Many people consider mangoes to be the most extensively farmed tropical fruit, resulting in the existence of hundreds of mango types. Mango varieties can differ in taste and appearance, but they typically share common characteristics such as sweetness, a rich fibrous pulp, and thick waxy skin. There are several mango varieties with crimson-green, yellow, or orange skins, among others. Ripe mangoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including kidney-shaped and oval.
Mangoes can be found in various parts of the world, including Florida, Spain, the Caribbean, Africa, and Australia, although they are native to South Asia. In this article, you can discover various mango varieties that are perfect for consumption.
Types of Mangoes: Mango Varieties from Around the World With Pictures
Mangoes, which belong to the Mangifera genus of plants, have a variety of types available. The most well-known variety is the “common mango” which originated in India. Let’s delve deeper into the different types of mangoes.
Tommy Atkins Mango
The Tommy Atkins mango is a widely popular variety that is commonly found in the market. It originates from Florida and is known for its large, oval shape. The yellow flesh is firm and fibrous with a mildly sweet flavor. The thick dark red skin with green patches provides excellent protection for the delicious pulp inside. Although not the sweetest mango variety, the Tommy Atkins is still a top choice for many consumers.
These mangoes are available all year round, but are most abundant in the spring and summer months. They are perfect for eating fresh or adding to summer fruit salads. Ripe Tommy Atkins mangoes have firm yet slightly soft flesh with minimal juice. A gentle squeeze can determine if the mango is ripe or not.
Kent Mango
Hailing from Florida, the Kent mango cultivar is a juicy and sweet variety that is less fibrous and more tender than other types of mangoes, such as the Tommy Atkins. Kent mangoes are recognized by their dark green skin, which may turn slightly yellow when the fruit is ripe.
They are more readily available during the winter and summer months, and are also grown in countries such as Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Kent mangoes can be consumed fresh, in juice form, or dried. Their high juice content and delicate pulp make them a popular ingredient in smoothies, and they are also delicious when eaten on their own.
Alfonso Mango
Alfonso mangoes are a highly sought-after variety of mango that originated in India and is known for its exceptionally sweet and juicy taste. It is often referred to as the “king of mangoes” due to its superior flavor. Alfonso mangoes are one of the most popular mango varieties exported from India. The mango has a fragrant yellow skin with an orange-colored blush, and its flesh is a rich saffron color.
This fiberless mango is a delicious fruit with a creamy texture. The fruit is ready to eat when the skin becomes a brilliant yellow color with red tints. Alfonso’s non-fibrous flesh makes it perfect for making sorbets, purees, and smoothies without the need for cooking. Alternatively, you can simply cut the sweet mango into pieces and enjoy it as a refreshing snack.
Haden Mango
The Haden mango is a medium-sized fruit that is said to be the original type of Florida mangoes by some people. However, in reality, the Haden cultivar is responsible for the majority of Florida’s mango production. It is known for its rich, deep red skin and aromatic scent. As the mango ripens, hints of yellow appear on the skin.
The mango flesh contains tiny, thin fibers that help to maintain the firmness of the light-yellow flesh. This mango is typically available when it is ripe in the spring. The Haden mango is versatile and can be used in various recipes or consumed fresh as a snack.
Francis Mango
Francis mangoes are a variety of mangoes that originate from Haiti and can range in color from yellow to orange and light green. One of the distinguishing features of this mango variety is its lengthy S-shape, which sets it apart from other varieties that have a more rounded shape. The flesh of the Francis mango is deep yellow and has a thick, sweet taste with only a slight amount of fibrous texture. This mango is best enjoyed fresh, and it is typically available during the spring and summer months.
Neelam Mango
The Neelam mango is a large Indian variety that is highly regarded for its delicious taste. Its fiberless flesh and long oval shape make it a popular choice for many people. The sweet and slightly acidic flavor of this mango variety is what sets it apart from others. When the skin turns from green to yellow and a pleasant mango scent develops, you know the Neelam is ready to be enjoyed. The juiciest and sweetest Neelam mangoes are usually available during the height of summer.
Ataulfo Mango
The Ataulfo mango, also known as the “Honey Mango” or “Champagne Mango,” is a smaller, oval-shaped mango with a thick yellow skin that protects its yellow flesh with green and orange undertones. This mango is particularly known for its very sweet and refreshing flavor.
Its creamy, fiberless flesh makes it ideal for eating fresh, adding to salads or drinks, and using in various recipes such as chutneys, sorbets, pancakes, and muffins. The mature Ataulfo mango should have slightly wrinkled yellow skin and emit a sweet fragrance.
