Home CT's Best

Love Aam? These 7 Varieties Of Mangoes In Maharashtra Will Give You A Taste Of Heaven

by Tania Tarafdar
Love Aam? These 7 Varieties Of Mangoes In Maharashtra Will Give You A Taste Of Heaven

Rich, aromatic, and sweet – a bite into the delicious, juicy flesh of a fully ripe mango can be blissful! For mango-lovers, the summer is the time to gorge on their favourite fruit. Maharashtra is the largest mango exporting state in the country and accounts for over 80 percent of the total exports.  Although mango is grown throughout the length and breadth of the state, the Konkan region is one of the biggest mango-growing belts in the country. Did you know around 205 varieties of mangoes can be found in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra? Interestingly, Maharashtra is the only State which has got Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Devgad Alphonso mango. Maharashtra Tourism presents some of the popular varieties of mangoes that are found in the State:

1. Mankurad

Although Mankurad is extensively produced in Goa, its orchards are found in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. This delicious fruit is yellow and oblong and develops black spots as it ripens.

2. Malgova

Malgova is a large round-shaped mango that retains its green colour with hints of red when it is ripe. It can be seen in the market at the end of the season. It is mostly found in the North Konkan, and in Aurangabad, Parbhani, Beed in Aurangabad district.

Also read: Binge On Mango Rasmalai, Mango Falooda And More At This Restaurant In Dubai

3. Kesar

Kesar is a small to medium fruit with a roundish shape and a distinctly curved tip. It has been named after saffron or kesar because of its orange hue. It is considered to be one of the rarest mangoes. It is harvested at the beginning of the season and found mostly in North Konkan, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbrar in Nasik district, Aurangabad district and, Marathwada. 

4. Vanraj

Vanraj has purple skin and brilliant yellow flesh, with a sweet and sour flavour profile. It also has a good shelf life and is available in the middle of the season. It is found mostly in the North Konkan region and Nasik district. Indulge In Mango Lassi, Mango Phirni & Other Drool-Worthy Mango Dishes At Bol Gappa Dubai.

5. Rajapuri 

Rajapuri is the largest of the Indian mango varieties and has an attractive combination of smooth and unblemished yellow, orange and red skin. Its strong floral aroma and sweet flavor make it one of the most popular table and cooking mangoes. It is also good for pickles. It is found mostly in the Aurangabad district.

Mango Festival

6. Pairi

Pairi is deliciously sweet with a mild tartness and has firm pulp. It is a nutritionally rich fruit with a unique flavour and fragrance. Known to be fibrous and juicy, it is one of the most popular choices for the popular ‘aam ras’. It is found mostly in the South Konkan region including Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.

Also read: Maharashtra’s Vitthal Rukmini Temple Decorated With 7000 Mangoes, Later Donated To Covid Patients

 7. Alphonso

Alphonso is also known by different names in different regions, such as Badami, Gundu, Khader, Appas, Happus, and Kagdi Hapus. It has long been one of the world’s most popular fruits and is exported to various countries. It has a rich, creamy, delicate, non-fibrous, and juicy pulp.  The original Indian mango breeds were juicy, with lots of fibre, and had a short shelf-life. Alphonso became the king of mangoes due to their attractive colour and delicious taste that lasts long.  

Dr. Mahesh Kulkarni, Assistant Professor at Udyan Vidya Mahavidyalay, a constituent college of Dr. Babasaheb Sawant Kokan Krushi Vidyapith, said, “The area covered for cultivation of mango was 40,000 hectares in Maharashtra in 1990, now it is 4-5 lakh hectares.” He further added, “Mango is probably the only fruit which is known by its specific breeds. Hence I request all consumers not to stick to one variety for a lifetime. Buy prudently and try all different varieties, as you may miss out on some interesting flavours.”

How many of these varieties have you tried?