The only thing that Poet Ghalib longed for in the long summers of Delhi was his daily diet of mangoes. In fact mangoes are the only respite during summer in the national capital when dry summer and hot winds can make many uneasy. While the capital is locked up in the second wave it is the sweet sour taste of a Safeda or a pulpy taste of a Sinduri that is adding some spice to mundane quarantined existence of the city people.
Mangoes are loaded with nutrients and vitamins. They are rich with fiber and Vitamin C along with other immunity boosters to resist diseases and battle illness. Among other health benefits Mangoes can likewise help in assimilation and are wealthy in cell reinforcements. The cell reinforcement components – lutein and zeaxanthin — may likewise help battle vision issues.
Culinary experimenters during the lockdown have learnt a flurry of dishes that they are experimenting these days with mangoes in it. Mangoes can be mixed into cheesecakes, treats, milkshakes, custards, and so on. However in most desi homes in western India and elsewhere aamras with puri is relished during the aam season. The mango that is used mostly in this delicacy is the Alphonso or Paayri found in the coastal districts of Maharashtra.
Mangoes found in various regions attract loyalties that people from the region swear by. For a Mumbai bred person adapting to a Totapuri from an Alphonso will be near blasphemous. A Gujarati will swear by his or her Valsad mango. A Bengali will relish his Laangra or a Malda whereas a Delhi person will be slightly more flexible and will simultaneously taste Safeda, Sinduri, Totapuri and a Chusa. A Hyderabadi will relish his Banganpalli mango.
Alphonso
Alphonso mango is known for its sweetness, wealth, flavor and its appeal in the international market. It gets its name as the Portuguese rulers planted this variety in Konkan and Goa. The Indian name for this variety is Haapus. The saffron-hued Alphonso mangoes are the most costly assortments of mango in India, grown essentially in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Raigad districts of Maharashtra.
Dasheri
Dasheri mango is mostly grown in the northern belt of India. Children particularly relish this variety of mango.
Langra
Langra mangoes are grown close to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. They hit the markets late during July and are eaten during the monsoon.
Badami
This variety is mostly used for mango mash and squeeze. Badami Mangoes are known for their natural freshness.
Kesar
This mango is grown in the foothills of Girnar in districts of Junagadh and Amreli, around the Gir sanctuary and has received a GI certification.
Banganapalli
Banganapalli Mangoes or Benishan mangoes are found in the Kurnool area and are grown mainly in Andhra Pradesh.
This story is a replug on the occassion of Mango Day
