Mangoes are a delicious and versatile fruit enjoyed worldwide. This easy-to-read guide explores different mango varieties based on their commonality, rarity, adaptability to weather, and taste, providing simple descriptions to help you choose the best mangoes for your culinary and gardening needs.
Table of Contents
- Common Mango Varieties
- Rare Mango Varieties
- Exotic Mango Varieties
- All-Weather Mango Varieties
- Best Tasting Mango Varieties
1. Common Mango Varieties
Alphonso Mango
Alphonso mangoes are known for their rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor. They are often called the “king of mangoes” and are highly prized in India and beyond.
- Description: Sweet, rich flavor.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, golden-yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, smoothies.
Tommy Atkins Mango
Tommy Atkins mangoes are widely available and popular for their firm texture and mildly sweet flavor. They are often used in commercial products due to their long shelf life.
- Description: Mildly sweet, firm texture.
- Appearance: Medium to large, red-green skin.
- Location: United States, Mexico.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Spring to summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, salads, salsas.
Kent Mango
Kent mangoes are known for their sweet and juicy flesh with minimal fiber. They are a popular choice for fresh consumption and juicing.
- Description: Sweet, juicy, low fiber.
- Appearance: Large, dark green with red blush.
- Location: Mexico, United States.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Winter to spring.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, juices, smoothies.
Haden Mango
Haden mangoes have a rich, sweet flavor and vibrant color, making them a favorite for fresh eating and culinary use.
- Description: Rich, sweet flavor.
- Appearance: Medium to large, red-yellow skin.
- Location: United States, Mexico.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Spring to summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, salsas.
Ataulfo Mango (Honey Mango)
Ataulfo mangoes, also known as Honey mangoes, are small, sweet, and creamy, with a smooth texture that makes them perfect for fresh eating and desserts.
- Description: Sweet, creamy texture.
- Appearance: Small, golden-yellow.
- Location: Mexico.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Spring to summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, smoothies.
2. Rare Mango Varieties
Francis Mango (Mango Francés)
Francis mangoes are known for their unique spicy-sweet flavor and are grown primarily in Haiti. They are a treat for mango enthusiasts.
- Description: Spicy-sweet flavor.
- Appearance: Medium to large, bright yellow with green accents.
- Location: Haiti.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Spring to summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, salads, desserts.
Valencia Pride Mango
Valencia Pride mangoes are large and known for their beautiful color and sweet, aromatic flavor. They are a favorite among mango connoisseurs.
- Description: Sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Appearance: Large, vibrant red and yellow.
- Location: United States.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, salads, desserts.
Palmer Mango
Palmer mangoes have a mild, sweet flavor and are known for their elongated shape. They are commonly grown in Brazil and enjoyed worldwide.
- Description: Mild, sweet flavor.
- Appearance: Large, elongated, red-blushed skin.
- Location: Brazil.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts.
Bombay Mango
Bombay mangoes are renowned for their rich flavor and smooth texture. They are a rare variety primarily grown in Jamaica.
- Description: Rich flavor, smooth texture.
- Appearance: Medium to large, green with slight red blush.
- Location: Jamaica.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, salads, desserts.
Carrie Mango
Carrie mangoes are known for their creamy, fiberless flesh and strong aroma. They are a favorite for fresh consumption.
- Description: Creamy, fiberless flesh.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, greenish-yellow.
- Location: United States.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts.
3. Exotic Mango Varieties
Manila Mango (Champagne Mango)
Manila mangoes, also known as Champagne mangoes, are small, sweet, and juicy with a buttery texture. They are popular in the Philippines and loved for their flavor.
- Description: Sweet, buttery texture.
- Appearance: Small, golden-yellow.
- Location: Philippines.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts.
Nam Doc Mai Mango
Nam Doc Mai mangoes are highly prized in Thailand for their exceptionally sweet and aromatic flesh. They are often enjoyed fresh and in desserts.
- Description: Exceptionally sweet, aromatic.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, golden-yellow.
- Location: Thailand.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Spring to summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, salads.
Alampur Baneshan Mango
Alampur Baneshan mangoes are known for their unique flavor and smooth texture. They are a rare variety grown in India.
- Description: Unique flavor, smooth texture.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, greenish-yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, smoothies.
