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Sunday, September 7, 2025

Why Are Indian Mangoes Named Alphonso, Langda & Extra?


Ever picked up a mango and questioned, “Hey, why is it known as that?” Effectively, you’re in for a deal with as a result of these names have some fascinating tales behind them!

Probably the most anticipated issues about summer time in India is the candy, juicy, and luscious mangoes. However have you ever ever stopped to consider how these mango varieties received their names? Each has a novel historical past, and at the moment, we’re diving into a number of the most intriguing ones.

Whereas everybody has their favourites — be it Dasheri, Badami, Chaunsa, Himsagar, and even the extra native varieties — mangoes are cherished throughout India. But when mangoes have been influencers, the Alphonso mango would undoubtedly have probably the most followers.

Meet the Alphonso – named after a Portuguese common!

Let’s begin with the king of mangoes. The Alphonso is definitely named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese common who got here to India within the fifteenth century. Identified for establishing Portuguese colonies throughout Asia, he additionally earned the title ‘Conqueror of Goa’. 

Alphonso mangoes are prized for his or her wealthy aroma, creamy texture, and unmatched sweetness.

Whereas the Portuguese have been primarily after spices, additionally they performed a key function in cultivating mangoes in Goa! At the moment, the best Alphonsos come from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, making them one of the vital sought-after mango varieties.

The Langda: a farmer’s legacy

Shifting east to Bihar, we discover the Langda aam, which has a relatively uncommon title. Legend has it that this selection received its title from a Varanasi farmer who had a limp (langda means limping in Hindi).  Regardless of his incapacity, he tended to his orchard with nice care, producing exceptionally scrumptious mangoes.

Langra
Langda mangoes are fiberless, tangy-sweet, and keep inexperienced even when ripe.

Over time, individuals started calling the mangoes from his timber ‘Langda Aam’ in recognition of his dedication. At the moment, this selection stays a favorite throughout North India.

Dasheri: Born in a royal backyard

Subsequent up is the Dasheri, a mango with a relatively regal historical past. This selection will get its title from Dasheri village close to Lucknow, the place it was first grown within the royal backyard of the Nawab of Lucknow.

The Dasheri mango
Dasheri mangoes are fragrant, juicy, and recognized for his or her clean, honey-like sweetness.

At the moment, these lengthy, yellow mangoes are liked throughout North India.

Chaunsa: A candy victory

The Chaunsa mango received its title after a battle! When Sher Shah Suri emerged victorious on the Battle of Chaunsa, he was so overjoyed that he named this super-sweet mango after it. Now, that’s one distinctive approach to rejoice a win!

The Chausa mango
Chaunsa mangoes are tremendous juicy, intensely candy, and melt-in-the-mouth tender.

Badami – because the title suggests

Typically, the best explanations are the very best ones. The Badami mango from Karnataka received its title as a result of it resembles an almond (‘badam’ in lots of Indian languages).

The Badami mango
Badami mangoes, often called Karnataka’s Alphonso, are buttery, candy, and wealthy in flavour.

And similar to almonds, this mango is wealthy, candy, and completely pleasant! 

Isn’t it wonderful how every mango has its personal story? These aren’t simply random names — they’re little items of India’s historical past that we are able to truly style. So, the subsequent time you get pleasure from your favorite mango, it’ll make the expertise even sweeter.

As a result of in India, mangoes aren’t simply fruits — they’re a complete summer time celebration!

Edited by Khushi Arora

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