In the lush landscapes of South Asia, a regal fruit reigns supreme, captivating hearts and palates alike with its exquisite flavor and versatility. We’re talking about the majestic mango, a gift from nature that holds a special place in the culinary culture of Pakistan.
Originating from the fertile plains of the Indo-Gangetic region, mangoes found their way to Pakistan centuries ago, courtesy of the Mughals, and have since become an intrinsic part of the country’s gastronomic heritage. From tantalizing juices and refreshing smoothies to a delectable array of desserts, mangoes have woven their magic into a multitude of dishes.
Join us on this delectable journey as we delve into the world of mangoes in Pakistan. Discover the fascinating history of this cherished fruit, dating back to the era of emperors and sultans, and learn how it became an integral part of the nation’s cuisine.
List of Most Popular Types of Mangoes in Pakistan
CHAUNSA
Chaunsa mangoes are regarded as one of the finest varieties of mangoes in Pakistan. Hailing from the rich mango orchards of the country, Chaunsa mangoes stand out for their exquisite sweetness, delightful aroma, and lusciously soft, juicy flesh with minimal fiber content. These mangoes grace the summer season during Pakistan’s mango harvest.
SINDHRI
Sindhri mangoes are celebrated as one of Pakistan’s top mango varieties, particularly famous in the province of Sindh. These mangoes feature an intermediate-sized seed with an oval shape, adorned with lemon-yellow skin when mature. The size of the fruit is substantial, and its flesh exudes a beautiful cadmium yellow hue, boasting a satisfying, fiberless consistency. The flavor is not only pleasingly sweet-smelling but also delectably sweet to the taste buds.
THE RED KING/LAAL BADSHAH
The Red King, also known as Laal Badshah, is esteemed as one of Pakistan’s superior mango types. This creamy mango bears a subtle red tint, which deepens as the fruit matures. Its skin is relatively firm and encases a select quality of flesh, resulting in a sweet, albeit not overwhelmingly rich flavor.
SUNEHRA
Sunehra mangoes, also referred to as Baganphali, rank among the most sought-after mango varieties in Pakistan. Hailing from the Sindh region, Sunehra mangoes are renowned for their substantial size, measuring over 13 cm on average. The fruit retains an oval shape, with dark green skin that gradually turns yellowish as it ripens to perfection. These delectable mangoes grace the market in July and continue to delight mango enthusiasts well into August.
ANWAR RATOL
Anwar Ratol mangoes rank among the most beloved varieties in Pakistan, cherished for their delectable taste and abundant juiciness. Despite their small size, Anwar Ratol mangoes boast a high liquid content, making them ideal for making refreshing treats like ice cream. They feature thick, medium skin and their pulp is remarkably fiberless, allowing them to be sliced easily. With a delightful sugary flavor, Anwar Ratol mangoes are a true delight for mango enthusiasts. Their season typically spans from mid-July to August, offering two periods of enjoyment.
LANGRA
Langra mangoes hold a prominent place among the most popular types of mangoes in Pakistan and are also in high demand in Europe and Canada. Renowned for their sweet sugary taste, Langra mangoes have a small oval shape with robust fleshy tissue, displaying a yellowish-brown hue. These mangoes are small in size, exude a strong aroma, and possess a refreshing coolness, all while being fiberless. Their skin is green, adorned with a thin peel. The season for Langra mangoes begins in the center of June and lasts until August.
DUSSEHRI
Dussehri mangoes stand as one of Pakistan’s most sought-after varieties. This mango type traces its origin back to the 18th century when it was cultivated in a village near Kakori in the Lucknow district. Known for its sweet and aromatic taste, Dussehri mangoes are grown in Pakistan, Andhra Pradesh in the South, North India, and Nepal. A fascinating aspect of the Dussehri Mango is the mother tree, which is over 200 years old and continues to bear fruit every other year. In comparison to Indian Alphonso mangoes, Pakistani Dussehri mangoes are considered even more delightful and flavorful.
FAJRI
Fajri mangoes are highly favored in the UAE, where Pakistani mangoes are widely exported. The appeal of Fajri mangoes lies in their enormous size and fiberless flesh, making them a perfect choice for creating delightful beverages.
MALDAH
Maldah is a variety of Multani Mango cultivated during the mango season. What sets it apart is its unique flavor and orangish flesh color. These mangoes are known for their characteristic sweetness and delightful aroma, coupled with their fiberless flesh. Due to these qualities, Maldah mangoes are highly favored in Pakistani cities. However, their availability is limited, as they are only accessible until the second week of July.
AMARPALI
Amarpali mangoes add a touch of deliciousness to the air during the summer season. These mango trees are commonly grown in various subtropical and tropical countries, often referred to as Mangifera indica or the Indian Mango. They hold a special significance as the national tree of Bangladesh and are widely enjoyed in Pakistan, the Philippines, and India. The origins of this mango variety can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent.
ALMAS
Almas mangoes are medium-sized fruits with a mid-season harvest. They were discovered as a chance seedling in a Chaunsa plantation and subsequently became a local selection in areas like Mirpurkhas, Multan, and Tarnab. The Almas mango tree is moderate-vigorous, of medium height, and showcases new flushes of pink. It tends to have low alternate bearing tendencies. The taste of Almas mangoes is described as medium, juicy, pleasant, aromatic, and sweet.
SAFRON
Saffron mangoes are a chance seedling variety that boasts a mid-season harvest. The semi-spreading tree of moderate height has medium green foliage. The oblongish fruit has a medium size and exhibits a light green color with a subtle pink blush when it reaches maturity. The skin is smooth, and the flesh is yellow with low fiber content. The flavor is fine, and rich, and possesses a strong aromatic essence, akin to saffron. As the mango ripens, its color transforms to a pleasing lemon yellow with a light pink blush.
