Kids all over India are eagerly waiting for summer to finalize their vacations without school interference. This includes the consumption of cooler and fresh-tasting foods to beat the temperatures and the sweetest fruits available in the season. Have you ever thought about what fruit represents summer most in India? The world recognizes India as a significant supplier of the best ripe mangos. Many types of mangoes are found in this subcontinent, with the most popular mango varieties in India known to have global reputation and demand for their taste, smell, flavor, and colour, which separate it from others.
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The Wide Variety of Mangoes in India
Farmers across India take great care in preserving these varieties of Mangoes. Mangoes are the considered the national fruit of India. Even today, many mangoes are strongly associated with the regions where they are grown.
The King of Mangoes – Alphonso
If mangos are indeed the king of fruit, then clearly, Alphonso mangoes are the king of all mangos. These are Hapases—i.e., Alphonsos or Hapuses—grown on the western coast of India that are so strongly sweet and pulpy than any other kind. Always toppping the list of popular mango varieties in India, their flavour is thought to result from the rock-strewn terrain and ocean air where they arise. Alphonsos have firm but tender flesh that almost melts in your mouth. Their season is from April to June. Ratnagiri in Maharashtra is most famous for the ‘king-sized’ Alphonsos.
Saffron Beauty – Kesar
Another gem grown along India’s west coast is the Kesar mango. It gets its name from its saffron-coloured flesh. For the credit of the royal house of Junagadh in Gujarat is the origin of Kesar mangoes. As the fruit does not grow from seeds, Kesar plants are cultivated by grafting. Kesars have a superb balance of sweetness and tangy flavours. It’s no surprise why they are dubbed the ‘Queen of Mangoes’!
The Sweetheart – Dasheri
You can find the sweetest tropical fruit in the Dasheri mangoes. Its leading production site is in Uttar Pradesh, and the Malihabad district boasts the most mouth-watering mangoes. Their sugar level is high, making them popular for those with sweet tooths because they have little fibre and much juice. Legend says Dasheris earned their name from a man called Dasharath, who first cultivated this unique variety.
Tangy Temptation – Totapuri
The Totapuri or Banganpalli mango has a unique tangy-sweet balance of flavours children enjoy. Totapuris are oval and have a robust aroma, which distinguishes them from the popular mango varieties in India. While eating, you may taste more sour initially, but it gives way to a lovely sweet aftertaste. Their season stretches from April to August months.
The Long, Sweet One – Langra
Hailing from the Malihabad region of Uttar Pradesh, Langra mangoes are delicate, sweet, and juice-full. Langras have few fibres and an oblong shape. Kids enjoy the mild sour-sweet balance of their flesh. Great for eating out of hand or including in desserts, Langras are available from July to September.
The Naturally Sweet One – Chausa
Among the many mango varieties grown in Bihar, Chausa mangoes have achieved popularity across India for their unique sweetness. Chausas have firm flesh with hints of acidity balanced by a rich natural sweetness. Their thick skin is bright yellow with hints of red when ripe. Kids find them delightfully sweet to eat directly from the fruit.
The Early Summer Star – Pairi
While other varieties start their season a bit later, Pairi or Himsagar mangoes from Gujarat hit the markets as early as March-April, signalling the arrival of summer. Originating from the coastal Saurashtra region, Pairi trees yield medium-sized oval mangoes with yellow skin and soft, juicy flesh.
The Fiesty One – Neelam
One of the popular mango varieties in India, Neelam mangoes are a highly valued variety grown across peninsular region of the Indian subcontinent, especially in Andhra Pradesh. Thought to be native to Pakistan’s Neelam river valley, Neelam trees bear small oval or round mangoes in clusters. Their unique quality is the happy balance of sweet-tartness in each bite.
The Rare Gem – Kishan Bhog
With reddish skin and tender flesh tinged orange, each Kishan Bhog is a treat. They are known to have been planted originally by the Nawabs of Bengal in their orchards. Children would be enthralled to taste such a unique mango variety.
The Green Treasure – Bombay Green
Often called ‘Kairi’ in parts of India, Bombay Green or Raw Mango is treasured for its tang. These small-sized unripe mangoes with lime green skin lend incredible flavours to cuisine during their season from April to June. Though sour, kairis have loads of Vitamin C and flavor-enhancing properties that make them very special.
The Eternally Delicious – Banginapally
Known for their aroma, bigger size and soft juicy inner, Banginapally mangoes are famous in Andhra and Telangana. They are rich in juice and flesh, making them ideal for jams and puddings. People consume these mangoes as an addition with curd rice or as a healthy snack to satisfy their sweet buds. It is a tradition to gift Banginapally mangoes to guests when they visit Telugu homes in summer season.
Relish the Delicacy of your Favorite Mango
As India’s seasonal colours change from winter to summer, so do the mangoes brighten our meals and hearts. Each of these popular mango varieties in India contributes its signature charm. The next time you bite into a mango, we hope you will think of its long heritage in India and the sweet memories you associate with your favourite types of mangoes. After all, mangoes are one of the reasons that make summer truly special for Indians.