The World’s Most Extravagant Mango Varieties: Tales of Luxury and Flavor

As the scorching Indian summers blaze on, there emerges a sweet savior from the heat: the mango. Hanging from trees, their branches weighed down by plump, sun-kissed fruit, mangoes offer a respite in the form of juicy, tangy sweetness.

Cast your mind back to those childhood days, where mangoes were the ultimate summer treat. A trip to the market with a handful of rupees, carefully selecting the ripest, juiciest ones, felt like clutching a piece of sunshine. Bringing them home, submerging them in cool water, watching as they bobbed and danced, and finally peeling one to devour its sweetness – it was sheer bliss.

With over a thousand varieties of mangoes grown worldwide, experiencing them all is a tall order. However, there are some mangoes with price tags that speak volumes about their exclusivity and unparalleled quality. Let’s delve into the world of the most extravagant mango varieties.

1. Sindhri Mango:

Originating from the Sindh region of Pakistan, Sindhri mangoes boast a distinctively sweet and fragrant taste. Loved across both India and Pakistan, these mangoes are large in size with smooth, bright yellow skin. Favored for their exceptional flavor, it’s believed that the fertile soil and warm climate of Sindh contribute to their unique taste. With prices soaring as high as Rs 3,000 per piece, these mangoes are a testament to luxury in fruit form.

2. Kohitur Mango:

Steeped in history, Kohitur mangoes trace their origins back to the 18th century when they were created for Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah by horticulturist Hakim Ada Mohammadi. A cross between the now-extinct Kalopahar and another unrecorded variant, these mangoes were exclusively reserved for royal families. Grown predominantly in Murshidabad, West Bengal, they are a rare find, fetching prices of up to Rs 12,000 per piece.

3. Alphonso Mango:

The Alphonso mango needs no introduction, hailed as the “king of mangoes.” Grown in the coastal regions of western India and parts of South Gujarat, Alphonso mangoes boast a vibrant golden-orange skin and delectably fiberless flesh. With Indians spending a whopping Rs 25 crore on Alphonso mangoes via Zepto in April 2023 alone, these mangoes are a top favorite despite their price tag of up to Rs 1,500 per kilogram during peak season.

4. Noorjahan Mango:

Named after the Mughal queen Noorjahan, this mango variety is synonymous with royalty. Originating from Afghanistan and making its way to India via Gujarat, Noorjahan mangoes are known for their massive size, weighing up to 3.5 kilograms and growing up to a foot long. Coveted among mango enthusiasts, their restricted production and consumption primarily in Gujarat contribute to their high price of up to Rs 1,000 per piece.

5. Miyazaki Mango:

Hailing from Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, the Miyazaki Mango reigns as the world’s most extravagant mango variety. With prices reaching up to Rs 3 lakh per kilogram in international markets, these mangoes are renowned for their deep red skin, rich aroma, and intense sweetness. Despite their rarity, a select few farmers in parts of West Bengal have managed to cultivate them under controlled conditions, showcasing their exceptional quality at events like the Siliguri mango festival in 2023.

In conclusion, while the prices of these mango varieties may seem extravagant, they offer more than just a taste of sweetness – they represent a legacy of tradition, craftsmanship, and unparalleled quality. Each bite is a journey into luxury, a celebration of flavor, and a testament to the extraordinary world of mangoes.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright