10 Popular Indian Mango Varieties

Go on and admit it. We love mangoes. We love them so much that secretly, we look forward to the scorching summers to enjoy delicious mangoes - the food of Gods. Apart from being tasty, mangoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, making them a tasty and healthy summer addiction.

Our love for the King of Fruit started in our childhood days and over the years we have eaten a variety of mangoes. Some were bought from the market after bargaining with vendors, a few plucked fresh from trees during summer vacations and the best ones…… were stolen from a neighbor’s garden. India produces a huge variety of mangoes, so sit back and enjoy as Wicked Spoon Confessions lists 10 popular Indian Mango Varieties:

Alphonso - known as the “King of Mangoes” with sharp sweet notes and a rich tender texture, Alphonso tops our list. We remember traveling many a distance to secure dozens of this variety and then relishing “Aamras” with hot pooris every Sunday for lunch - A Gujarati’s stairway to heaven: D. One of the most expensive variety, Alphonso mango (also known as Hapus) is grown mainly in western India. Apart from aamras, alphonso mangoes are used to make ice creams, sorbets, lassi and other desserts.

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Kesar - Known for its long shelf life and unique flavours, Kesar also known as Gir Kesar is mostly produced in Gujarat, Pune and Aurangabad. One can make amazing Aamras with Kesar.

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Badami - Grown mostly in Karnataka, Badami is a favorite because of its thin skin and meaty texture. Also known as Alphonso of Karnataka state, this fiber less pulpy fruit is best enjoyed during months of May.

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Langra - Don’t let the name trick you, this round and green mango variety is high on taste and low on prices. An interesting story states that this oval shaped mango was first cultivated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh by a lame farmer and hence the name. One of the most superior varieties of Mango from the Northern Indian sub-continent, langra is best enjoyed from months of July to August. One can make delicious mango kheer with this juicy variety.

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Chaunsa - Chaunsa is one the sweetest mangoes grown in North India, with its origins in Bihar. This golden yellow coloured mango variety was originally made popular by Sher Shah Suri. Chaunsa enjoys a long shelf life and is a popular export variety too. Take a Chausa (literally it translates to sucker) and suck on it till the last heavenly drop of nectar is consumed leaving behind a white seed. The best way to have it.

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Safeda - Safeda variety gets its name due to its “pale” or “safed” appearance. Juicy and sweet, this mango is in demand globally too.
 

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Dasheri - This mango variety comes from a small town called Dussehri in Lucknow and is one of the leading mango varieties of North India. Now cultivated across North India, Andhra Pradesh, Nepal and Pakistan, Dasheri is a popular export variety.

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Totapuri - Popular for being a common man’s mango- Totapuri yields good pulp. Very distinguishable in its looks, the Totapuri is named for its distinct shape which is reminiscent of a parrot’s beak. It has a a piquant flavour – something that is coveted among the other sweet varieties of mangoes available. It is the most popular mango variety for making pulp and other processed mango products for shipping around the world.

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Neelam - Cultivated widely across almost all parts of India, the state of Andhra Pradesh grows the best variety. This mango arrives just before monsoons but relish them around mid June when they taste the best!

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Payari - This is one elusive mango variety. Available for short duration, we Gujaratis love to make huge quantities of Aamras with it. This aromatic mango variety, appears green on the exterior but reveals a bright yellow colour when sliced open. Apart from aamras, this juicy variety can be used to make halwa, shrikhand, smoothies and milkshakes.

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