Hey mango lovers! Ever wondered about the amazing world of mangoes beyond the ones you usually find at the store? Well, get ready to dive in! Mangoes are not just a delicious tropical treat; they come in a mind-blowing variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. In this guide, we're going to explore some of the most popular and unique mango varieties out there. Get ready to have your taste buds tempted and your mango knowledge expanded!

What is Mango Anyway?

Before we jump into the juicy details, let's cover some basics. Mangoes (Mangifera indica) are believed to have originated in India thousands of years ago. Today, they're grown in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. Mangoes are known for their sweet, aromatic flavor and their vibrant colors, which can range from green and yellow to red and even purple. They're also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious choice.

Why So Many Mangoes?

You might be wondering, why are there so many different kinds of mangoes? Well, just like apples or grapes, mangoes have been cultivated and crossbred over centuries to create new and improved varieties. Different regions have also developed their own unique mango cultivars that are adapted to local climates and growing conditions. This has resulted in a staggering array of mango types, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Popular Mango Varieties

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here's a rundown of some of the most popular mango varieties you'll find around the world:

1. Tommy Atkins

Tommy Atkins mangoes are one of the most commonly found varieties in grocery stores, especially in the United States. These mangoes are large, with a reddish-blush skin, and have a relatively mild, sweet-tart flavor. While they're not the most flavorful mangoes out there, they are known for their long shelf life and resistance to handling, which makes them a popular choice for commercial growers. Tommy Atkins mangoes typically have a fibrous texture, so they're best enjoyed sliced or blended into smoothies.

Why it's popular: Tommy Atkins mangoes are popular because they ship well and have a long shelf life, making them a reliable choice for supermarkets.

Flavor profile: Mild, sweet-tart.

2. Haden

The Haden mango is another popular variety that originated in Florida. These mangoes are known for their bright red skin with yellow and orange highlights. They have a rich, sweet flavor with hints of coconut and a smooth, non-fibrous texture. Haden mangoes are a great choice for eating fresh or using in desserts.

Why it's popular: Haden mangoes are prized for their beautiful color, sweet flavor, and smooth texture.

Flavor profile: Rich, sweet with coconut notes.

3. Kent

Kent mangoes are large, green-skinned mangoes that often have a red or yellow blush. They have a very sweet, rich flavor and a juicy, fiber-free texture. Kent mangoes are harvested late in the season, typically from December to February, and are a popular choice for making juices and dried mangoes.

Why it's popular: Kent mangoes are popular for their late-season availability, fiber-free texture, and sweet flavor.

Flavor profile: Very sweet, rich.

4. Keitt

Similar to Kent, Keitt mangoes are green even when ripe. They have a sweet, slightly tart flavor and a firm, fiber-free texture. Keitt mangoes are also harvested late in the season and are known for their long shelf life. This makes them a good option if you want to stock up on mangoes.

Why it's popular: Keitt mangoes are popular for their late-season availability, long shelf life, and fiber-free texture.

Flavor profile: Sweet, slightly tart.

5. Francis

Francis mangoes are a Haitian variety known for their vibrant yellow-orange skin and their sweet, slightly spicy flavor. They have a smooth, creamy texture and are a delicious choice for eating fresh or using in salads.

Why it's popular: Francis mangoes are popular for their unique flavor profile and creamy texture.

Flavor profile: Sweet, slightly spicy.

6. Alphonso

Ah, the Alphonso mango! Often called the "King of Mangoes," this Indian variety is prized for its intense sweetness, rich flavor, and smooth, creamy texture. Alphonso mangoes have a vibrant golden-yellow skin and are available for a short time each year, typically from April to June. If you have the chance to try an Alphonso mango, don't miss it!

Why it's popular: Alphonso mangoes are considered the best of the best due to their exceptional flavor and texture.

Flavor profile: Intensely sweet, rich.

7. Ataulfo

Ataulfo mangoes, also known as honey mangoes, are small, yellow-skinned mangoes with a sweet, creamy flavor and a smooth, non-fibrous texture. They have a thin seed, which means you get more mango per fruit! Ataulfo mangoes are a great choice for snacking, smoothies, or desserts.

