Mangoes are known all over the world as the ''King of Fruits". But most people don't know that there are over 1,500 varieties of mango, and no two mangoes taste the same. The Alphonso of India is known for its sweet flavour. But the Ataulfo of Mexico is popular for its buttery texture. Each variety offers a unique flavour and aroma.
Let us talk about some of the famous mango varieties from all over the world.
The Global Popularity Of Mangoes
Mangoes do not just belong to one country or culture. They belong to the world. Mangoes are grown in over 100 nations and are one of the world’s most widely eaten tropical fruits.
- Over 1,500 mango kinds have been documented worldwide. But only a few hundred are cultivated commercially.
- Mangoes rank among the top 5 most popular fruits globally, and their appeal only keeps growing as international demand for tropical produce rises year on year.
- The mango holds symbolic significance, featured in religious texts, national emblems and festive rituals in many cultures.
Popular Indian Mango Varieties
Indian mangoes are popular all over the world for their texture and taste. Here are some of the most famous mango types that you can find in the UK-
- Alphonso (Hapus)
- Dasheri
- Langra
- Kesar
- Totapuri
- Mulgoba
- Neelam
International Mango Types
From bustling fruit markets in Asia to tropical farms in the Americas, mangoes come in an impressive range of varieties. Each one has its own character, whether that's a smooth, buttery texture, a vibrant aroma or an intensely sweet flavour.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular mango types enjoyed around the world.
- Ataulfo (Honey Mango)
- Tommy Atkins
- Haden
- Kent
- Nam Doc Mai
- Palmer
- Carabao (Philippine Mango)
- Francis
With so many mango kinds spread across continents, every country has its crown jewel and exploring them is like tasting a little piece of every culture.
How Mango Varieties Differ In Taste and Texture
One of the most fascinating things about all mango varieties is how they differ from each other in flavour, texture, aroma, fibre content, and even the way they ripen.
| Mango Variety | Origin | Flavour Profile | Texture | Fibre Content | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alphonso | India | Rich, sweet, aromatic | Creamy, smooth | Very low | Eating fresh desserts |
| Dasheri | India | Honey-sweet, mild | Soft, juicy | Low | Eating fresh aamras |
| Langra | India | Sweet-tangy, complex | Smooth, slightly firm | Low | Fresh eating, drinks |
| Kesar | India | Honey-like, floral | Creamy, dense | Very low | Desserts, milkshakes |
| Totapuri | India | Tangy, mildly sweet | Firm, meaty | Medium | Pickles, chutneys, juice |
| Ataulfo | Mexico | Rich, tropical, buttery | Very smooth | Negligible | Fresh eating, smoothies |
| Tommy Atkins | USA | Mild, slightly tangy | Firm | High | Cooking, salads |
| Carabao | Philippines | Extremely sweet, floral | Silky smooth | Very low | Fresh eating, desserts |
| Nam Doc Mai | Thailand | Sweet, custard-like | Soft, velvety | Very low | Fresh eating, Thai dishes |
| Kent | USA | Juicy, sweet | Smooth, tender | Low | Juicing, fresh eating |
Choosing The Right Mango For Different Recipes
Not every mango is built for every purpose, and matching the right mango type to your recipe is genuinely a game-changer in the kitchen.
- For fresh eating and fruit bowls, go with Alphonso, Ataulfo, Carabao or Nam Doc Mai.
- For mango lassi and milkshakes, Alphonso and Kesar are the undisputed champions here.
- For desserts like kulfi, cheesecakes and panna cotta, Kesar and Alphonso again lead the pack with their deep flavour concentration.
- For smoothies and tropical blends, Ataulfo and Kent bring both juiciness and smoothness without overpowering other ingredients.
- For salsas, salads and savoury dishes, Tommy Atkins and Palmer shine here.
- For pickles, chutneys and aam panna, Totapuri and raw green varieties like Rajapuri are the go-to choices.
- For mango sorbet and ice creams, Alphonso, Carabao or Ataulfo, their high sugar content and smooth texture churn into absolutely stunning frozen desserts.
Seasonal Availability Of Mango Kinds
Different mango types ripen at different times, which is why mango season lasts long and feels delicious for those who know where to find them.
- March-April- Early varieties like Gir Kesar and some South Indian cultivars kick off the season.
- April-May- The peak season begins. Alphonso, Dasheri, Langra, and Ataulfo are all at their best.
- May-June- Langra, Totapuri, Neelam, and Tommy Atkins dominate markets across India and the US.
- June-August- Late-season varieties like Neelam, Mulgoba, and Carabao continue the mango marathon.
- Year-round availability- In many global markets, Tommy Atkins and Palmer are available almost throughout the year due to staggered harvests across different growing regions.
Conclusion
From the royal Alphonso groves of Ratnagiri to the honeyed Ataulfo orchards of Mexico, the world of mango varieties is nothing short of extraordinary. Every variety carries its different texture, flavour, and its own way of making a perfectly ordinary afternoon feel like a celebration.
If you are in search of fresh, rich and delicious mangoes in the UK, then you can consider buying them from Gayatri Stores.
