Answer: The edible part of Mango is the mesocarp. It is the soft and juicy part of the mango that we eat. The mesocarp lies between the outer skin, called the exocarp, and the hard seed layer called the endocarp. This middle layer of the mango makes up most of the fruit and is rich in flavour and nutrients. In many fruits like mangoes, the mesocarp is the edible part that people enjoy eating.
Complete Answer:
Let us understand each option in detail to get a better idea of why Mesocarp is the right answer for the question:

Option (A) Epicarp
The epicarp is the tough and outermost layer of the fruit, commonly known as the peel or skin. In fruits like mangoes, this is the green or yellowish layer, which we usually remove before eating. The nature of Epicarp is to protect the fruit from unfavourable conditions like physical damage, dehydration or any other external factors.
Option (B) Mesocarp
The mesocarp is the fleshy, juicy middle layer of the mango. It sits between the exocarp (outer skin) and the endocarp (hard seed shell). This layer makes up the bulk of the fruit and is the sweet, soft part that we enjoy eating in the form of slices, juices or shakes.
Option (C) Endocarp
The endocarp is the innermost layer of the fruit. In mangoes, it is the hard and woody shell that surrounds the seed, and is commonly called the stone. This layer protects the seed and is not edible.
Option (D) Receptacle
The receptacle is the part of a plant that supports the floral organs. In some fruits like strawberries, it becomes fleshy and edible, but in mangoes, it does not contribute to the edible portion. It only helps in holding the flower or fruit on the plant.
So, next time you bite into a juicy mango or sip a mango juice, just remember that it is the mesocarp that gives you all the delicious flavour.
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