Only if the title ‘King of the Fruits’ is not enough, mango needs no introduction! As a summer delight, mango is not only a magician in terms of its taste but also its nutritional profile.
But not every mango tastes the same. It’s because there are a number of different types of mango you can choose from. Let’s explore the world of mangoes together!
Types of Mangoes in India
India is known for its large production of mangoes, especially for the number of varieties it has to offer. So, if you are a little confused about your choice of mangoes, here we have just the right solution for you.
Let’s take a look at the most popular varieties of mango.
1. Hapus or Alphonso
The ‘king of fruits’ has its own top rankers and Alphonso is definitely one of the best mango species. Alphonso is best known for its sweet taste and distinct fragrance.
If you are in Maharashtra and Gujarat, then you probably know this saffron-colored goodness by the name of Hapus. Devgad area of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri, located in the coastal region of Konkan in Maharashtra is best known for its largest production of Alphonso in India.
2. Himsagar
One of the best mango varieties in India, Himsagar is known for its sweet aroma. It has a yellowish-orange color on the inside once it ripes. In addition to that, it is also not very fibrous in texture.
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West Bengal and Orissa are the main cultivators of this mango. A medium-sized Himsagar weighs between 250-and 350 grams and offers creamy, sweet flesh to treat you this summer.
3. Langra
Available from May to August, Langra is a type of mango you can get in medium to large sizes. The flesh does not contain much fiber. Instead, it offers a soft texture and naturally sugary taste.
Langra aam is greenish in color even when it gets ripe. But the flesh turns its color into yellowish-brown. Although this mango variety is native to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, it is also cultivated in some other states including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab, West Bengal, and Rajasthan.
4. Chaunsa
One of the sweetest varieties of mango available in India and Pakistan, Chaunsa comes in a golden yellow color once it is ripened. It is also slightly bigger in size than most Indian varieties of mangoes.
This aromatic mango owes its origin to Kurukshetra in Haryana. But it is largely grown in Uttar Pradesh as well.
5. Totapuri
Offering an outer look like a parrot’s beak, Totapuri mango also goes by the names Bangalore, Collector, Kallamai, Kili Mooku, Gilli, Mukku, Sandersha, etc. It offers a perfect balance in taste with a tad of both sweetness and tartness present in it. Because of that, it is great for salads or pickles.
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This mango is widely cultivated in South India, especially in Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also produce this mango on large scale.
6. Fazli
Fazil is a kind of mango you need when you are looking for lots of pulp. It is relatively larger than the other mangoes with most of them going up more than a kilo each.
The Malda district in West Bengal is famous for its Fazlil mango cultivation. It contains the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect match for jams and pickles.
7. Gulab Khaas
Just like the name implies, this is a mango breed that comes with a distinct rosy flavor and taste. This mango has a blushing pink or red skin and offers non-fibrous pulp. Therefore, it is great to add flavor to your desserts or shakes, or smoothies.
This mango is generally available between May and June. It is widely cultivated and sold in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
8. Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri Alphonso Mangoes are among one the most superior varieties of mangoes. It offers a rich sweetness and aroma. This mango has a unique fragrance that comes from the salty sea breeze and agro-climatic conditions in the Ratnagiri region of Maharashtra.
This bright golden yellow-colored fruit is oval in shape. In Maharashtra and the west coastal area, it is cultivated in Ratnagiri, Devgarh, Raigad, and Konkan.
9. Kesar
Owing to its name to its saffron appearance, Kesar mangoes offer a heavenly, sweet taste. For this reason, this mango species is also known as the ‘Queen of Mangoes’.
In addition to that, the bright orange-colored pulp brings excellent color to your desserts and fruity drinks. Girnar Hills of Junagadh in Gujarat is famous for the cultivation of Kesar mangoes. It is generally available from May to July.
10. Vanraj
A type of mango that resembles the shape of an egg, Vanraj is a ‘high on demand’ mango. The skin has a reddish tint on the upper part of the mango when it’s ripe.
