Mangoes are certainly the best things summer has to offer. India has more than 1,500 varieties of mango. Yes, 1,500!

Delicious mouth-watering mangoes have always been a pleasant and basic part of Indian lives. India is exclusively popular for its exotic mango hotspots, promising delightful aroma and flavors. We are spoilt for choice as a nation. However, we cannot put this blessing to proper use unless we know our mangoes. Here’s a guide for you to identify a few, if not all varieties.

Langda

Varanasi is popular for its langda variety of mangoes and it is a renowned hotspot for the lovers of mango in India. Langda or Benarasilangda remains green on the outside even after it is ripe. The distinguishing feature of this variety of mango is its strong aroma. BanarasiLangra mangoes are available during June and July and can be identified by their lemon-yellow peel color.

Alphonso

Alphonso mango is one of the best varieties of Indian mango. These are available in the market during mid-July and each mango weighs between 150 to 300 grams. Alphonso mangoes are loved internationally for their delightful taste and sunshine yellow appearance. This variety of mango is named after Afonso de Albuquerque and this voluptuous king of the mangoes is one of the most consumed varieties of mango in India.

Sindhura

Sindhura is also known as Suvarnarekha and Latsundri. This variant of the mango is sweet, and yet has a slight tanginess to it. The aroma will linger in your mouth for long. It is ovate-oblong in shape, has thick skin and is a fiber-less variety, and ripens early. Sindhura mangoes are best for preparing shakes as the pulp has a beautiful yellow color.

Dasheri

Lucknow, the land of Nawabs is equally famous for its delicious mangoes. The mother tree of this variety was grown in the garden of ‘Lucknow keNawab’, the late Mohammad Ansar Zaidi. Dasheri is available from the middle of May to August and is easily distinguishable from the other varieties by their green peels and wholesome taste. The long shape, fiber-less flesh, and strong aroma are some ways of identifying Dasheri mangoes.

Safeda or Banginapalli

Safeda or Banginapalli mangoes are significantly larger than their Alphonso counterparts and are produced in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Safeda mangoes weigh about 350 - 400 grams and exhibit meaty texture. The firm and thin skin of this mango is sweet and lacks fiber. If the pulp alone does not satiate you, you can also eat the skin of this variety.

So, travel across India and try these delicious, lip-smacking varieties of mango!