The Ultimate Guide to Indian Mango Varieties: Which One Should You Try?
Mangoes are more than just fruit in India—they're a summer obsession! Sweet, juicy, and vibrant, here’s how to pick the best variety to try.
India is the largest producer of mangoes, home to an incredible range of varieties, each with their own unique taste, texture, and aroma. From the creamy Alphonso to the honey-like Safeda, mangoes are a summer staple enjoyed in countless ways, freshly sliced, blended into shakes, or made into pickles and desserts.
Popular Indian Mango Varieties and How to Enjoy Them
Alphonso (Maharashtra)
Known as the "King of Mangoes," Alphonso is prized for its vibrant golden hue, smooth texture, and unmatched sweetness. Grown in Maharashtra’s Konkan region, it's rich, non-fibrous pulp melts in the mouth. Best enjoyed fresh, it’s also perfect for aam ras, ice-creams, milkshakes, and mango-based desserts.
Kesar (Gujarat)
Known as the "Queen of Mangoes," Kesar mangoes have vibrant orange pulp, intense sweetness, and a saffron-like aroma. Grown in Junagadh and Gir, they are perfect for eating fresh, blending into milkshakes and lassis, or using in desserts like shrikhand, aam ras, and ice-creams.
Dasheri (Uttar Pradesh)
A nostalgic favorite, Dasheri mangoes are soft, juicy, and supremely sweet. Originating from Malihabad, their thin greenish-yellow skin and rich aroma make them ideal for aam ras, kulfi, mousses, and refreshing smoothies.
Langra (Uttar Pradesh & Bihar)
With its signature green skin and bold tangy-sweet flavor, Langra is a summer favorite. Its juicy flesh makes it perfect for enjoying fresh, blending into refreshing juices, or whipping up vibrant chutneys that can add great taste to any dish.
Totapuri (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
Recognizable by its distinct beak-like tip, Totapuri mangoes have a unique tangy-sweet flavor with a hint of tartness. Their firm texture makes them ideal for summer salads, zesty juices, and spicy pickles that pack a punch. Unlike other mangoes, Totapuri is often enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and chili powder for an extra kick.
Banganapalli (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana)
Also known as Safeda, this mango is prized for its large size, smooth, fiberless texture, and mildly honeyed sweetness. Its bright golden-yellow flesh makes it a top choice for thick, creamy milkshakes, and luscious desserts. Or you can do it better by enjoying it fresh, like I do!
Imam Pasand (Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh)
A true connoisseur’s delight, Imam Pasand is a lesser-known mango variety that surprises with its intensely sweet, aromatic flesh and subtle notes of citrus and spice. This mango is best relished fresh, where its rich, complex flavors can be fully appreciated, each bite is a burst of tropical indulgence!
Whether blended into refreshing drinks, tossed into salads, or enjoyed fresh, these mangoes celebrate the essence of summer in every bite.
Simran Dsouza
Simran's free time is often spent in a sanctuary of literature, losing herself in the solace and excitement of each story. But her culinary cravings add a layer of spontaneity to her life, as she indulges in the satisfaction of fried chicken strips and the irresistible allure of crisp fries. With her random food cravings striking at any hour, her food adventures are as diverse as her literary pursuits.