The Mango Calendar: A Guide to the 10 Best Varieties You’ve Never Heard Of
Everyone knows the classic supermarket mango, but seeking the best mango varieties will truly transform your daily fruit bowl. Most people buy the same red and green fruit every week. However, a whole world of hidden flavours exists beyond the local grocer. This guide explores ten rare varieties that will change your fruit bowl forever. Follow our mango calendar to discover sunshine in every bite.
Early Season Gems
1. The Sweet Alphonso
Many experts call the Alphonso the king of fruits. Furthermore, this Indian variety offers a rich, creamy texture. In addition, it smells like a mix of honey and rose water. Ultimately, you should eat this mango fresh to enjoy its deep saffron colour.
2. The Honey-Gold Nam Dok Mai
Thailand produces this elegant, teardrop-shaped fruit. It tastes exceptionally sweet even when the skin remains green. The flesh contains almost no fibre. Therefore, it melts on your tongue like silk.
3. The Zesty Badami
People often call this the “Alphonso of Karnataka.” It provides a similar sweetness but carries a slight citrus tang. It arrives early in the spring. Consequently, it makes a perfect start to your mango journey.
Best Mango Varieties: Mid-season Marvels
4. The Floral Kesar
The Kesar mango hails from the foothills of Gujarat. In fact, its intense aroma fills an entire room instantly. Although the skin looks plain, the inside glows with a bright orange hue. All in all, use this variety to make the best pulp or desserts.
5. The Tiny Irwin
Florida surprised the world with the Irwin mango. These fruits stay quite small and turn a beautiful deep red. They offer a mild, apple-like sweetness. Because of their size, they serve as a great snack for children.
6. The Creamy Mallika
This variety results from a clever cross between two Indian classics. It features a flat shape and a fibre-free texture. You will notice hints of melon and citrus. Furthermore, it stays firm even when fully ripe.
7. The Golden Sindhri
Pakistan takes great pride in the Sindhri variety. Moreover, it grows quite large and has a soft, delicate skin. Most importantly, the flavour is pure honey without any acidity. Consequently, it remains a favourite for smoothies and lassi.
Best Mango Varieties: Late Season Delights
8. The Spicy Maya
Israel developed the Maya mango with great success. It boasts a unique, spicy undertone beneath the sugar. The fruit feels very firm and juicy. It handles transport well, so you might find it in speciality shops.
9. The Fragrant Chausa
Legend says emperors loved the Chausa above all others. It ripens late in the summer. The skin stays yellow-green, but the flesh is incredibly sweet. Indeed, many fans consider this the finest dessert mango.
10. The Robust Keitt
The Keitt concludes our calendar on a high note. These fruits can grow remarkably large. They stay green even when they are ready to eat. Moreover, they provide a refreshing, tangy flavour that balances the sugar.
Why You Should Explore New Varieties
Broadening your mango horizons supports biodiversity. Additionally, it introduces your palate to complex tasting notes. Fortunately, you can find these varieties at ethnic markets or online fruit specialists. In short, each season brings a new opportunity to taste something spectacular.
