Exploring Mango Varieties and Their Pickles: A Flavorful Guide...!!!

Mangoes, often hailed as the "king of fruits," are cherished for their sweet, juicy flavor and versatility. There are numerous mango varieties, each with its distinct taste, texture, and uses. One popular way to savor mangoes, especially in South Asian cuisine, is by making pickles. 

Types of Mangoes

1. Alphonso (Hapus):

   • Description: Alphonso mangoes, also known as Hapus, are celebrated for their rich, sweet flavor and smooth, buttery texture. Predominantly grown in the Ratnagiri region of India, they are considered one of the finest mango varieties.

   • Uses: Alphonso mangoes are ideal for fresh consumption, making desserts, and preparing mango pulp and juice.

2. Kesar:

   • Description: Kesar mangoes are cultivated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. They boast a unique saffron-like color and a sweet, rich flavor. Kesar mangoes are medium-sized with a smooth, non-fibrous texture.

   • Uses: Kesar mangoes are excellent for making desserts, shakes, and enjoying fresh.

3. Dasheri:

   • Description: Dasheri mangoes are popular in North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh. They have a sweet and aromatic flavor with a medium to large size and a thin, greenish-yellow skin.

   • Uses: Dasheri mangoes are enjoyed fresh, in salads, and for making aamras (mango pulp).

4. Haden:

   • Description: Haden mangoes originated in Florida, USA, and are known for their bright red and green skin. They have a sweet and slightly tart flavor with a firm texture.

   • Uses: Haden mangoes are great for fresh consumption, salads, and smoothies.

5. Tommy Atkins:

   • Description: Tommy Atkins mangoes are widely grown in the Americas and feature a reddish-orange skin. They have a mild, sweet flavor and a firm, fibrous texture.

   • Uses: Tommy Atkins mangoes are versatile and suitable for fresh consumption, salads, and salsas.

6. Kent:

   • Description: Kent mangoes are grown in Florida and South America. They have dark green skin with a red blush and a juicy, sweet, and fiberless flesh.

   • Uses: Kent mangoes are perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and making desserts.

Mango Pickles

Mango pickles are a popular condiment in many cuisines, particularly in South Asia. They are made using raw mangoes and a blend of spices, oil, and sometimes vinegar. Here are some well-loved types of mango pickles:

1. Aam Ka Achaar (Indian Mango Pickle):

   • Description: Aam Ka Achaar is a classic Indian mango pickle made with raw mangoes, mustard oil, and a mix of spices such as fenugreek, mustard seeds, fennel, and red chili powder. It's known for its tangy, spicy flavor.

   • Best Mango Varieties: Dasheri, Rajapuri, and Totapuri.

2. Avakaya (Telugu Mango Pickle):

   • Description: Avakaya is a traditional pickle from Andhra Pradesh, India. It's made with green mangoes, powdered mustard seeds, red chili powder, and sesame oil. Avakaya is fiery and pungent, with a rich, bold flavor.

   • Best Mango Varieties: Totapuri and Rajapuri.

3. Maavadu (Tamil Nadu Tender Mango Pickle):

   • Description: Maavadu is a unique pickle made from tiny, tender mangoes that are pickled whole. The mangoes are soaked in a brine solution with mustard, red chili powder, and turmeric. Maavadu has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

   • Best Mango Varieties: Small, tender mangoes.

4. Methia Keri (Gujarati Mango Pickle):

   • Description: Methia Keri is a Gujarati specialty made with raw mangoes, fenugreek seeds, mustard oil, and a blend of spices. It has a distinctive taste due to the generous use of fenugreek seeds.

   • Best Mango Varieties: Kesar and Rajapuri.

5. Kadumanga (Kerala Mango Pickle):

   • Description: Kadumanga is a popular pickle from Kerala, India. It's made with raw mangoes, red chili powder, mustard seeds, and coconut oil. Kadumanga is known for its tangy and spicy flavor.

   • Best Mango Varieties: Small, raw mangoes.

Mangoes are a versatile and cherished fruit with numerous varieties, each offering its unique flavor and texture. The tradition of making mango pickles adds another layer of enjoyment to this fruit, highlighting its tart and tangy flavors. Whether you prefer the sweet flesh of Alphonso mangoes or the fiery taste of Avakaya pickle, mangoes and their pickles are sure to delight your taste buds.