🥭‘Every day in summer is a fun and mango-nificient day!!!!’🥭
🥭It's not just bright May afternoons in India that remind us of summer, but also the mango trees in the garden resonating with cuckoo calls. Even if nothing else, summers tend to evoke a bit of nostalgia. Surely, it is not just the summer vacations, but the sweet, soft, and juicy fruit, mango, that can bring a slice of sunshine ☀️ to any table. Nothing makes life more worthwhile than sucking the life out of mangoes.
The King of Fruits: Mango
🥭It is no wonder that mangoes are known as the 👑'King of the Fruits’👑, and why shouldn’t they be? There is nothing more refreshing, delicious and silky-smooth as a bite of mango. However, the taste isn't the only reason mangoes deserve such a status. In addition to being delicious, this nature's bounty offers innumerable health benefits and nutritional advantages. Mangoes are loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients, including vitamin A, B, fibre, and minerals such as copper, potassium, and magnesium, which might help reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Surely, they deserve to be crowned as the ultimate king of all fruits by mango lovers. 🥭
🥭Varieties of Mangoes in India:
Did you know, mango is not just the national fruit of India but of Pakistan and Philippines as well? India is rightly known as the land of mangoes with some 1500 varieties cultivated in different parts of the country. Each has a distinct taste, shape and colour. While Alphanso remains the most popular, India’s various corners boast many other types of Mangoes. Sadly, we couldn’t mention all, but here are the 15 most adored and well-known types of mangoes that you need to try: 🥭
Alphonso: Native to the Ratnagiri and Devgad region of Maharashtra, Alphonso or Hapus is said to be the most consumed and expensive variety of mango. Available from start of May till mid June, they are loved for their unique aroma and deliciousness.
Kesar: The Girnar hills of the Junagarh region of Gujarat are known for their Kesar mangoes. They get this name because of their saffron appearance and scent. It dominates the Indian market from May to July for its heavenly taste.
Dasheri: The land of Nawabs, Lucknow, is also famous for its Dasheri mango which is available from mid-May to late August. The green colour peel distinguishes it from other mangoes.
Langra: Famous for their lemon-yellow skin and awesome taste, Langra mangoes are found in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. These are mostly available in June and July.
Chausa: Hardoi region in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its Chausa variety of Mangoes. This aromatic, yellow-coloured, sucking variety is available in the months of July and August.
Himsagar: It is from Murshidabad city of West Bengal and is mostly harvested from May to early June.
Badami: North Karnataka is famous for its Badami mangoes which are available from May to July. They are also known as Karnataka-Alphonso due to their aroma and taste.
Totapuri: The Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru, is also equally famous for its Totapuri mangoes. Its unique taste, shape (looks like a parrot’s beak) and aroma make them a significant variety of mangoes in India and are generally available from May to July.
Safeda: Often called as King of mangoes in Southern India, Safeda mangoes are found predominantly in several regions of Andhra Pradesh.
Neelam: Although, Neelam mangoes are grown in all parts of the country, the best variety comes from Andhra Pradesh. Its orange colour and sweet fragrance makes them unique. One can enjoy them from May till July.
Bombay Green: Punjab is known for its Bombay Green mangoes, which dominate the market from May to July.
Malgoa: Known for its round shape and thick skin, it is grown basically in the Salem region of Tamil Nādu. Available in July and August, it is considered one of the best varieties of mangoes.
Kilichundan: Generally used to make pickles, Kalichundan mangoes are grown in different parts of Kerala.
Gulab Khaas: Due to its rosy flavour, it is commonly used in desserts and given the name Gulab Khaas. It is grown in different regions of Bihar but is famous throughout the country.
Sindhura: This variety of mango comes from Tamil Nādu and is loved for its unique sweet and tangy taste at the same time. Its pulp is mostly used to make shakes due to its yellow colour.
🥭In addition to the above varieties, Neelam, Malda, Pairi, Lakshman Bhog, Rumani, Himsagar, Amrapali, Imam Pasand, and Mallika are equally popular among mango lovers. However, alphonso mango continues to be the most popular variety of mango worldwide and people’s love for alphonso mango remains unsurpassed. To know the reason, keep reading! 🥭
🥭Despite being a seasonal fruit around the globe, in Indian homes mangoes are available throughout the year in the form of Aam ka Achaar (mango pickle)!! 🥭 Also, find below an awesome video we made for you on the history of mangoes in India! 🥭
🥭So, this summer, enjoy the royal fruit of India- the mango and do let us know your favourite one in the comment box below. 🥭
