From Gadha to Langra: 15 unique mango varieties enjoyed in India

Mango season has arrived — and with it comes the royal charm of the 'King of Fruits.' India is home to nearly 1,500 varieties of mangoes, each with its own distinct flavor, appearance, and fascinating name. From the boldly named Gadha to the beloved Langda, these mangoes carry rich stories and characteristics that are sure to surprise and delight you. Scroll down to explore 15 of the most unique and flavorful mango varieties found across India.

This variety is native to Ratual, Uttar Pradesh. As per legends, despite its visually appealing, ripe appearance, it is notably bland in taste, which has led to its unconventional name—'Haramzada' translates to 'bastard' in Hindi.

This variety of mango is native to orchards of Lucknow and offers a golden yellow skin and saffron-coloured flesh. It is a very rare variety and is available for a very short period between May-June.

The Tamuriya mango carries forward the rich legacy of Emperor Timur, who sampled this fruit on his way to conquer Delhi. Native to the Rataul region, Tamuriya boasts a distinct oblong shape and a greenish-yellow hue. It is known for offering balanced sweetness and a hint of tartness.

Makhsoos comes from the orchards of Malihabad in Maharashtra and is known for its limited harvest and exceptional quality. It has a deep orange colour with reddish skin and a fibrous flesh bursting with intense sweetness.

Also known as Fazli or Elephant Mango or Gadha (Donkey) mango, this one is native to West Bengal and can weigh up to a kilogram. It has fibrous flesh and mildly sweet flavor, which makes it more suitable for chutneys and pickles than for immediate consumption.

Mild in taste and greenish in colour, this variety of mango looks like a parrot's beak. Hailing from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the flesh of this variety is not sweet like other varieties but is great for salads and pickles.

Native to Maharashtra, this variety is now also grown in Gujarat and some parts of Karnataka. If we go by reports, this is the most expensive variety that is also exported in other parts of the world.

This variant is sweet, and yet has a slight tanginess to it that has an aroma that lingers in your mouth for long. This is very good for preparing shakes, as the pulp has a good yellow colour.

Significantly larger than their Alphonso counterparts, this mango variety is produced in Banaganapalle of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. With its pleasant aroma, they are oval in shape, with smooth skin and are around 14 cm in length.

The famous 'Ratnagiri Aam' is found in the Maharashtra region of Ratnagiri, Devgarh, Raigad, and Konkan and interestingly, each mango weighs between 150 to 300 grams. Alphonso Mango is one of the best varieties of mango found in India and also the most expensive one.

Popular in North India and Bihar, this variety was introduced by Sher Shah Suri during his reign in the sixteenth century. Named after a town in Bihar, this variety is characterised by incredibly sweet pulp and bright yellow skin.

Largely grown and consumed in Old Mysuru of Karnataka, this variety is known as the Queen of Mangoes in India. It arrives in the month of May and is available by the end of June. It tastes best in form of yoghurt, smoothie and jam.

Characterised by a sweet aroma, this variety is the specialty of West Bengal and Orissa. This medium-sized variety weighs between 250-350 grams and has creamy flesh which are good for making desserts and shakes.

This variety is grown in every part of the country, usually found in abundance in June. With an orange skin, they are tiny in comparison to other varieties.

The Langra mango, also known as Langda, is a renowned variety originating from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The name "Langra," meaning "lame" in Hindi, is believed to have been derived from a local farmer who had a physical disability and was colloquially referred to as 'Langra.' It is medium-sized oval shaped variety with flesh deep yellow to golden in colour offering a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy taste.

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