UK Supermarket Sells Dried Mango Leaves for ₹500—Indians Can’t Believe It!
An Instagram reel showcasing a UK supermarket selling sun-dried mango, jackfruit, and guava leaves for £4.49 (approx ₹500) per packet has left Indian netizens in splits. The same leaves that litter backyards and clog drains during monsoon are now being packaged as exotic botanical exports—but there’s a surprising reason behind their high price tag.
Why Are Dried Mango Leaves Selling for ₹500?
For most Indians, mango leaves are either festive decorations or garden nuisances. But in the UK, these leaves are in demand—for aquariums. When added to freshwater fish tanks, dried mango and guava leaves release tannins that lower pH levels, creating a “blackwater” environment. This mimics the natural habitat of tropical fish, promoting their health and well-being. The leaves also encourage biofilm growth, serving as food for baby shrimp and certain fish species.
Can You Eat Dried Mango Leaves?
While these leaves are marketed for aquariums, they have traditional health and culinary uses in India. Tender mango leaves are used in tribal and coastal recipes, while dried ones are:
- Burned to smoke and flavor foods,
- Used in home remedies for colds and coughs,
- Ground into a powder for Ayurvedic supplements.
DIY Mango Leaf Powder: An Ayurvedic Superfood
Ingredients:
- Sun-dried mature mango leaves
- Clean grinder
- Airtight jar
Method:
- Collect fully dried, mold-free leaves.
- Rinse lightly (if dusty) and sun-dry again.
- Grind into a fine powder.
- Store in an airtight container.
How to Use:
- Mix ½ tsp in warm water before meals.
- Add to herbal teas or smoothies (mask bitterness with fruit).
(Disclaimer: Not all remedies suit everyone. If you have medical conditions—especially diabetes—check with a doctor before adding it to your routine.)
