King of Fruits India: Your Quick Mango Handbook

When you hear "king of fruits" in India, most people picture the sweet, juicy mango. From street stalls to backyard gardens, mangoes rule the taste buds and the market. This guide shows you the why, the what, and the how of mangoes so you can enjoy them like a pro.

Top Mango Varieties Across India

India grows more than a thousand mango types, but a handful dominate the shelves. Alphonso from Ratnagiri is buttery, fragrant and often called the gold standard. If you love a tangy bite, try Kesar from Gujarat – its bright orange flesh is perfect for a summer smoothie. Dasheri from Uttar Pradesh offers a soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture, while Langra from Delhi is sweet with a hint of sour that works great in salads. Himsagar from West Bengal has almost no fibers, making it ideal for desserts.

Each variety has its own peak season, usually between March and June. Alphonso peaks in May, Kesar in May‑June, Dasheri in April‑May, Langra in June, and Himsagar in late May. Knowing the season helps you grab the freshest fruit at the best price.

How to Pick, Store, and Enjoy Mangoes

Picking a ripe mango is easy once you know the signs. Look for a bright, even color – golden for Alphonso, deep orange for Kesar. Gently press the stem end; it should give slightly, like a ripe avocado. If it feels hard, it needs a day or two at room temperature.

To speed up ripening, place mangoes in a paper bag with a banana. The ethylene gas speeds the process. Once ripe, store them in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, slice the flesh, remove the pit, and freeze the pieces in airtight containers – great for smoothies later on.

Cooking with mango is as fun as eating it raw. A simple mango pickle mixes sliced mangoes with mustard seeds, chili powder, and a splash of oil. Or blend mango pulp with yogurt, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of honey for a refreshing lassi. Even a quick mango salsa – diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and green chilies – adds a burst of flavor to grilled fish or chicken.

Beyond taste, mangoes pack a nutritional punch. One cup of sliced mango provides over 100% of the daily vitamin C requirement, plus vitamin A, potassium and fiber. The antioxidants help fight free radicals, and the natural sugars give a quick energy boost without the crash of processed sweets.

Whether you’re a backyard grower, a market shopper, or a kitchen experimenter, treating mango like the king it is makes every bite memorable. Remember the key tips – know your variety, pick at the right time, store smart, and get creative in the kitchen – and you’ll always have the best mango experience.