India’s Mango Medley Exploring the Top 10 Varieties

India’s love affair with mangoes runs deep. Known as the king of fruits, mangoes are not just a summer delight but a cultural icon in India, celebrated in festivals, cuisines, and folklore. With the country being the largest producer of mangoes in the world, it boasts a staggering diversity of varieties, each with its unique taste, texture, and aroma. Here’s a guided tour through the top ten mango varieties in India, from the world-renowned Alphonso to the distinctive Totapuri.

India, the world’s largest mango producer, celebrates its diverse mango varieties, from the globally renowned Alphonso to the unique Totapuri. Each variety offers distinct flavors and textures, making mangoes a cultural icon and culinary delight during the summer, cherished both locally and internationally.

1. Alphonso (Hapus) Renowned globally for its bright golden colour and creamy, saffron-hued pulp, the Alphonso mango hails from the western Indian coast of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Its rich, sweet, and creamy texture sets it apart from others and makes it one of the most expensive mango varieties.

2. Banganapalli (Banganpalli) This large mango, with its obliquely oval shape, is known for its thin golden yellow skin and bountiful pulp. Originating from Andhra Pradesh, Banganapalli has a sweet and milder flavour compared to the intensely sweet Alphonso.

3. Kesar As the name suggests, Kesar – meaning saffron – is a premium variety known for its bright orange colour and sweet taste. It is primarily grown in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat and is the second most exported mango from India.

4. Dasheri This variety, which originated in the gardens of Nawabs of Lucknow, is known for its green peel and highly aromatic flavour. It is predominantly produced in the northern parts of India and is favoured for its elongated shape and sweet taste.

5. Langra Retaining its greenish tinge while ripe, Langra mangoes are known for their succulent and mildly tart flavour. It is a prominent variety during the mid-season and has its roots in Varanasi, Northern India.

6. Chausa This variety is most awaited for its incredibly sweet flavour and juicy flesh. Hailing from Bihar, Chausa mangoes are bright yellow in colour and have a smooth texture, making them perfect for juice extraction.

7. Neelam Available throughout the season, Neelam mangoes are known for their vibrant colour and delightful aroma. Though they originate from Andhra Pradesh, they are widely available across southern states during the end of the season.

8. Himsagar One of the specialties of West Bengal and Orissa, Himsagar is known for its supreme taste and traditionally non-fibrous pulp. It has a significantly shorter shelf life, making it a valued but fleeting treat.

9. Totapuri Easily recognisable by its parrot beak-like shape at the tip, Totapuri is not as sweet as other varieties but is great for salads and pickles. It’s a versatile mango that grows in the southern states of India.

10. Amrapali A hybrid between Dasheri and Neelam, Amrapali was introduced in 1971 and boasts both flavour and vigour from its parent strains. This variety is renowned for its vibrant colour, incredible taste, and high yield.

Each of these mango varieties offers a unique flavour and texture, reflecting the diversity of India’s climatic conditions and rich agricultural heritage. Whether sliced and served on its own, blended into lassis, or presented in decadent desserts, Indian mangoes add a sweet note to the culinary landscape, capturing the essence of Indian summers. Their irresistible flavours continue to charm fruit lovers around the globe, making them highly sought after in international markets. So, the next time you find yourself in India during mango season, indulge in these exquisite varieties and experience the true flavour of Indian summer.