Mangoes are widely considered as the king of fruits in India, and the country is the world's largest producer and exporter of mangoes. India boasts of a rich diversity of mango varieties, each with its unique flavor, aroma, and texture.
In this article, we will explore the various types of mangoes found in India, their characteristics, and where they are grown.
Alphonso mango, also known as Hapus, is considered the king of mangoes in India. It is a premium variety of mango that is grown mainly in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, particularly in the Ratnagiri and Devgad districts. Alphonso mangoes are medium-sized with a bright golden-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic, and buttery flavor. The flesh is firm and fiber-free, with a creamy texture that melts in the mouth. Alphonso mangoes are best enjoyed fresh, but they are also used in desserts, jams, and pickles.
Kesar mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The fruit is small to medium-sized, with a golden-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a saffron-like aroma that gives the mango its name. Kesar mangoes are used to make a variety of sweets, desserts, and drinks, including the famous mango lassi.
Chaunsa mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Pakistan. The fruit is medium to large-sized, with a yellowish-green skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is juicy, fiber-free, and has a soft, buttery texture that melts in the mouth. Chaunsa mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of desserts and drinks.
Totapuri mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The fruit is large-sized, with a pointed, elongated shape and a yellowish-green skin. The flesh is firm and fiber-free, with a tangy-sweet flavor that is not as sweet as other mango varieties. Totapuri mangoes are primarily used in the preparation of chutneys, pickles, and sauces.
Banganapalli mango, also known as Benishan mango, is a popular variety of mango grown in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The fruit is large-sized, with a bright yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is firm, fiber-free, and juicy, with a deep yellow color. Banganapalli mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make juices, ice creams, and desserts.
Dasheri mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The fruit is medium-sized, with a greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a rich, honey-like flavor. Dasheri mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
Langra mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Varanasi district. The fruit is medium-sized, with a greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a tangy-sweet flavor that is slightly acidic. Langra mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make pickles, chutneys, and jams.
Himsagar mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. The fruit is medium-sized, with a greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a smooth texture. Himsagar mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
Neelam mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The fruit is medium-sized, with a greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a yellow color. Neelam mangoes are primarily used to make juices, ice creams, and desserts.
Pairi mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The fruit is medium-sized, with a greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a smooth texture. Pairi mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
Malda mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. The fruit is medium-sized, with a greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a smooth texture. Malda mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
- Alampur Baneshan Mango
Alampur Baneshan mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The fruit is small to medium-sized, with a greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a smooth texture. Alampur Baneshan mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
Amrapali mango is a popular variety of mango developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. The fruit is medium-sized, with a deep red skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a smooth texture. Amrapali mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
Badami mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The fruit is medium-sized, with a yellowish-green skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a smooth texture. Badami mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
Suvarnarekha mango is a popular variety of mango grown in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The fruit is medium-sized, with a yellowish-green skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is fiber-free, tender, and juicy, with a smooth texture. Suvarnarekha mangoes are best eaten fresh, but they are also used to make a variety of sweets and desserts.
In conclusion, India is blessed with a diverse range of mango varieties, each with its unique flavor, aroma, and texture. These mangoes are not only a delicacy but also an integral part of Indian culture and tradition.
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