New Delhi: Mango season has already arrived in India, and June is the time when it is at its peak, markets overflow with golden, crispy and juicy mangoes
stacked in pyramids along the roads. Families get together to celebrate the recipes that are age-old, or enjoy various varieties of mangoes that are available in June and make the most of it by enjoying it in its raw form.
For mango lovers, this is the month to indulge. Many of India’s most celebrated cultivars are at their ripest and most flavourful, offering a fleeting opportunity to experience the fruit at its best. Not all mangoes are similar in taste, sme are rich, creamy and sweet, but others may be tangy and bright.
Certain varieties are prized for their intense sweetness, while others are beloved for their floral aroma or fibre-free flesh. Here are the varieties that you can enjoy only during June, when they are fully ripened and available in the market in abundance to be consumed.
Mangoes to enjoy during June
1. Dasheri
Originating in Uttar Pradesh, Dasheri mangoes are known for their elongated shape, smooth skin and sweet, juicy flesh.
Their flavour is balanced and aromatic without being overpowering, making them one of the most popular table mangoes in North India. A chilled Dasheri on a hot June afternoon is one of summer’s simplest pleasures.
2. Kesar
Named after the saffron-like colour of its pulp, Kesar mangoes are grown primarily in Gujarat and are cherished for their sweet taste and vibrant aroma.
The flesh is smooth and juicy, making Kesar ideal for mango shrikhand, aamras and smoothies. June is often the perfect time to enjoy this variety at its peak quality.
3. Langra
Despite retaining their green skin even when ripe, Langra mangoes are packed with flavour. Originating from Varanasi, this variety is known for its unique sweet-tangy profile and juicy flesh.
Langra has a loyal following among mango enthusiasts who appreciate its complex taste and refreshing character.
4. Banganapalli
One of the most popular mangoes from Andhra Pradesh, Banganapalli is recognised by its large size, golden-yellow skin and mildly sweet flavour.
Its firm, fibre-free flesh makes it ideal for slicing and serving fresh. Those who prefer mangoes that are sweet without being overwhelmingly rich often gravitate towards Banganapalli.
5. Chausa
Chausa mangoes typically arrive toward the latter part of the mango season and are worth waiting for.
Known for their exceptional sweetness and juicy flesh, these mangoes are often eaten by squeezing the fruit and enjoying the pulp directly. Their rich flavour makes them a favourite among mango purists.
6. Totapuri
Recognisable by its distinctive beak-like tip, Totapuri mangoes offer a tangier flavour than many dessert varieties.
Popular in South India, they are often used in juices, salads, chutneys and raw mango preparations. Their refreshing taste provides a welcome contrast to sweeter mango cultivars.
If there is one fruit that defines the Indian summer, it is undoubtedly the mango. June offers a rare chance to explore the country’s incredible diversity of varieties, each with its own personality, texture and flavour profile.
