Mangoes, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” hold a special place in the hearts of many, particularly in India. With over a thousand varieties of mangoes grown in the country, each type has its unique flavor, texture, and history. Here, we explore some of the most popular and distinctive types of mangoes in India, along with their origins, history, where they are found, their availability, and unique properties.
Contents
1. Alphonso (Hapus)
- Origin: Maharashtra
- History: Named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general and military expert who helped establish Portuguese colonies in India.
- Found in: Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Raigad districts of Maharashtra
- Availability: April to June
- Unique Property: Known for its rich, creamy texture and sweet, non-fibrous pulp. It has a unique saffron-colored hue and a distinct aroma.
2. Dasheri
- Origin: Uttar Pradesh
- History: The first Dasheri tree is said to have grown in the garden of the Nawab of Lucknow in the 18th century.
- Found in: Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Availability: May to July
- Unique Property: Known for its sweet taste and strong aroma. The fruit is medium-sized with a smooth yellow-green skin.
3. Langra
- Origin: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- History: Named “Langra” (meaning lame in Hindi) as it was originally grown by a farmer who was lame.
- Found in: Eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
- Availability: July to August
- Unique Property: Known for its distinct, tangy flavor and fibrous texture. It has a green skin even when ripe.
4. Banganapalli (Benishan)
- Origin: Andhra Pradesh
- History: Named after the town of Banganapalle in Andhra Pradesh.
- Found in: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka
- Availability: April to June
- Unique Property: Large-sized mangoes with a golden-yellow skin and a sweet, slightly tangy taste. It is also free of fiber.
5. Kesar
- Origin: Gujarat
- History: Named “Kesar” after its saffron (kesar) color. It is often called the “Queen of Mangoes.”
- Found in: Junagadh and Girnar hills in Gujarat
- Availability: May to July
- Unique Property: Known for its bright orange pulp, intense sweetness, and unique aroma.
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6. Himsagar
- Origin: West Bengal
- History: One of the most popular varieties in Bengal, often described in literature and songs.
- Found in: Murshidabad and Maldah districts of West Bengal
- Availability: May to June
- Unique Property: Fiberless and extremely juicy, with a sweet taste and a yellowish-orange pulp.
7. Totapuri
- Origin: South India
- History: Its name is derived from its unique parrot-like beak shape (Tota means parrot in Hindi).
- Found in: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu
- Availability: June to July
- Unique Property: Known for its tangy taste and firm flesh. Often used in pickles and salads.
8. Neelum
- Origin: Tamil Nadu
- History: A popular variety in the southern states of India.
- Found in: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
- Availability: May to July
- Unique Property: Small to medium-sized with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. It has a distinctive scent and fiberless flesh.
9. Raspuri
- Origin: Karnataka
- History: A widely cultivated variety in Karnataka, known locally as the “queen of mangoes.”
- Found in: Karnataka
- Availability: May to June
- Unique Property: Known for its rich flavor, juicy texture, and deep orange color.
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10. Mallika
- Origin: Hybrid variety
- History: A hybrid of Neelum and Dasheri, developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
- Found in: Various parts of India
- Availability: June to July
- Unique Property: Known for its rich, sweet flavor and low fiber content. It has a smooth texture and is often considered one of the finest dessert mangoes.
Nutrition Chart of Mangoes
Mangoes are not just delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a general nutritional profile of mangoes per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Sugars | 13.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 0.8 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 54 µg |
| Vitamin C | 36.4 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.9 mg |
| Vitamin K | 4.2 µg |
| Potassium | 168 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg |
| Folate | 43 µg |
