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An exhibition in Telangana showcased 400 varieties of mangoes. Check out some of the lesser-known Indian mango varieties.
Lesser-known varieties like Imam Pasand and Panchadara Kalasa were also featured at the exhibition. (Representational Image)
In India, mango mania is real. Millions eagerly await the fruit’s arrival in stores each year, eager to savour its distinctive sweetness. Its immense popularity has led to numerous events and exhibitions celebrating mangoes. Most recently, an expo in Telangana showed over 400 varieties, along with an innovative preservation technique.
Speaker of the Telangana Assembly, Mr. Gaddam Prasad, inaugurated the grand Mango Exhibition in Rajender Nagar. Organised by Habson, the event featured around 400 mango varieties and highlighted advanced freezing techniques designed to keep this quintessential summer fruit fresh all year round. The exhibition celebrated groundbreaking methods to extend the shelf life of mangoes, ensuring year-round availability.
Prasad expressed his enthusiasm for the project and commended the Salmani Brothers for their role in cultivating these rare varieties on Kohir’s 300 acres of land. Habson Director Mr Kamal Salmani explained that after years of dedicated research, Mr Habib Salmani successfully revived many rare mango varieties once on the brink of extinction. The initiative also aims to export these mangoes globally, making them accessible to a wider audience. To educate visitors on sustainable agriculture, the event included demonstrations of freezing techniques.
Although popular varieties like Alphonso and Banganapalli dominate the market, many lesser-known Indian mangoes offer equally delightful flavours. Here are a few worth exploring.
Imam Pasand
A highly prized variety with a long history, Imam Pasand, also known as ‘Himayat’ in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is hailed as the ‘King of Mangoes.’ Renowned for its unique flavour, it produces fruits weighing up to 800 grams, available only in May and June.
Panchadara Kalasa
Originating from Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, Panchadara Kalasa means ‘sugar pot,’ a nod to its exceptionally sweet flesh. Traditionally, mango nectar is extracted by squeezing the fruit rather than slicing it. Its thick skin and short, silky fibres make it a perfect summer indulgence.
Rumani
With its distinctive elongated shape and curled tip, this Karnataka mango is a rare heritage variety. Its flesh has a complex flavour profile, blending hints of spice and sweetness with a custard-like texture.
Gulab Khas
Recognisable by its rose-red skin, the Gulab Khas mango is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It stands out from more common varieties with its unique flavour profile.
Dasheri
Native to Uttar Pradesh, the Dasheri mango is known for its fiberless flesh, superb sweetness, and subtle tang. Its luscious texture and thin peel make it a true mango connoisseur’s delight.
Exploring these lesser-known mango varieties not only expands the palate but also helps preserve India’s rich agricultural heritage. Each variety offers a distinctive taste experience, reflecting the diverse cultures and climates across the country.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