This variety of mango is originally from Mexico but is now also grown in countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Ecuador, and Peru. Ataulfo mangoes are typically available from spring to mid-summer and are a great addition to roasted meats and poultry dishes.
Palmer Mango
Palmer mangoes are the largest variety of mangoes, weighing up to 2 lb (0.9 kg) each! Originally from Florida, this variety is now mostly grown in Brazil and is available towards the end of the season. Palmer mangoes have an oblong shape with green and red hues, and streaks of color on the thick skin. The skin should also have some yellowing when the fruit is ripe.
The orange-yellow flesh of Palmer mangoes has few fibers, making them an excellent choice for smoothies and other recipes that require smooth texture. These mangoes are typically available in stores during summer and fall. To check for ripeness, gently press on the mangoes. Palmer mangoes are also great for eating fresh or adding to fruit salads.
Irwin Mango
When fully ripe, the Irwin mango has vibrant red skin. It’s a type of mango that’s popular in Florida. This is another of Florida’s popular mango types, and it is one of the most popular mango types in the state. Irwin mangoes, on the other hand, are native to Australia, Japan, Central America, and Taiwan.
Irwin mango is known as an “apple mango” because of its distinct apple/mango flavor. It has virtually no fibers in the pulp and is a reason why it is referred to as an “apple mango.” When fully ripened, the deep yellow flesh has a wonderful sweet flavor. During the summer months, look for this kind of mango.
Glenn Mango
Glenn is a variety of mango that is originated in Florida and is another delicious option for mango lovers. These mangoes have an oval or oblong shape with a pointed tip and rounded base. The skin is delicate and turns golden yellow with an orange tint when it’s fully ripe, which is a unique characteristic compared to other mango varieties. This variety is also fiberless, making it a smooth and enjoyable eating experience. Glenn mangoes are known for their rich, sweet flavor and exotic tropical aroma, making them a favorite among mango connoisseurs. They are typically available in the summertime when they are fully mature and ready to eat.
Valencia Pride Mango
Valencia Pride mangoes are a large variety of mango that grows in Florida and California. This long, oval-shaped fruit has a yellow skin with a crimson blush and red coloring. It has become increasingly popular due to its superior eating qualities.
The flesh of Valencia Pride mangoes is firm, fiberless, and has a sweet flavor. As the fruit matures, the meat becomes incredibly juicy. These mangoes are typically harvested in July and August, with the Valencia Pride cultivar being one of the late-season varieties.
Keitt Mango
Keitt mangoes are a type of large mango with an oval shape that encompasses several varieties. This Florida mango cultivar is well-known worldwide, alongside other popular mangoes. Keitt mangoes are a late-season variety, with some fruit ripening in October, later than many other types of Florida mangoes.
The skin of the large round mango is dark green with flecks of red. The yellow mango pulp has a sweet and tangy flavor and includes fibers. Since Keitt mangoes typically remain green even when ripe, the best way to determine ripeness is by gently squeezing the fruit with your fingers. Keitt mangoes are popular in Asian cuisine, where they are often used to make pickles and chutneys due to their tangy flavor.
Kensington Pride Mango
The Kensington Pride mango, also called the Bowen mango, is a widely cultivated mango variety in Australia, and it is well-liked. The Kensington Pride is a large oval-shaped mango with yellowish-green skin that turns light red with or without streaks when mature. The flesh of the fruit is sweet, refreshing, and moderately fibrous, making it a popular choice.
Madame Francique (Francis) Mango
Madame Francique, also known as Francis mango, is a unique mango cultivar known for its distinctive flavor. This variety of mango has a color range of yellow to orange and light green, and it is a large mango with a unique shape, long and S-shaped. The deep yellow flesh is sweet and rich, with only a small amount of fibrousness and minimal stringiness. This type of mango is perfect for eating fresh. The Madame Francique mango is also referred to as the “Dessert Mango” due to its exceptional sweetness. You can find Francis mangoes during spring and summer.
Chaunsa Mango
Chaunsa mango is a popular mango cultivar that originated in India and is considered to be one of the best in the world. There are three main types of Chaunsa mangoes: Sweet Chaunsa, Honey Chaunsa, and White Chaunsa. The oblong-shaped mango has a golden yellow skin with a crimson blush on it.
The flesh of the Chaunsa mango is soft, yellow, and protected by a thick skin with few fibers. This variety is known for its exceptional sweetness and juicy flesh. Ripe Chaunsa mangoes have a delightful fragrance and are a popular ingredient in many dishes, including desserts and smoothies.