Being a rare variety of mangoes, Vanraj is originated in Gujrat and mostly sold in Vadodara. Because of its demand, its price is also on the higher side.
11. Lakshmanbhog
A variety of mango can give a tough competition to Alphonso in terms of aroma and taste. Laksmanbhog mangoes have a gleaming golden reddish skin along with the perfect amount of sweetness.
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Lakshmanbhog mango is exclusive to its origin in Malda, West Bengal. Besides, this mango is specially chosen by the West Bengal government to be exported to the United States.
12. Safeda
Also known as Banganpali or Benishan Mango, Safeda is a popular variety of mango in Andhra Pradesh. The origin of this mango goes back to Banganpalle town in AP.
‘The King of Mangoes in South India’ exhibits a meaty texture and gentle sweetness.
13. Kilichundan
In the Malayalam language, Kilichundan means the beak of the bird. That is exactly how these Mangoes look. This greenish-yellow mango has a slight tartness. Therefore, making it a perfect choice for curries and pickles.
In addition to that, this type of mango is relatively large in size. It is originated and largely sold in Kerala.
14. Dasheri
Another popular north Indian variety is Dasheri which comes with an amazing savory flavor. This variety is easily distinguishable from the rest for its green peels and nawabi, rich taste.
It is cultivated in Lucknow, the land of Nawabs in Uttar Pradesh. But this variety is generally available in the whole country from mid-May to the end of August.
15. Rumani
A variety of mango known for its juicy texture, Rumani mango is rich in vitamin A and vitamin D. It is a great addition to salads as it has a nice balance of sweetness and sourness. In fact, you can also make some jams, smoothies, ice creams, etc. With it as well.
Rumani mango has its origin in Tamil Nadu. It is largely popular in Chennai and adjacent areas.
16. Neelam
Neelam mangoes are distinguishable for their golden yellow skin with a red tint. It contains a strong floral aroma and an acidic-sweet taste. moreover, it is not only good in taste but also famed for its various health benefits.
Being a late-season variety, Neelam is generally available in June. Although it is mainly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, it can be found in markets all over India.
Health Benefits of Mango
As you choose your favorite mango from the list, let’s take a look at some of the amazing health benefits this fruit has to offer.
1. Aids in Digestion
By providing enzymes that aid the breakdown and digestion of protein, mango reduces acid reflux and indigestion. Besides, the presence of fiber in this fruit is also useful in eliminating digestion-related issues.
2. Supports Cardiovascular System
Being a great source of magnesium and potassium, it helps in lowering blood pressure. Therefore, it reduces the risk of heart diseases and prevents strokes.
Furthermore, the presence of a plant compound known as mangiferin fights inflammation of the heart.
3. Mango Good for Skin & Health
With Vitamin C present in it, mango can help in the formation of collagen. Collagen is a protein responsible for keeping your skin plump and firm. For this reason, mango can work against aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
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In addition to its effect on the skin, collagen is also very useful in keeping your hair healthy. It helps with the absorption of iron which is known as an important mineral needed for hair growth.
4. Reduces the Risk of Anaemia
Anemia is a condition caused by a lack of iron or folic acid. With a high iron content, mango increases the red blood cell count. Therefore, it is used as a natural remedy to reduce the risk of anemia.
Besides, the high Vitamin C content in mango also ensures better absorption of iron in the body.
Nutritional Values of Mango
Mango is not just a delicious summer fruit to enjoy. Instead, you can add it to your summer diet plan and get a number of health benefits in return. It is a great source of vitamin C and minerals including copper and folate.
1 cup (165 grams) of fresh mango offers,
| Calories | 99 |
| Fat | 0.6 grams |
| Protein | 1.4 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 24.7 grams |
| Fiber | 2.6 grams |
| Sugar | 22.5 grams |
| Vitamin C | 67% of the DV (Daily Value) |
| Copper | 20% of the DV |
| Folate | 18% of the DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 12% of the DV |
So, you are all ready to treat yourself to this tropical fruit and enjoy a healthy summer!
