fourth year, a special blessing is recited to transfer the sanctity of the fourth-year fruit to a coin.
Kilei ilan (grafting mixed species): Mango trees are typically grafted onto other mango varieties, so forbidden grafting is not a concern.
Shehechiyanu (blessing for new frut): Yes. Mango is a seasonal summer fruit, unavailable from winter to spring.
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