THE KING OF FRUIT: 13 MOUTHWATERING MANGO VARIETIES

All About Mangoes: The King of Fruits

Summer — it’s the time of year for beach days, picnics in the park, and long-needed vacations.
Mangoes are a tropical fruit that is enjoyed all over the world. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and each variety has its own unique flavor and texture. Some mangoes are sweet and juicy, while others are tart and tangy. Some mangoes have soft, creamy flesh, while others have firmer, more fibrous flesh. No matter what your preference, there is sure to be a mango variety out there that you will love.

Mangoes are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. They are also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and folate. Mangoes can help to boost your immune system, improve your digestion, and protect your cells from damage.


Mangoes are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They can be eaten fresh, dried, frozen, or juiced. They can also be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, curries, smoothies, and desserts.

THE KING OF FRUIT: 13 MOUTHWATERING MANGO VARIETIES

Different Types of Mangoes

1. KESAR MANGO

Hailing from Junagadh, India, Kesar mangoes reign supreme as the "Queen of Mangoes." Their sweetness and juiciness are legendary, with locals often enjoying them straight from the tree. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth pulp makes them a favorite ingredient in juices, lassis (yogurt drinks), and decadent Indian desserts like mango shrikhand.
2. PALMER MANGO

Get ready for a giant! Palmer mangoes are some of the biggest in the world, weighing up to 2 pounds each. Packed with sweet, delicious juice, these tropical titans come from Florida and Brazil. You can easily spot them by their unique oblong, or oval, shape.

3. KENT MANGO




Craving a taste of summer even when the weather's cold? Kent mangoes are here to save the day! These mangoes peak in winter months, perfect for those who miss the sunshine. They come from Central and South America, specifically Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico. Kent mangoes offer a unique flavor profile with a touch of tartness that balances their natural sweetness. This makes them a popular choice for juicing and drying.


4. TOMMY ATKINS MANGO




Chances are, if you've grabbed a mango at your local US or UK supermarket, it was a Tommy Atkins! This variety reigns supreme, making up about 80% of mangoes sold in these countries (excluding Florida, Hawaii, and California).

Tommy Atkins mangoes might not be the fanciest in terms of flavor, but they have some big advantages. They travel and store well without getting bruised, making them a perfect choice for grocery stores. So, while mango experts might consider them average in taste, they're a great way to experience the world of mangoes for the first time!

5. DASHERI MANGO


THE KING OF FRUIT: 13 MOUTHWATERING MANGO VARIETIES




Dasheri mangoes are a summertime superstar, with a long harvest season lasting from May to August. When ripe, they boast a beautiful light yellow-green skin with flesh that's a delightful shade of peach. These fragrant mangoes fill the air with their sweet aroma, hinting at the juicy goodness inside. No wonder they're a beloved summer treat in their native lands of northern India, Nepal, and Pakistan!


6. NEELAM MANGO




No discussion about mangoes is complete without mentioning the Neelam, a prized Indian delicacy. Known for its unique flavor profile, Neelam boasts a delightful tanginess, especially when picked just before peak ripeness. This acidity adds a layer of complexity, making it stand out from other mango varieties.

The most sought-after Neelam mangoes come from Andhra Pradesh, India, where they're harvested in mid to late June.

7. CHAUNSA MANGO


THE KING OF FRUIT: 13 MOUTHWATERING MANGO VARIETIES




Calling all sweet tooths! Look no further than the Chaunsa mango. This isn't just one variety, but a whole family of Pakistani mangoes famous for their incredible sweetness. Imagine soft, creamy flesh bursting with natural sugars, all wrapped in pale yellow skin with a hint of red blush. No wonder Chaunsa reigns supreme in Pakistan!


8. HADEN MANGO




Haden mangoes are the undisputed champions of the US mango scene! Many of the mangoes grown in Florida today are actually related to the Haden variety, making it a true American favorite.

Haden mangoes start with a vibrant crimson skin that mellows to yellow as they ripen. Unlike some other mangoes, they have a bit more texture thanks to the network of fibers running through the flesh. This gives them a satisfying bite, perfect for those who want a summer fruit with a little more chew. So next time you're at the grocery store or farmer's market, look for Haden mangoes and experience a taste of America!

9. BOMBAY GREEN MANGO




Introducing the Bombay Green mango, the lean, green machine from central India! Unlike most mangoes that change color when ripe, Bombay Greens stay green even when ready to eat. This can be tricky, but fear not! The secret to knowing if your Bombay Green is ripe lies in its firmness. Give it a gentle squeeze – if it's rock-hard, wait a while. But if it's firm with a little give, it's perfect for enjoying on its own or blended into a cool glass of lassi!

10. TOTAPURI MANGO




Pucker up for some tang! Totapuri mangoes are all about that sweet-and-sour flavor combination. Known for their unique acidity, these mangoes have thick skin and a pointed tip. If you're looking for a tart twist on the classic mango taste, look for Totapuri mangoes in Pakistan, South India, or western Indian states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

11. CHOK ANAN MANGO


Beat the off-season blues with Chok Anan mangoes! Unlike most mangoes that take a summer vacation, Chok Anan trees keep the party going by producing fruit in the winter too. This reliable producer is a favorite in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and India, ensuring you can enjoy a taste of sunshine even when the weather's cooler.

12. FRANCIS MANGO




Escape to the Caribbean with Francis mangoes! Hailing from Haiti, these are the first on our list to boast a tropical origin story. Francis mangoes stand out with their unique flat shape and a gentle curve at the bottom. Watch them transform from light green to a stunning deep orange sunset as they ripen. When you take a bite, expect a burst of juicy sweetness with golden-yellow flesh that has very few fibers. In Haiti, these mangoes are a local treasure, adding a touch of sunshine to dishes like Haitian mango chicken and spicy mango salsa.

13. ALPHONSO MANGO




Save the best for last! Alphonso mangoes are the undisputed royalty of the mango world. Often crowned the "king of mangoes," Alphonsos live up to the name with their impressive size and flavor. Their bright yellow skin hints at the creamy orange flesh within, boasting an unmatched tenderness. This luxurious texture makes Alphonso mangoes a favorite for fruit sorbets and smoothies, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience in every bite.

THE KING OF FRUIT: 13 MOUTHWATERING MANGO VARIETIES

The Many Ways to Love a Mango

Mangoes are a true gift from the tropics. Their golden-yellow flesh and sugary sweet juice are enough to make anyone fall in love with this "king of fruits." But mangoes offer so much more than just a delicious bite!

  • Mango Chutney: This vibrant condiment is a perfect example. Bursting with mango flavor, it adds a touch of sweetness and tang to curries, samosas, soft cheeses, or even a simple bowl of yogurt.
  • Chicken Coconut Curry with Mango: Imagine succulent chicken bathed in a rich, creamy coconut curry. Now, picture the sweetness and acidity of fresh mango chunks dancing counterpoint to the warm spices. This dish is a flavor explosion you won't want to miss!
  • Aam ka Achar (Mango Pickle): A beloved tradition in India and Pakistan, aam ka achar is a tangy and flavorful pickle made from unripe mangoes. We use Kent or Haden mangoes, along with oil and pickling spices, to create this unique condiment that adds a delightful kick to any meal.

These are just a few ways to experience the magic of mangoes. Whether you enjoy them fresh, cooked into savory dishes, or pickled for a taste bud explosion, there's a perfect mango moment waiting for you.




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