The mango is known as the “king of fruits” and is also the national fruit of India. The term “mango” refers to the plant Mangifera indica as well as to its fruit. Mangoes belong to the cashew family and are culturally significant in India, symbolising love and prosperity. They are featured in festivals, traditional dishes, and provide income and employment for millions of farmers.

India is one of the largest producers of mangoes, and it exports a significant quantity while also creating products like juices. This industry supports local economies through tourism and trade. According to the National Horticulture Board, there are around 1,500 types of mangoes, each differing in shape, size, flavour, and colour. In addition to these, there are also lesser-known varieties of mangoes. The ideal temperature range for mangoes is between 24°C and 27°C during the growing season (from May to September).

The mango harvesting season begins in the southern part of India (April, May, and June) and gradually moves to the northern regions (July, August, and September). Mangoes are typically grown through grafting, as growing them from seeds results in new varieties that are not identical to the parent plant.

History of the Mango

Mangoes originally came from South Asia, but during the 15th and 16th centuries, the Portuguese helped introduce new varieties from Southeast Asia. They started cultivating these varieties in Goa, and from there, mangoes spread to other parts of India. When the Portuguese arrived in Kerala in the 15th century, they were fascinated by mangoes and introduced the fruit to other parts of the world, calling it “mango.” They began an international trade in mangoes and also grafted mango trees, leading to the creation of the Alphonso variety, named after the Portuguese general, Alphonso de Albuquerque.

Some Famous Mango Varieties in India and How to Identify Them

Totapuri
This variety is mild in taste and greenish in colour, resembling a parrot’s beak. It is widely cultivated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Unlike sweeter mangoes, its flesh isn’t very sweet, making it ideal for salads and pickles.

Hapus
Originally from Maharashtra but also grown in Gujarat and parts of Karnataka, Hapus is known for being the most expensive mango variety. It can cost anywhere from ₹1200 to ₹1800 per dozen, depending on quality and season. The mango is recognized by its strong aroma, saffron-coloured flesh, and lack of fibre.

Banginapalli
Larger than Alphonso, the Banginapalli mango comes from Banaganapalle, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. It has a pleasant smell, smooth skin, and is oval-shaped, typically measuring about 14 cm in length. The mango is identified by its light yellow colour with a few spots on the skin.

Kasari (Kesar)
One of the most expensive mango varieties, the pulp of the Kesar mango resembles saffron, the spice it is named after. Primarily grown in Ahmedabad and Gujarat, this variety was first cultivated by the Nawabs of Junagarh in 1931 and named Kesar in 1934. Its most distinguishing feature is its aroma, which resembles the fragrance of saffron.

Dasheri
Originating from a village near Malihabad in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh, Dasheri mangoes are small to medium-sized, ranging from 9 to 15 cm in length. They have an elongated oval shape with rounded ends.

Chausa
Popular in North India and Bihar, the Chausa mango was introduced by Sher Shah Suri during his reign in the 16th century. Named after a town in Bihar, this variety is characterised by its incredibly sweet pulp and golden-yellow skin.

Himsagar
Known for its sweet aroma, the Himsagar mango is a specialty of West Bengal and Orissa. It is medium-sized, weighing between 250 and 350 grams, and has a creamy, sweet flesh.

Mangoes, with their rich history and vast variety, truly live up to their title as the “king of fruits.” From their cultural significance to their economic impact, mangoes continue to be an integral part of life in India and beyond.

Joshita vadapalli  –Class 8 E