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India leads the world in mango production with 25 million metric tonnes of fruit cultivated annually. There are around 1500 varieties cultivated in India, even the most learned people cannot name all of them. The popular ones include Alphonso, kesar, dasheri, langra, totapuri, etc.
As the summer season hits, mangoes start ripening on trees, adding a yellow hue to the cluster of dense green leaves. Many farmers grow more than one variety in their orchards, and each has a distinct feature, taste, shape, and scent. What many people also don’t know is that India produces some of the most expensive varieties as well. Scroll down to read about them.
Kohitur
Kohitor sounds like Kohinoor (diamond) is a rare mango cultivated in India. It is known for its unique fragrance, bright golden colour, and sweet flavour. It is priced around Rs 500 - Rs 1,500 per piece, and it is a symbol of horticulture heritage. It has a large size, and its roots are deep in the soil of the royal gardens of Bengal. Hence, it is an heirloom variety cultivated in Murshidabad, West Bengal. They are often grafted for early sprouting so farmers can sell them in domestic as well as international markets.
Alphonso Mango (Hapus)
Alphonso mangoes grown in India are considered among the most expensive ones and are of the highest quality. The premium variant can fetch a farmer Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per box. The ones grown in Devgad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg are the most expensive ones. They have a rich aroma that you can whiff standing 5-6 feet away. Their non-fibrous pulp makes them the ideal choice for creating concentrated drinks sold in the market. Their limited cultivation in Gujarat and Maharashtra makes them a royal purchase, and they are often harvested between March and June. This variety has also been bestowed with a Geographical Identification (GI) tag.
Miyazaki Mango
Originating from Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, this variety of mango is now being cultivated in India, and it is sold for Rs 3 lakh per kilogram. A farmer in Bihar has been successful in replicating this Japanese treasure, which requires a lot of labour for cultivation, and it is a rare produce. Boasting a ruby-red hue and a high level of sweetness (15% sugar content), it is known for its fibreless pulp. Rich people often treat Miyazaki mangoe as a luxury gift, and owning it is a sign of prosperity.
Kesar Mango
Kesar or Gir Kesar mangoes are also among the most expensive ones produced in India. They have a creamy pulp, enticing aroma, and sweetness blended with a bit of acidity. Available in golden orange skin and saffron-coloured pulp, their peel is thin and smooth. They are a rich source of vitamins C and A and originate from the Junagadh district in Gujarat. In 2011, these mangoes also got a GI tag. Celebrated chefs and home chefs use these in savoury and sweet preparations. They are sold for Rs 200- Rs 500 per kilogram.
Noorjahan Mango
Noorjahan mangoes come from the Alirajpur district in Madhya Pradesh. One piece can cost between Rs 500 to Rs 1,500. They are known for their size, with a mango weighing around 3-3.5 kilograms. It is in demand because of its sweetness and low-fibre content. This variety might have originated in Afghanistan but is now cultivated by Indian farmers. The trees are small, with maximum height ranging from 10-12 feet. They grow well in tropical and sub-tropical climates, which is why Indian weather suits them.
