Brian Nagele
Mangoes are definitely something you’ve tasted if you enjoy tropical fruits. Mangoes are delicious, juicy, and nutrient-rich. However, did you know that there are numerous varieties of mangoes? This article will introduce you to some of the most popular and uncommon varieties of mangoes while examining the world of mangoes as a whole.
It is said that mangoes were first cultivated in India more than 4,000 years ago.
They are now grown in numerous tropical and subtropical areas of the world, such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and South America.
Mangoes are a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes that belong to the same family as cashews and pistachios.
So what kind of mango are most popular? Mangoes of the Haden, Tommy Atkins, Kent, Keitt, and Ataulfo types are a few of the most well-liked varieties.
Each type has a distinct flavor, texture, and appearance all of its own. Some mangoes are best consumed raw, while others work better in dishes or sweets.
We’ll examine each of these mango varieties and their traits in more detail in the following section.
Key Takeaways
- Mangoes are a tropical fruit that come in many different varieties.
- Mangoes originated in India and are now grown in many parts of the world.
- Some of the most common types of mangoes include Haden, Tommy Atkins, Kent, Keitt, and Ataulfo.
Origins of Mangos
Mangos are said to have first appeared in southern Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, eastern India, and the Andaman Islands.
Mangifera indica is the scientific name for the mango, and it belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashews and pistachios.
In South and Southeast Asia, mango agriculture has a long history. Mangoes have evolved into numerous types over time, each with a distinctive flavor, texture, and appearance.
The most well-known mango cultivars include Tommy Atkins, Ataulfo, Francis, Haden, Keitt, and Haden.
Mangoes are now grown throughout the world in a variety of tropical and subtropical areas, including South America, Africa, and the Caribbean.
The fruit is renowned for its sweet, juicy flesh, which is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and the vitamins A, C, and D.
A wide range of culinary preparations, from sweet sweets to savory entrees, incorporate mangoes.
Mango chutney is a common condiment that is offered with various meals in India, for instance.
Mangoes are used to create smoothies, juices, preserves, and even alcoholic drinks in other regions of the world.
Overall, the mango is a delicious and adaptable fruit that has been grown and consumed for a very long time all over the world.
There is no ignoring the allure of this tropical treat, whether you want them cooked, dried, or fresh.
Common Types of Mangos
There are hundreds of different mango kinds, although some are more readily available than others.
Here are a few of the most well-liked mango varieties:
1. Tommy Atkins
One of the most popular mango cultivars in the US market is Tommy Atkins. It is slightly elongated in shape and has a brilliant red skin with accents of green and orange.
The flesh has a mild, sweet flavor with a touch of acidity, and it is solid and fibrous. Due to its solid texture, it works well for slicing and dicing.
2. Kent
Another well-liked mango variety that is commonly accessible in the US is Kent. It is rounded and has a green and red skin tone.
The flesh has a soft texture, a mild flavor, and is sweet and juicy. It is fantastic for smoothies, sweets, and fresh eating.
3. Ataulfo
Ataulfo, also referred to as the honey mango, is a petite, yellow mango with a sweet, creamy flavor.
It is simple to consume because of its small seed and thin peel. It works well as a salad ingredient, in smoothies, and as a snack.
4. Haden
The skin of the huge, round Haden mango is both red and green. The flesh has a little fibrous texture, is sweet and juicy, and tastes tropical.
It is wonderful to eat raw or to use in dishes that call for a sweet, juicy mango.
5. Keitt
A huge, oval-shaped mango named Keitt has green skin that, when mature, becomes yellow.
The flesh has a soft texture, a mild flavor, and is sweet and juicy. It is wonderful to eat raw or to use in dishes that call for a soft, juicy mango.
These are just a few of the most popular mango varieties sold in the US. Be careful to try them all to determine your favorite because each kind has a special flavor and texture.
Rare Types of Mangos
If you enjoy mangoes, you may be familiar with some of the most well-known types, including Kent, Alphonso, and Ataulfo.
There are a few uncommon mango varieties, nevertheless, that are not frequently seen in the market. We’ll introduce you to some of these uncommon mango varieties in this section.
Maha Chanok
The Thai mango known as Maha Chanok is modest in size but enormous in flavor. It tastes tart and sweet with a touch of sourness.
Smoothies and sweets benefit greatly from the hard, fiberless flesh. When ripe, Maha Chanok’s green skin develops a yellow-orange flush.
Kesar
The Indian mango known as kesar is prized for its flavor, which is both sweet and fragrant. It features bright orange flesh that is fiberless and delicious.
When ripe, Kesar’s green skin has a golden flush. In India, the kesar type is widely used to produce mango juice, ice cream, and other sweets.
