Kuttiattoor Mango Live Plant

Kuttiattoor Mango: Kerala’s Pride with a GI Tag

The Kuttiattoor Mango, often hailed as one of the sweetest mango varieties from Kerala, holds a cherished place in the hearts of mango enthusiasts. Originating from Kuttiattoor, a quaint village in Kannur district, this mango has earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its unique identity and regional heritage. Locally known as ‘Nambiar Maanga,’ ‘Kannapuram Maanga,’ ‘Kunjimangalam Maanga,’ and ‘Vadakkumbhagam Maanga,’ this variety stands out for its unparalleled sweetness, vibrant aroma, and cultural significance.

Scientific and Local Names

• Scientific Name: Mangifera indica
• Common Names: Kuttiattoor Mango, Nambiar Maanga, Kannapuram Maanga

Characteristics of Kuttiattoor Mango

Fruit Features:

• Shape and Size: Medium-sized, roundish mangoes with a smooth, glossy surface.
• Color: Golden-yellow skin with a slight greenish hue when unripe.
• Flesh: Deep orange, juicy, and fiberless, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Taste: Intensely sweet with a hint of tropical tang, leaving a delightful aftertaste.
• Aroma: Strong and inviting, typical of high-quality mango varieties.

Tree Features:

• Canopy: Spreads wide, providing ample shade, making it ideal for traditional homesteads.
• Growth Habit: Vigorous and adaptable to Kerala's tropical climate, thriving in the region’s red, lateritic soils.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Nutritional Profile (Per 100 grams):

• Calories: ~60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~15 grams
• Protein: 0.8 grams
• Fiber: 1.6 grams
• Vitamin C: 36 mg (60% of the daily recommended intake).
• Vitamin A: 1080 IU (supports vision and skin health).
• Folate: 43 mcg (essential for cell repair and growth).
• Potassium: 168 mg (helps regulate blood pressure).

Health Benefits:

1. Boosts Immunity: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it strengthens the immune system.
2. Promotes Eye Health: Abundant in Vitamin A, supporting vision and reducing the risk of night blindness.
3. Enhances Digestive Health: High fiber content aids digestion and prevents constipation.
4. Supports Heart Health: Potassium and fiber help lower cholesterol and maintain healthy blood pressure.
5. Aids Weight Control: The natural sweetness satisfies cravings without adding excessive calories.
6. Prevents Cancer: Dietary fiber and antioxidants help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
7. Skin Glow: Beta-carotene and Vitamin C rejuvenate skin, promoting a natural glow.

Culinary Applications and Taste

Taste Profile:

The Kuttiattoor mango is known for its intense sweetness, smooth texture, and slight tang that adds a refreshing complexity. Its rich, juicy flesh and minimal fibers ensure a luxurious mouthfeel.

Culinary Uses:

1. Fresh Consumption:
   • Best enjoyed fresh, peeled, and sliced, showcasing its natural sweetness.
2. Juices and Shakes:
   • Its pulp makes delectable mango juices and creamy milkshakes.
3. Traditional Dishes:
   • Commonly used in Kerala's mango curries, pickles, and chutneys.
   • Forms the base for ‘Mambazha Pulissery,’ a popular mango yogurt curry.
4. Desserts:
   • Enhances puddings, ice creams, sorbets, and jams.
5. Snacks:
   • Dried as mango slices or made into mango leather for year-round enjoyment.

Cultivation and Maintenance

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in tropical conditions, flourishing in Kerala's humid weather.
• Soil: Prefers red, lateritic soils but adapts well to sandy or loamy soils with good drainage.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure for optimal fruiting.

Planting and Care:

1. Planting:
   • Ensure proper spacing to allow the wide canopy to develop.
   • Use organic compost to enrich the soil before planting.
2. Watering:
   • Regular watering during the initial stages; once established, water only during dry spells.
3. Fertilization:
   • Feed the plant with organic manure and potassium-rich fertilizers during flowering and fruiting stages.
4. Pruning:
   • Prune annually to maintain a healthy shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
5. Pest Control:
   • Watch for common mango pests like mango hoppers and powdery mildew. Use organic solutions like neem oil for prevention.

Fruiting:

• Time to Fruiting: Grafted Kuttiattoor mango trees begin to bear fruit in 3-5 years.
• Harvest Season: Typically harvested during late spring and early summer, depending on the local climate.

Preservation and Storage

1. Ripening:
   • Allow the mangoes to ripen naturally at room temperature.
2. Refrigeration:
   • Store ripe mangoes in the refrigerator to extend freshness by up to two weeks.
3. Freezing:
   • Freeze the pulp for year-round use in desserts, beverages, or cooking.
4. Pickling:
   • Unripe mangoes are ideal for pickles, a staple in Kerala households.

Cultural Significance and Traditions

1. Heritage Symbol:
   • The GI tag underscores its cultural and regional importance, symbolizing the pride of Kuttiattoor.
2. Festivals and Celebrations:
   • The mango is often a centerpiece in Kerala’s traditional Vishu and Onam feasts.
3. Religious Uses:
   • Mango leaves are considered auspicious and used in rituals and decorations in Kerala households.

Ecological and Environmental Benefits

• Biodiversity: The flowering season attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
• Soil Health: Mango trees improve soil quality through organic matter and root stabilization.
• Carbon Sequestration: They play a role in mitigating climate change by absorbing significant amounts of CO2.

Why Add Kuttiattoor Mango to Your Life?

1. Unmatched Sweetness: A natural dessert for mango lovers with its honey-like sweetness.
2. Health Boost: Packed with nutrients, it supports immunity, digestion, and overall wellness.
3. Cultural Heritage: Owning a Kuttiattoor mango tree connects you to Kerala’s rich agricultural legacy.
4. Versatile Use: From traditional dishes to modern desserts, it fits into every cuisine.
5. Eco-Friendly Choice: Enhances your garden’s beauty while contributing to the environment.

Conclusion

The Kuttiattoor Mango is more than just a fruit—it’s a celebration of Kerala’s natural bounty, cultural heritage, and agricultural excellence. With its irresistible sweetness, health benefits, and culinary versatility, this mango deserves a spot in every mango lover’s garden. Plant a Kuttiattoor mango tree today and bring home a piece of Kerala’s legacy.