India, the world’s largest producer of mangoes, boasts over a thousand varieties of the “King of Fruits.” Each region contributes unique cultivars shaped by local climate, soil, and tradition. From the tangy processing varieties of the south to the intensely sweet dessert mangoes of the north and west, these fruits define India’s summer. Many hold Geographical Indication (GI) tags that protect their heritage and quality. Here is a guide to some of the most celebrated ones, starting with the title varieties.
Hapus (Alphonso)
Hapus, popularly known as Alphonso, is widely regarded as the “King of Mangoes.” It originates primarily from Maharashtra, especially the Konkan belt covering Ratnagiri, Devgad, and Raigad districts. It is also grown in parts of Gujarat and Karnataka. The fruit is small to medium-sized with a rich, creamy, fibreless orange pulp, intense sweetness, and a captivating aroma. Available from April to June, Hapus is a premium export variety prized for fresh consumption.
Totapuri (Bangalora)
In contrast to the sweetness of Hapus, Totapuri stands out for its distinctive parrot-beak shape and pointed tip. It is mainly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh (particularly Chittoor), Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The flesh is firm, tangy, and less sweet, making it ideal for processing into pulp, pickles, juices, and salads. Its excellent keeping quality makes it a favourite for the food industry.
Dasheri
One of North India’s beloved early-season varieties, Dasheri comes from Uttar Pradesh, especially the Lucknow and Malihabad regions. It is known for its juicy, fibreless pulp, delightful sweetness, and fragrant aroma. Dasheri is a classic table mango that marks the beginning of the mango season in the northern plains.
Kesar (Gir Kesar)
Gujarat’s pride, Kesar (also called Gir Kesar) is grown in the Junagadh and Girnar foothills. The vibrant saffron-coloured pulp offers rich sweetness and a unique aromatic profile. It excels both as a fresh fruit and for processing, earning international recognition.
Banganapalli (Benishan or Safeda)
Andhra Pradesh’s Banaganapalle region in Kurnool district is the homeland of Banganapalli, also grown in Telangana and Tamil Nadu. These large, oblong fruits feature sweet, juicy pulp with minimal fibre. They are excellent for both fresh eating and canning.
Chaunsa (Chausa)
Chaunsa is a late-season favourite from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of North India. It is celebrated for its intensely sweet, aromatic, and thick pulp — perfect for sucking straight from the fruit. Its rich flavour makes it a connoisseur’s choice towards the end of the season.
Langra
Langra remains green even when fully ripe, a hallmark of this variety from Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi region), Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. It delivers exceptional sweetness and a strong, pleasant aroma, making it a mid-season favourite among mango enthusiasts.
Neelam
Primarily from Tamil Nadu and widely grown across southern states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Neelam is a late-season mango. It offers rich flavour, firm flesh, and good keeping quality in a relatively smaller fruit size.
Fazli
West Bengal’s Malda district is famous for Fazli, which also grows in Bihar. This large, late-season mango has sweet, melting pulp and a pleasant aroma. It carries a GI tag that underscores its regional heritage.
Mallika
Developed in Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) as a hybrid of Neelum and Dasheri, Mallika produces fibreless, deep orange flesh with intense sweetness. It is valued for high yield and superior dessert quality.
Other notable varieties include Raspuri (or Badami) from Karnataka, often called the “Queen of Mangoes” in the Mysuru region, and Himsagar from West Bengal.
Mango season in India typically spans April to August, with timing varying by variety and geography. Southern varieties like Totapuri support large-scale processing, while premium ones such as Hapus and Kesar dominate fresh markets and exports. Whether you prefer the creamy richness of Alphonso or the tangy bite of Totapuri, each variety offers a distinct taste of India’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
This summer, explore these regional gems and savour the unparalleled flavours that make Indian mangoes truly special.
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