Mangoes were domesticated in India approximately 400 B.C. and had found their way to East Africa by the 10th century, where they were grown. Furthermore, in the 16th century, Portuguese traders took mango seeds along their path, spreading the plants throughout their African possessions. Today, almost all of Africa's mangoes are grown in South Africa. Mango trees require a lot of water to grow properly. Therefore, they were not often seen in arid climates like that of North Africa or the Middle East until recently. But with the increased interest in organic farming, more farmers are planting mango trees to enrich their soil and provide them with food when other crops fail. Nowadays, you can find mangoes growing in North Africa and the Middle East. Mangoes are very popular in Egypt. There are several varieties of mangoes sold in markets across the country. The most common variety is called "ashoka". It gets its name from the greenish-yellow flower that appears before the fruit itself. Mangoes are used in many recipes, including cakes and pastries. They're also eaten fresh with tea or juice. In Ethiopia, mangoes are known as "enkoy" and they are usually eaten after being cut into pieces and mixed with sugar. This dish is usually served during celebrations such as Christmas or New Year's.