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Mangoes are loaded with Vitamin C, A, E, B6′, fibres, anti-inflammatory compounds and beta-carotene. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of Molecular Nutrition & Food Research published that Mangoes have the potential to magnify the diet. Examining the production of Mangoes, India accounts for 56% of the total cultivation, boosting almost 1000 different varieties.
So, Frooti and Maaza might quench your sweet tooth during other seasons. But when summer is here, fill your appetite with only the real deal, Mangoes!
Too many options to choose from??
Not to worry, below is the guide of the famous varieties of Mangoes along with their distinct perks.
1. Safeda/ Banganapalli
Availability Season – April to June
Began Phali also termed as “Banganapalli” belongs to the town of Banganapalle in Andhra Pradesh. These are one of those early varieties of Mangoes to hit the fruit market. Bright Yellow in colour, Safeda’s are enormous in size and weigh on an average of 350-400 grams.
They are also recognized as the King of Mangoes in South India.
2. Badami
Image Credit: Indiamart
Availability Season – May to June
Largely known as “Alphonso of Karnataka”, Badami is a cousin of Alphonso. They are a treat to all the sweet cravings. One needs to be really careful while plucking Badami’s. Do it too early, they are inedible. Do it too late, they are all spongy. Just at the right time, they are magnificent!
3. Neelam
Image Credit: exoticflora
Availability Season – May to July
Known for its beautiful shape, mouth-watering taste and divine aroma, Neelam Mangoes are primarily grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. They are also available all across the globe easily.
These oblong shaped Mangoes are golden yellow in colour with a uniform texture, however, they are smaller in size as compared to the other varieties.
4. Alphonso/ Hapus
Image Credit: salebhai
Availability Season – May to June
One of my personal favourites, Alphonso Mangoes are famous for its sweetness, richness and flavour. They are mostly grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. The most expensive of all, Alphonso is exported and available widely.
5. Himsagar
Image Credit: indiamart
Availability Season – May-mid to June
Perhaps, Himsagar Mangoes have the shortest span of availability.
They are the quirk of Orissa and West Bengal. One of the top five mangoes in India, they are medium-sized and weighs between 250 grams and 300 grams. Also they are cultivated in the district of Maldah in West Bengal.
6. Dussehri
Image Credit: indiamart
Availability Season – June to July
Dussehri’s are those “Chusne wale aam” for children. Well, Not just children! Typically grown in Northern parts of India, Malihabad in Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of these mangoes.
They are known for its sweet tempting pulp and fragrance. The root of Dussehri goes back to the days of the 18th century.
7. Totapuri
Image Credit: mangoworldmagazine
Availability Season – June to July
Totapuri Mangoes are found mostly in Andra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
With a peculiar tip which looks like a parrot’s beak, these are easily identified amongst the group. The flesh of these mangoes is not as sweet, hence they are mostly great with salt and chillies. In fact, they are used as an ingredient for many mango products that are exported to different countries.
8. Kesar
Image Credit: deshgujarat
Availability Season – June to Early July
If your house is infused with the fragrance of fresh Mangoes, it is highly likely that Kesar Mango is in the kitchen.
Kesar Mangoes are also known as ‘Gir Kesar’. Most of its cultivation is done in Girnar, Gujarat and the estimated overall production of Kesar is two lakh tonnes. With a distinctive smell, slightly green colour and pulp resembling safron, Gir Kesar are extremely delicious.
9. Chausa
Image Credit: indiamart
Availability Season – July to August
Grown mostly in North India, Chausa Mango comes to our rescue when all the other varieties have left us nostalgic. They are oblong in shape, golden yellow in colour and utterly sweet in nature. The best of Chausa come from Pakistan which is also exported to the world.
10. Langra
Image Credit: indiamart
Availability Season – Mid July to August
Langra, the name which raised many questions in my head.
Nomenclature aside, this variety has great popularity in West Bengal, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Langra with its mother tree in Varanasi is excessively high in fibre and nutrients.
11. Mulgoba
Image Credit: flickr
Availability Season – July to August
Primarily grown in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India, Mulgoba is known as the ‘Alphonso of South India’. They have an asymmetrically round shape and are green in colour. The distinction of these mangoes is vouched by many experts.
12. Raspuri
Image Credit: flickr
Availability Season – July to August
Raspuri also termed as ‘Sweet Mango’ is cultivated in and around Bangalore, Ramanagara, Kola, Chikkaballpura and Tumakuru. With its extreme popularity in Southern India, they are known to all the mango lovers.
Raspuri Mangoes are oval in shape, juicy in texture and also has an excellent flavour.
As a matter of fact, do you know the best thing about Mangoes? They are so easy to peel or slice!! Hence, the next time you go for Mango shopping, don’t get intimidated by the varied options. Buy the ones you want to try and dig in!!
