How many types of mangoes does India have? According to the National Horticulture Board about 1,500 varieties. Is there a market for all these types?
Many are regional gems, quietly vanishing due to neglect, changing agricultural practices, climate pressures, the fragility of their growing process and not enough champions for a particular type.
Based on information culled from thebetterindia.com, NCB website, homegrown.co.in, among other sites, we introduce you to 9 rare mangoes species slowly disappearing or geting harder to find in Indian orchards.
Known as the aristocrat of mangoes, Imam Pasand, also called Himayat, is a premium variety cherished in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu. Each fruit reaches an impressive size, often weighing as much as 800 gm! Its rich sweetness, smooth texture have earned it a devoted following. But despite its legendary taste, the Imam Pasand is gradually becoming extinct.
At Kohir, outside Hyderabad at a 300-acre farm, the Salmani brothers have devoted their energies to nurturing 400 extremely uncommon mangoes, they told Times of India in an interview in 2014, like Qualakand (rose-paan notes) , Afyunni (intoxicating), Chutputi (tiny mango), Gulquand (milky, creamy notes).
Originating from Rajapalayam Tamil Nadu, this lovely mango has always had a fan following regionally. Though it is becoming increasingly scarce, its distinct appeal is bringing renewed interest.
Native to Bhagalpur, the fruit is easy to pick out because its bright green peel and a fragrance reminiscent apparently of fresh milk, setting it apart from other mangoes in both its aroma and origin.
Kannimanga is a small Kerala mango used in pickles. Its characteristic flavour and firm texture make it ideal for achaar.
A mango modest in size with delicate skin and juicy pulp, it's difficult these days to see a tree of this fruit in Bengal.
Often called a royal mango for its divine kingly flavour it too hails from Bengal and was once a favourite among Mughal emperors.
A rather expensively-priced fruit, and extremely large, the growing centre for this aam is Alirajpur, near Indore, in Madhya Pradesh. Quite popular and much in demand, it is a difficult mango to cultivate.
Called the Bahist-e-Samar or Fruit of Heaven was cultivated for the first time by Abdul Hameed Khan Malihabadi in the town of Malihabad in Lucknow district. When mature, the mangoes develops a rich yellow hue and boasts a smooth texture free of fibre and an excellent signature khushboo.