Nam Doc Mai
The “Golden Mango” is a Thai mango variety called Nam Doc Mai. It tastes creamy and sweet with a touch of acidity. The flesh is smooth and devoid of fibers.
When ripe, Nam Doc Mai’s green skin develops a yellow-orange flush. Thai cuisine frequently incorporates this mango into its salads, sticky rice, and sweets.
Keitt
The mango cultivar Keitt is grown predominantly in Florida and California in the United States. It tastes mildly sweet and tangy with a touch of sweetness.
Juicy and fiber-free, the flesh is perfect for eating raw or blending into smoothies. When ripe, Keitt’s green skin has a golden flush.
Mabruka
Yemeni mangoes called “Mabruka” are distinguished by their distinctive flavor and scent. It tastes slightly citrusy with a sweet and spicy undertone.
The flesh is smooth and devoid of fibers. When ripe, Mabruka’s green skin develops a yellow-orange blush. Yemeni cuisine frequently uses this mango to make chutneys and pickles.
These are only a few examples of the exotic mango varieties that exist. Don’t be hesitant to try any of these variations if you have the chance. You could find a new mango that you like!
Mango Cultivation
Understanding the fundamentals of mango cultivation is crucial if you’re interested in cultivating your own mangoes.
Several important considerations are listed below:
Climate
Warm, tropical climates are ideal for mango growth. For optimum growth, they require temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius.
They also require lots of sunlight and soil that drains properly. Mangoes may be grown in a greenhouse or other controlled setting if you reside in a cooler climate.
Planting
Mango trees can be grafted onto a rootstock or cultivated from seeds. Be careful that it may take the tree several years to begin bearing fruit if you are starting from seed.
Although grafted trees will bear fruit more quickly, their buying price may be higher.
Give mango trees plenty of room to grow when planting them. Because they can get up to 100 feet tall and 30 feet broad, you’ll need to make adequate preparations.
Additionally, make sure the trees are planted in a location with good drainage and lots of sunlight.
Care
As soon as your mango trees are established, you must give them frequent attention to ensure their healthy development and prolific fruit output.
Here are some essential considerations:
- Water: Mango trees require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure to water deeply and frequently, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizer: Mango trees require regular fertilization to provide the nutrients they need to grow and produce fruit. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 2:1:1 or 3:1:1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Pruning: Regular pruning can help keep your mango trees healthy and productive. Prune your trees in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and promote new growth.
- Pest control: Mango trees can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, and take appropriate measures to control the problem.
You can effectively grow your own mango trees and take pleasure in delectable, fresh fruit right from your own garden by adhering to some fundamental principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a ripe mango?
When choosing a mango, don’t rely solely on color. Instead, focus on feel. A ripe mango should be firm but slightly soft to the touch, like a ripe avocado. You can also sniff the stem end of the mango to detect a sweet, fruity aroma. If the mango is hard and smells like grass, it’s not yet ripe. If it’s mushy or has a sour smell, it’s overripe.
How do I store mangoes?
Mangoes can be stored at room temperature until they ripen, then moved to the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Once ripe, mangoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you have cut mangoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two days.
How do I cut a mango?
To cut a mango, first locate the flat seed in the center of the fruit. Hold the mango with one hand and use a sharp knife to slice off one of the cheeks, cutting as close to the seed as possible. Repeat on the other side. Score the flesh of each cheek in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. Invert the cheek and push the skin side up to expose the cubes, then cut them away from the skin.
What are the most common types of mangoes?
The six most common types of mangoes in the US market are Ataulfo, Francis, Haden, Keitt, Kent, and Tommy Atkins. However, there are many other varieties of mangoes available around the world, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and appearance. Some popular varieties include Alphonso, Kesar, and Chaunsa.
Are mangoes healthy?
Mangoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and other diseases. However, mangoes are also high in natural sugars, so it’s important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Knowing the various mango varieties now allows you to select the one that best meets your preferences and needs.
There is a sort of mango that will suit your demands, whether you want one for eating or cooking.
Popular mangoes like Tommy Atkins are excellent for enjoying as a delicious treat.
Try the Kesar or Alphonso mangoes if you want a mango that is great for cooking. These mangoes are prized for their flavor, which is sweet and fragrant.
Try the Keitt or Kent mangoes if you prefer a mango that is not overly sweet.
These mild-flavored mangoes are ideal for adding to salads or smoothies because of their mellow flavor.
Keep in mind that the type of mango you select will affect the texture of the fruit. Mangoes come in both fibrous and non-fibrous varieties.
Try the Honey or Champagne mangoes if you want a mango that is simple to eat. These mangoes are easy to cut and have a smooth texture.