Banganapalli Mango (Safeda Mango)
Banganapalli mangoes, also known as Safeda mangoes, are sweet and fiberless, making them a popular choice in India for fresh consumption.
- Description: Sweet, fiberless.
- Appearance: Medium to large, golden-yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, smoothies.
Kesar Mango
Kesar mangoes are renowned for their saffron-colored flesh and sweet, rich flavor. They are a favorite in India and are often used in desserts.
- Description: Sweet, rich flavor.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, saffron-colored flesh.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, juices.
4. All-Weather Mango Varieties
Neelum Mango
Neelum mangoes are highly adaptable and can grow in various climates. They have a sweet flavor and are commonly grown in India.
- Description: Sweet flavor.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, green with a red blush.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm to moderate climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, salads, desserts.
Pairi Mango
Pairi mangoes are versatile and can thrive in different weather conditions. They have a sweet, aromatic flavor and are popular in India.
- Description: Sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, yellow with red blush.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm to moderate climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, smoothies.
Amrapali Mango
Amrapali mangoes are known for their excellent flavor and adaptability to various climates. They are a hybrid variety grown in India.
- Description: Excellent flavor.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, red-green skin.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm to moderate climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, juices, salads.
Dasheri Mango
Dasheri mangoes are sweet and flavorful, with a smooth, fiberless texture. They are highly adaptable and popular in northern India.
- Description: Sweet, fiberless texture.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, greenish-yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm to moderate climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, smoothies.
Chaunsa Mango
Chaunsa mangoes are known for their unique flavor and juicy, soft flesh. They are adaptable to various climates and are popular in Pakistan and India.
- Description: Juicy, soft flesh.
- Appearance: Medium to large, golden-yellow.
- Location: Pakistan, India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm to moderate climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, juices, desserts.
5. Best Tasting Mango Varieties
Badami Mango
Badami mangoes are often referred to as the “Alphonso of Karnataka” due to their sweet and creamy texture. They are highly valued for their rich taste.
- Description: Sweet, creamy texture.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, golden-yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, smoothies.
Totapuri Mango
Totapuri mangoes are distinct for their tangy flavor and unique shape, resembling a parrot’s beak. They are commonly used in salads and pickles.
- Description: Tangy flavor.
- Appearance: Medium to large, elongated with a pointed tip.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Salads, pickles, juices.
Langra Mango
Langra mangoes have a distinct sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They are highly popular in northern India and are known for their juicy flesh.
- Description: Sweet and tangy flavor.
- Appearance: Medium to large, green even when ripe.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts.
Mallika Mango
Mallika mangoes are known for their rich, sweet flavor and smooth texture. They are a hybrid variety and are popular for their exceptional taste.
- Description: Rich, sweet flavor.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, bright yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, juices.
Mancurad Mango
Mancurad mangoes are highly prized in Goa for their intense sweetness and vibrant orange flesh. They are considered one of the best-tasting mangoes in the region.
- Description: Intensely sweet.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, orange flesh.
- Location: India (Goa).
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, juices.
Paheri Mango
Paheri mangoes are known for their sweet and aromatic flavor. They are grown in various regions and are enjoyed fresh and in culinary dishes.
- Description: Sweet and aromatic.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, salads.
Sundari Mango
Sundari mangoes are appreciated for their sweet and tangy flavor. They are grown in various tropical regions and are enjoyed fresh and in culinary dishes.
- Description: Sweet and tangy.
- Appearance: Medium-sized, yellow with a red blush.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, juices, salads.
Imam Pasand Mango
Imam Pasand mangoes are known for their unique flavor and smooth texture. They are highly prized in southern India and are considered a gourmet variety.
- Description: Unique flavor, smooth texture.
- Appearance: Large, pale green to yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, juices.
Malgova Mango
Malgova mangoes are renowned for their rich, sweet flavor and juicy flesh. They are popular in southern India and are often enjoyed fresh.
- Description: Rich, sweet flavor.
- Appearance: Large, greenish-yellow.
- Location: India.
- Ideal Weather: Warm, tropical climates.
- Ideal Season: Summer.
- Ideal Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts.
Conclusion
Mangoes come in a diverse range of varieties, each with unique characteristics that make them suitable for different culinary applications. By understanding these varieties, you can select the perfect mango for any dish, whether you are looking for common, rare, exotic, all-weather, or taste-specific options.
