15 Famous Mango Varieties in India and How to Identify Them
India is the land of mangoes, hosting an astonishing 1,500 varieties of this luscious fruit. Each mango type is distinct in taste, appearance, and aroma, making it a versatile symbol of Indian agriculture. Here, we explore 15 famous mango varieties and how to identify them, so you can recognize and enjoy these unique fruits.
1. Totapuri
- Region: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
- Description: Mild in taste and greenish, Totapuri is shaped like a parrot’s beak and is less sweet compared to other varieties.
- How to Identify: Look for a greenish mango with a pointed, beak-like shape.
2. Hapus (Alphonso)
- Region: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka
- Description: Known for its saffron-colored, fiberless flesh, Hapus is one of the most sought-after and expensive varieties, often exported globally.
- How to Identify: Aromatic with saffron-colored flesh and a smooth texture.
3. Sindhura
- Region: South India
- Description: Sweet with a subtle tanginess, Sindhura has a vibrant red exterior and bright yellow pulp, perfect for shakes and desserts.
- How to Identify: Bright red skin with yellow, juicy flesh.
4. Banginapalli (Banganapalle)
- Region: Andhra Pradesh
- Description: Large mangoes with smooth, light yellow skin and a pleasant aroma. Ideal for direct consumption.
- How to Identify: Oval shape, light yellow color with minimal spotting.
5. Ratnagiri (Alphonso Mango)
- Region: Maharashtra (Ratnagiri, Raigad, Konkan)
- Description: Known for its premium quality, this mango is sweet, aromatic, and richly textured.
- How to Identify: A hint of red on the top of the fruit, medium size (150–300 grams).
6. Chausa
- Region: Bihar, North India
- Description: Introduced by Sher Shah Suri, Chausa mangoes are incredibly sweet with golden-yellow skin.
- How to Identify: Bright yellow-golden skin and very sweet pulp.
7. Raspuri
- Region: Karnataka (Old Mysuru)
- Description: Often called the “Queen of Mangoes,” Raspuri is juicy and flavorful, often used in yogurts and jams.
- How to Identify: Oval-shaped, 4–6 inches long, with smooth skin.
8. Pairi
- Region: Gujarat
- Description: A tangy-sweet mango, Pairi is among the first to hit the markets, known for its fibrous and juicy pulp.
- How to Identify: Reddish tinge on the skin with high fiber content.
9. Himsagar
- Region: West Bengal, Odisha
- Description: Medium-sized mango with a creamy, fiberless pulp. Its rich flavor makes it ideal for desserts.
- How to Identify: Greenish outer skin and bright yellow, juicy interior.
10. Neelam
- Region: Nationwide
- Description: Available in June, Neelam mangoes are small with an orange-hued skin and a distinct sweet flavor.
- How to Identify: Small size, orange skin.
11. Malgova (Malgoa)
- Region: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Description: A round, heavy mango with a greenish-yellow hue, known for its sweet, fibrous pulp.
- How to Identify: Roundish-oblique shape, weighing 300–500 grams.
12. Malda (Bombay Malda)
- Region: Bihar
- Description: A non-fibrous, sweet-sour mango with thin skin, making it ideal for chutneys and direct consumption.
- How to Identify: Thin skin with a sweet aroma and pulpy texture.
13. Langra
- Region: Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi)
- Description: A green mango with a sweet, juicy pulp, even when fully ripe. Known for its origin story tied to a farmer with disabilities.
- How to Identify: Oval shape, green even when ripe.
14. Kesar
- Region: Gujarat
- Description: Named for its saffron-like aroma and color, Kesar mangoes are among the most expensive varieties.
- How to Identify: Bright saffron-colored pulp with a sweet aroma resembling saffron.
15. Badami
- Region: Karnataka
- Description: Known as the “Alphonso of Karnataka,” Badami mangoes have a thin skin and juicy, nutrient-rich pulp.
- How to Identify: Bright golden-yellow skin with a reddish tinge near the top.
India’s mango varieties showcase the diversity of flavors, textures, and aromas the country has to offer. From the rich sweetness of Alphonso to the tangy notes of Sindhura, every mango tells its own story. Use this guide to identify these iconic fruits and make the most of mango season!
