From the hard-to-find Alphonso mango to the more common Tommy Atkins mango, we’re going into detail on 25 types of mangoes so you can become an expert in this favorite tropical fruit!
Mangoes are a beloved fruit across the globe. In the US, we are super lucky to have so many varieties imported to choose from, but we also have some grown in our soil.
We are going to cover a wide variety of mangoes from all over but to start things off I wanted to note the mangoes you can get in the US. Florida, California, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico all grow mangoes.
These varieties include Haden, Carrie, Glenn, Valencia Pride, and Tommy Atkins which was derived from a seedling program in Florida. Florida actually grows a few more varieties thanks to this seedling program initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Now you know what’s available locally, let’s dive into what mangoes are available around the world.
Leading Mango Producers
The chart below shows the world’s ten leading producers of Mangoes.
| Country | Tons (millions) |
| India | 24.7 |
| China | 3.8 |
| Indonesia | 3.6 |
| Pakistan | 2.7 |
| Mexico | 2.4 |
| Brazil | 2.1 |
| Malawi | 1.7 |
| Thailand | 1.6 |
| Bangladesh | 1.5 |
| Vietnam | 1.4 |
India is clearly the leading producer growing more than the rest of the top ten combined. They are a nation of 1.4 billion people who know they have a good thing! Mexico is the leading exporter of mangoes.
The world’s leading importer of mangoes is not surprisingly the USA and most of ours come from right across the border in Mexico. Clearly, most of the world’s mangoes are grown in Asia followed by Central and South America. They are, however, also grown in Africa where Nigeria produces about 800,000 tons, and they are grown in the USA.
Our Favorite Mango Recipes and Uses
Here in the test kitchen of Live Eat Learn we love mangoes. Here are 8 of our favorite recipes that span from sweet to savory.
- mango popsicles
- mango smoothie
- frozen mango margarita slush
- mango lassi
- mango salsa
- mango chutney
- mango in stir-fry
- tomato mango bruschetta
As you probably know the single seed, or stone, in mangoes can be pretty large and tends to hold on tight to the juicy flesh of most varieties. If you need tips on how to cut these beauties, we have you covered with our guide to cutting mangoes.
Type of Mangoes
- Alphonso
- Badami
- Banganapalli
- Carabao Mango
- Chaunsa Mango
- Dussehri Mango
- Edward Mango
- Francis Mango
- Haden Mango
- Honey
- Irwin Mango
- Julie Mango
- Keitt Mango
- Kent Mango
- Kesar Mango
- Nam Dok Mai
- Neelam
- Palmer
- Parvin
- Sensation
- Tommy Atkins
- Valencia Pride
- Van Dyke
- White Piri
- Zill
Many of the varieties we list here are for India and not easily found in the USA. If you read about one you are intrigued by, try a large international market where a wide variety of different mangoes can often be found.
Alphonso
Origin and Growing Regions: Alphonso mangoes, also known as Hapus, have their origins in the Ratnagiri region of India. Considered the “King of Mangoes,” Alphonso mangoes thrive in the warm regions of India with well-drained soil.
Description & Flavor: Alphonso mangoes are renowned for their distinct aroma, creamy texture, purple to yellow skin, oblong shape, and rich saffron-colored pulp. Their sweetness is unparalleled, with a perfect balance of tanginess, making them a favorite for desserts, juices, and even savory dishes. The smooth, non-fibrous flesh and minimal fiber content contribute to their exquisite eating experience.
Badami
Origin and Growing Regions: Badami mangoes, also known as Karnataka Alphonso, have their origins in Karnataka, India. Their alternative name is clearly a nod to how good the Alphonso mangoes are.
Description & Flavor: Badami mangoes are medium-sized with an oval shape and a golden-yellow skin. They have a sweet and mild flavor with a hint of tartness. The flesh is non-fibrous and smooth, making it enjoyable to eat.
These mangoes are often used in desserts and juices. In India Badami mangoes are often considered an affordable alternative to the prized Alphonso mango. They share some similarities in taste and appearance, making them a popular choice, especially in South India.
Banganapalli
Origin and Growing Regions: Banganapalli mangoes, also known as Benishan or Baneshan, originate from the town of Banganapalle in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Description & Flavor: Banganapalli mangoes are large, oblong-shaped mangoes with smooth, thin skin that turns from green to yellow as they ripen. The flesh is juicy, tender, and has minimal fiber. The flavor is sweet with a moderate level of tanginess, making them suitable for various culinary uses.
