Feature by Prashasti Kulkarni and Yashasvi Anika Tandon
Mangoes, one of the most popular fruits in India, are a rich source of Vitamin A and C. They are propagated (cultivated) using the grafting technique. Grafting is the process by which one part of a full grown tree, called scion, is stuck to a part of another tree, called stock.
India is the largest producer of mangoes.
We produce about 45% of the world’s mango production!
It is also part of the top 10 mango exporting countries, and as of 2022, exported nearly 23,000 tonnes (worth around 48 million in USD).
These mangoes were majorly exported to UAE, UK, Qatar and US.
The export value of mangoes also differs from variety to variety. Let’s have a look at the different varieties of mangoes available in India and where they’re exported to.
1. Alphonso/ Hafus
Alphonso mangoes, which are generally bright orange in color, are found mainly in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The fruit is characterised by an orange flesh, uniformly sweet juice, and thin covering that is golden yellow for the most part.
They require warm climatic conditions to grow, with a good water supply and direct sunlight. These mangoes are a great boost for immune systems and contain enzymes that aid in digestion. These mangoes have high amounts of potassium and magnesium, which helps in muscular functions.
Mango is considered the king of fruits. Alphonso is the king of mangoes when it comes to price.
Alphonso also has a GI tag only. Only mangoes grown in the Ratnagiri region can call themselves Alphonso.
Having the largest export volumes in India, Alphonso mangoes are exported to various places including Singapore and the United Kingdom.
2. Dashehari / दशहरी
Dasheri mangoes, mostly popular in the North of India, are of an oval shape and have light-green or yellow-green skin, turning to golden yellow when ripe. These mangoes grow in an ideal temperature of 26-35 degree Celsius and are therefore available mostly in the summer, during April, May, and June.
The pulp is soft and deep yellow. They are not suited for slicing. An Indian method of eating the mango directly is best for enjoying this variety of mangoes.
These mangoes grow in North India, Andhra Pradesh (Telangana) in the South, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Dasheri mangoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fibre. They are exported to South Asia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore, among others.
3. Sindura/Sindhura
Sindur means vermillion – the bright red colour used by women in India as a form of shringar (dress-up).
With a green-and-red tint on their skin, Sindhura mangoes usually have a sweet taste. They grow in warm areas with adequate sunlight, and have a harvesting period of 80-90 days. Sindhura mangoes are rich in natural fibers. These mangoes are most popular in states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and are mainly exported to South Korea.
4. Kesar
The word ‘kesar’ means saffron.
Kesar mangoes, which come from the state of Gujarat, are generally very sweet and pulpy. They grow adequately in warm areas that receive a lot of sunlight and are of temperatures ranging from 27-30 degree Celsius. Kesar mangoes, apart from being a good source of fibre, also consist of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They are exported to the U.S. and Japan.
5. Badami
The name ‘Badami’ comes from a region in Karnataka.
Badami mangoes have a pale-yellow skin and usually a sweet taste. They ideally grow in warm climates and well-drained soil, which is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions like Northern Karnataka.
Like Alphonso, Badami mangoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C and A, and help in gaining healthy eyesight. These mangoes are also rich in potassium, magnesium and fibers. They are exported to Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, UK, and Singapore.
6. Himsagar
This is a fibreless variety of mangoes. Himsagar mangoes are generally orange or yellow in colour from the inside. Grown in West Bengal and Bangladesh, these mangoes are exported to Europe, USA, Australia, and New Zealand. They are planted in May, June, and July in well drained, loamy, alluvial soil. Himsagar mangoes are rich in potassium. Image Credit: Himsagar in tray: Wikipedia; Himsagar tree: http://tastingbites.blogspot.com/2012/05/west-bengal-india-himsagar-mango.html
7. Safeda
The most well-known variety of mango in India is the ubiquitous (something that is found everywhere) Safeda. It is the first mango to hit the markets, and one of the last to go.
In fact, in general, when someone says mango, they mean Safeda.
Safeda also has the perfect paisley shape that is associated with mangoes. (This shape is called Aambi – mango, in Hindi).
Image Credit: https://waywewere.net/
Safeda or Johari Safeda is a mango variety having no fiber. Although it is deep yellow in colour from the outside, Safeda gets its name from its pale-yellow inside. It grows in a climate which is warm and humid. These mangoes are cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, and can grow in a variety of soil types. They are exported to Singapore, USA, New Zealand, UK, Oman, UAE, Australia, Germany, and Maldives. Safeda mangoes help in digestion, eye and skin health, and potassium balance.
8. Totapari/Totapuri
If these mangoes remind you of a parakeet and its sharp beak, you are not alone. The bright green colour of this mango and the red near the pointed tip gave a lot of people the same idea.
Totapuri mango gets its name from its bright green colour, which is like the Indian parrot green, and the pointy tip, which is curved like the beak of a parrot.
The harvesting time period is both spring and summer (March-July) in aerated (soil with holes in it so as to make better contact between the roots and air, water, nutrients), well-drained soil.
These mangoes are grown in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka (mainly Bangalore), Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. They are available between May to July. Totapuri mangoes are exported to the UAE, Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
Totapari is a good source of potassium and magnesium.
9. Raspuri
Raspuri mangoes are reddish-yellow in colour from the outside but a deep yellow from within. These mangoes are grown in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka (Bangalore, Kolar, Ramagara, Srinivasapura). They are grown in well-drained soil, and take 85 to 90 days to be harvested after flowering.
Their main shipment is to South Korea and the USA. Raspuri mangoes contain fiber (roughage) which is good for the gut. Apart from that, Raspuri is a rich source of potassium and magnesium and good for the eye.
10. Langda
This mango is said to be named “Langda” or “one-legged” after the man who first grew these mangoes in his fields a long time ago.
Langda mangoes are oval, usually green in colour, and available from May to August.
These mangoes require full to partial sunlight, depending on the plant and the region, and an adequate supply of water. They are rich in minerals and vitamins that help prevent the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, and also help improve dental health and digestion.
