Mango Varieties
While there are thousands of different mango varieties, you won’t find many of them at your local supermarket. In fact, the majority of people who eat mangos have one of 10-20 of the most popular mango varieties, and most don’t know that many more exist. In India alone, there are said to be over 1500 different mango varieties.
Here is a look at some of the most available mangos:
The most popular of all mango varieties in the United States is the Tommy Atkins mango. It is the primary type you will find on supermarket shelves over the course of the year. The fruit itself has yellow-colored skin with splashes of purple and dark red. It is very sweet and the taste combines traces of peach, pineapple and tangerine. It is produced in Florida, and in Central and South America.
The Ataulfo mango is also frequently found in American supermarkets in the early through late spring. It is imported from Mexico. The skin color is a greenish yellow but the inside fruit is a very deep orange. The mango is sweet but also has spicy and acidic qualities.
Since a trade agreement that was signed by President Bush in 2007, Alphonso mangos are once again being imported from India. Named for a Portuguese military commander, the Alphonso mango is considered to be the best in the world. Although it is far from the only mango grown in India, it is the one that is most remembered and it’s called “King of Mangos.” It has yellow and light green skin and is refreshingly non-fibrous. The mango is very sweet with a spicy vanilla quality. It is only available during the months of April and May.
Another of the very popular mango varieties is the Keitt. Like the Tommy Atkins, it is grown in the State of Florida, Central and South America and the Gambia. The fruit is bright yellow and has a taste of vanilla and peach, with hints of lime, coconut, and berries.
The Kent is another mango grown in Florida, Central and South America. It has a deep orange flesh that is very sweet and rich. What distinguishes this mango from most others is that it is available year round. The fruit weighs between 24 and 32 ounces.
Originating in Florida, the Haden mango is a nice bright yellow with red splashes and dots that are white and yellow. The inside is orange and somewhat fibrous. They often weigh from 24 to 32 ounces. The taste is very sweet with a bit of peach and pineapple flavors. There is also a Super Haden mango which is grown in Venezuela. It tastes much the same but is only available during the month of March.
Other well-known mango varieties include Parvin, Kesar (also grown in India second to the Alphonso), Banganapalli, Chausan, the Australian Kensington Pride, Maya, Ruby, the Israeli Shelly, Heidi, Manila, Sindhri, Edward, and Nahm Dawg.