Which country boasts the most delicious mangoes? Look no further than India. India and mangoes are synonymous. The cultivation of mangoes in India dates back over 4,000 years, making it the birthplace of these luscious fruits. Even today, India proudly holds the title for the highest mango production in the world.
Let’s embark on a journey through India, exploring the world of mangoes.
Here’s a list of mango varieties harvested in each state of India. Quite an impressive array of flavors, isn’t it? While wine tours are famous worldwide, I highly recommend embarking on a mango tour in India. It’s a delightful and enjoyable expedition.
First, let’s go through the types of mangoes!
Andhra Pradesh State (AP State) ― Allumpur, Baneshan, Banganapalli, Bangalora, Cherukurasam, Himayuddin, Suvernarekha, Neelum, Totapuri
Bihar State ― Bathua, Bombai, Himsagar, Kishen Bhog, Sukul, Gulab Khas, Zardalu, Langra, Chausa, Dashehari, Fazli
Goa ― Fernandin, Mankurad
Gujarat State ― Alphonso, Kesar, Rajapuri, Vanraj, Jamadar, Totapuri, Neelum, Dashehari, Langra
Haryana State ― Dashehari, Langra, Sarauli, Chausa, Fazli
Himachal Pradesh State ― Chausa, Dashehari, Langra
Jharkhand State ― Jardalu, Amrapalli, Mallika, Bombai, Langra, Himsagar, Chausa, Gulabkhas
Karnataka State ― Alphonso, Bangalora, Mulgoa, Neelum, Pairi, Baganapalli, Totapuri
Kerala State ― Mundappa, Olour, Pairi
Madhya Pradesh State ― Alphonso, Bombay Green, Langra, Sunderja, Dashehari, Fazli, Neelum, Amrapalli, Mallika
Maharashtra State ― Alphonso, Mankurad, Mulgoa, Pairi, Rajapuri, Kesar, Gulabi, Vanraj
Orissa State ― Baneshan, Langra, Neelum, Suvarnarekha, Amrapalli, Mallika
Punjab State ― Dashehari, Langra, Chausa, Malda
Rajasthan State ― Bombay Green, Chausa, Dashehari, Langra
Tamil Nadu State ― Banganapalli, Bangalora, Neelum, Rumani, Mulgoa, Alphonso, Totapuri
Uttar Pradesh State ― Banganapalli, Bangalora, Neelum, Rumani, Mulgoa, Alphonso, Totapuri
West Bengal State ― Bombai, Himsagar, Kishen Bhog, Langra, Fazli, Gulabkhas, Amrapalli, Mallika
In reality, India has over 1500 varieties of mangoes. It might be a bit challenging to describe all of them in detail. Throughout India’s history, around 20 mango varieties have been well-known.
Now, let’s dive into descriptions of some popular mango varieties.
Alphonso: Also known as Hapoos, it’s one of the most beloved varieties in India and abroad. If you ask an Indian what their favorite mango is, they might say, “Okay, try Alphonso first.” You can find fragrant and aromatic Alphonso mangoes in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and other states. Despite having low fibrous content, Alphonso mangoes maintain a creamy texture when cut, making them easy to enjoy.
Banganapalli: This variety, known for its low fiber content, is harvested in South India. With various shades of yellow and a perfectly juicy texture, this mango variety, which seems to pour down from a particular place, is a gift from the diverse fruit-growing region of Andhra Pradesh.
Saroli/Bombay Green: Popular in North India and Pakistan, this variety is harvested relatively early in the mango season. The sweet Bombay Green mangoes, packed with their fragrance, are shipped out during this period.
Chausa: Following closely behind Alphonso in sales, Chausa mangoes are highly popular among growers. The name comes from Sher Shah Suri, a ruler of the Sur dynasty who reigned from 1540 to 1545. He had a deep affection for this mango variety, earning him the title of Mango King. The season for Chausa mangoes in North India and Pakistan spans from early June to late August.
