As mango season approaches, India prepares to celebrate its beloved “King of Fruits.” While Alphonso mangoes often steal the spotlight, the country offers a diverse selection of equally delicious varieties that deserve attention. If you’re looking to broaden your mango experience this season, understanding the best time to buy each variety can help you enjoy the freshest and most flavorful picks.
How to Pick the Perfect Mango
Choosing the right mango is essential to enjoying its rich taste and texture. Instead of relying solely on color, consider these three factors:
- Gentle Squeeze: A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch, similar to a ripe peach or avocado.
- Aromatic Smell: The stem of a ripe mango emits a sweet, fruity fragrance.
- Firmness Matters: While softer mangoes are naturally sweet, firmer ones have a slightly tart flavor, making them perfect for savory dishes.
To ensure you enjoy mangoes at their best, store unripe ones at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, refrigeration can help extend their shelf life by a few days.
7 Popular Mango Varieties and Their Best Buying Time
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Alphonso (Hapus) – April to June
Grown primarily in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka, Alphonso mangoes are famous for their saffron-colored pulp, rich aroma, and buttery texture. This premium variety is highly sought after for desserts, shakes, and export markets. -
Kesar – May to July
Native to Gujarat’s Girnar region, Kesar mangoes feature a saffron-like hue with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Their floral notes make them ideal for traditional sweets like Shrikhand and various culinary uses. -
Dasheri – June to July
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Dasheri mangoes have an elongated shape, vibrant yellow skin, and juicy, fibre-free pulp. Their melt-in-the-mouth texture and lingering sweetness make them a favorite for fresh consumption and chutneys. -
Banganapalli – May to June
A large-sized mango variety from Andhra Pradesh, Banganapalli mangoes have smooth, light-yellow skin and sweet, fibreless flesh. They are versatile, suitable for eating fresh, making desserts, or blending into smoothies. -
Langra – July to August
Despite its unusual name, which means “lame” in Hindi, Langra mangoes from Uttar Pradesh offer a delightful tangy-sweet taste. Their fibrous texture makes them great for snacking or adding to salads and other savory dishes. -
Totapuri – May to July
Easily recognizable due to its parrot beak-like shape, Totapuri mangoes are primarily cultivated in South India. Their mildly tangy flavor makes them less suited for desserts but excellent for salads, pickles, and commercial mango products. -
Chausa – July to August
This North Indian variety, particularly popular in Bihar, has bright yellow skin and an exceptionally sweet taste. A late-season favorite, Chausa mangoes are best enjoyed fresh or in refreshing summer drinks.
By planning your mango purchases based on seasonal availability, you can enjoy the freshest, most flavorful varieties throughout the summer!