Why it's popular: Ataulfo mangoes are popular for their sweet flavor, creamy texture, and small seed.

Flavor profile: Sweet, creamy.

8. Manila

Manila mangoes are another small, yellow-skinned variety that's similar to Ataulfo. They have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth, fiber-free texture. Manila mangoes are commonly grown in Mexico and are a popular choice for eating fresh or using in salsas.

Why it's popular: Manila mangoes are popular for their sweet-tangy flavor and smooth texture.

Flavor profile: Sweet, slightly tangy.

9. Champagne/త్తైమూరి (Thaimuri)

Champagne mangoes, also known as Thaimuri mangoes, are grown by only one farmer in the world. These mangoes are not only special, they are unique. It is the most expensive mango in the world.

Why it's popular: Champagne mangoes are popular for their sweet-tangy flavor and smooth texture.

Flavor profile: Sweet, slightly tangy.

10. Pairi

Pairi mangoes are known for their amazing taste and juicy pulp. It is very popular in India and consumed by all age groups. It has an aromatic flavor and is rich in Vitamin A and C.

Why it's popular: Pairi mangoes are popular for their amazing taste and juicy pulp.

Flavor profile: Sweet, slightly tangy.

11. Langra

Langra mangoes are originally from Varanasi, India. These mangoes are oval in shape and are green in color. These are known for its unique taste and aroma. It is available from mid-July to August.

Why it's popular: Langra mangoes are popular for their amazing taste and aroma.

Flavor profile: Sweet, slightly tangy.

12. Chausa

Chausa mangoes are mainly cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, India. These mangoes are golden yellow in color. These are very sweet and pulpy.

Why it's popular: Chausa mangoes are popular for their amazing taste and pulpy texture.

Flavor profile: Very sweet and pulpy.

13. Totapuri

Totapuri mangoes are available in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These mangoes are parrot beak shaped, that's how it got its name. It has a sour taste.

Why it's popular: Totapuri mangoes are popular for their shape and sour taste.

Flavor profile: Sour.

14. Neelum

Neelum mangoes are mainly cultivated in Tamil Nadu. These mangoes are available in May and June. These are known for its delightful fragrance.

Why it's popular: Neelum mangoes are popular for their fragrance.

Flavor profile: Sweet and aromatic.

15. Imam Pasand

Imam Pasand mangoes are also known as Himayat or Humayun Pasand. These mangoes are large in size and has a unique taste.

Why it's popular: Imam Pasand mangoes are popular for their size and unique taste.

Flavor profile: Sweet and tangy.

16. Kesar

Kesar mangoes are mainly found in Gujarat, India. These mangoes have a saffron color and are very sweet.

Why it's popular: Kesar mangoes are popular for their color and sweet taste.

Flavor profile: Very sweet.

17. Glenn

Glenn mangoes are a Florida variety that's gaining popularity for its disease resistance. They have a sweet, rich flavor with spicy overtones and a fiber-free texture.

Why it's popular: Glenn mangoes are popular for their disease resistance and flavor.

Flavor profile: Sweet, spicy.

How to Choose a Ripe Mango

Now that you know about some of the different mango varieties, how do you pick a ripe one? Here are a few tips:

• Give it a squeeze: A ripe mango should be slightly soft to the touch, like a ripe avocado.
• Smell it: A ripe mango will have a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem.
• Don't focus on color: The color of a mango doesn't always indicate ripeness. Some mangoes stay green even when they're ripe.

How to Cut a Mango

Cutting a mango can be a little tricky, but here's a simple method:

1. Stand the mango upright on a cutting board.
2. Slice down one side of the mango, as close to the seed as possible. Repeat on the other side.
3. You should now have two "cheeks" of mango. Use a knife to score the flesh of each cheek in a grid pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
4. Invert the cheeks so the cubes of mango stick out. Use a knife to slice the cubes off the skin, or scoop them out with a spoon.
5. For the remaining center section, use a knife to carefully trim away the flesh from around the seed.

Enjoy Your Mangoes!

So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of some of the amazing mango varieties out there! Next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market, be sure to keep an eye out for some of these delicious fruits. And don't be afraid to try something new – you might just discover your new favorite mango!