India Food Stats

Image source: Wikipedia Mango is an edible stone fruit produced by the tropical tree Mangifera indica.  It originated from the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northeastern India. Worldwide, there are several hundred cultivars of mango. Depending on the cultivar, mango fruit varies in size, shape, sweetness, skin color, and flesh color, which may be pale yellow, gold, green, or orange. Mango trees are known for their longevity, with some specimens continuing to bear fruit even after 300 years. A cultivar is a kind of cultivated plant that people have selected for desired traits and which retains those traits when propagated. The dates of availability of mangoes vary by geography, climate, and weather. There are nearly 1000 mango varieties in India . However, about 30 varieties are grown commercially. In northern India, varieties such as Dashehari, Langra, Chausa, Bombay Green, and Fazri are cultivated; in southern India, Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelum, Pairi, ...

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are 'macronutrients,' which are needed in large amounts.  Vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients constitute the 'micronutrients' and are required in smaller amounts.  Both macro and micronutrients are necessary for physiological and biochemical processes by which the human body acquires, assimilates and utilizes food to maintain health and activity. Chart below shows the  average values of micronutrients (Vitamins) in various food groups (per 100g raw weight) . The data is from Indian Food Composition Tables 2017 & Nutritive Values of Indian Foods and as listed in  Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 The unit μg (microgram) and mg (milligram) are both units of mass in the metric system. Their relationship is based on a difference of scale: 1 milligram (mg) is equal to 1000 micrograms (μg). Except for the values of Vitamin C which are shown in milligrams (mg), the  values for the others are in micrograms (μg) The...

Inflation, an essential indicator of economic health, measures changes in general price levels and the cost of living. India uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for this purpose. CPI is calculated using the price data of 299 items which are classified into 6 main groups of varying weights. CPI is published monthly by the National Statistical Office (NSO). The Food and Beverage category makes up 45.86% of the current CPI basket. Consumer food price index (CFPI) reflects inflation in prices of foods. Consumer Food Price Index has been higher than Consumer Price Index in 2024.  Chart source - Times of India Vegetables hold a 6.04% weight in the CPI basket, yet their contribution to inflation reached 30% in early 2024. Source: ICRA Among vegetables, tomato, onion, and potato (TOP) collectively hold a 2.2% weight. The inflation rates for these three commodities have been volatile, ranging from -36.6% to 132.0%. This volatility underlines the need for targeted policy interventions a...

The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), part of the Indian Council of Medical Research, has released revised Dietary Guidelines for Indians.  The last such report was issued in 2011. Links - PDF  (May 2024, 148 pages), online copy These 17 guidelines offer science-based recommendations for healthy living across all age groups - Eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet Ensure provision of extra food and healthcare during pregnancy and lactation Ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continue breastfeeding till two years and beyond Start feeding homemade semi-solid complementary foods to the infant soon after six months of age Ensure adequate and appropriate diets for children and adolescents both in health and sickness Eat plenty of vegetables and legumes Use oils/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seeds, nuts, nutricereals and legumes to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids (EFA) Obtain good quality proteins and essential ...

TasteAtlas is a captivating global food map that showcases traditional dishes, popular foods, and beverages from various regions worldwide, allowing users to explore and discover diverse cuisines through a visually appealing and interactive experience.