Carabao Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: The carabao came from the Philippines and is also known as the Manila mango. It is one of the most popular mango varieties worldwide and was actually named after the carabao, a water buffalo, as its shape is reminiscent of the buffalo’s horn. Carabao mangoes thrive in tropical climates and are extensively grown in the Philippines, where they have been cultivated for centuries.
Description and Flavor: The fruit is medium-sized, with a thin skin and vibrant yellow flesh. Its flavor is sweet, rich, and aromatic, making it a favorite for fresh consumption, juices, and desserts.
Chaunsa Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: Hailing from the Punjab region in Pakistan. Besides Pakistan, Chaunsa mangoes are also grown in India and other tropical regions.
Description and Flavor: Chaunsa mangoes are renowned for their distinct aroma and exquisite taste. This mango variety has thin, non-fibrous skin and is known for its succulent, juicy, and flavorful flesh. Their sweet and tangy flavor, along with their pleasant fragrance, makes them a sought-after variety globally.
Dussehri Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: Originating from the northern parts of India, particularly the states of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, Dussehri mangoes are a medium-sized variety with a distinctive elongated shape.
Description and Flavor: They are characterized by their green skin and yellowish flesh. Dussehri mangoes are known for their sweet and slightly tangy taste, making them popular for both fresh consumption and processing into various products.
Edward Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: The Edward mango, also known as ‘Mango Edward,’ hails from the gardens of the United States. Named after a famous horticulturist, it originated in Florida and is primarily grown in the southern parts of the state. It has also found its way to other warm regions, including Central and South America.
As a product of the Florida mango breeding program, the Edward mango showcases the dedication of horticulturists to develop varieties suited for the subtropical climate, ensuring a reliable and delicious fruit for local and international markets.
Description & Flavor: Edward mangoes are medium to large-sized, with a round to oval shape. Their skin is a vibrant green, often with a blush of red when fully ripe. The flesh is smooth, fiberless, and ranges from golden yellow to orange when mature. The flavor is notably sweet, with a rich and buttery consistency that makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a decadent mango.
Francis Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: The Francis mango, also known as ‘Mango Francine,’ has its origins in Haiti where it is widely grown on small farms. It is named after the botanist who discovered or perhaps bred it. While it is native to Haiti, Francis mangoes are now cultivated in various tropical regions around the world, including parts of Florida, the Caribbean, and other tropical and subtropical areas.
Description & Flavor: The Francis mango is distinguished by its oblong shape and vibrant yellow skin with occasional red blush. The flesh is smooth, non-fibrous, and bright orange when ripe.
The flavor is a nice combination of sweetness and acidity, with tropical undertones. The smooth texture makes it a favorite for fresh consumption, salsas, chutneys, desserts, and smoothies. Francis mangoes are most known for their sweet fragrance which is often described as a blend of peach, apricot, and citrus.
Haden Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: Haden mango, a cultivar native to Florida, USA, is considered one of the first commercially successful mango varieties in the country. It is named after Captain John Haden, who introduced the mango to Florida in the early 20th century. These mangoes are grown primarily in Florida, but they have also been cultivated in other warm regions. Haden mangoes played a crucial role in establishing the mango industry in the United States. It would not be a stretch to say that Haden is the mother of all Florida mangoes. The rest are largely hybrid descendants of the Haden.
Description & Flavor: Haden mangoes are large, with vibrant red and green skin and a sweet, tropical flavor with a hint of peach taste. They have a firm flesh as they are mildly fibrous.
Honey
Origin and Growing Regions: Also known as Ataulfo or Champagne mangoes, they originated in Mexico. Today they are also grown extensively in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil.
Description & Flavor: Ataulfo mangoes are small, golden-yellow, and often have a kidney-shaped appearance. Known for their buttery texture, these mangoes are virtually fiberless, making them exceptionally smooth and creamy. They are one of the sweetest types of mango with hints of peach and vanilla, and they are commonly used in salads, salsas, and desserts. Our favorite use of this very sweet creamy mango is in smoothies. Give our mango smoothie a try.
Irwin Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: The Irwin mango, a cultivar originating in Florida, is a crossbreed of the Haden and the Brooks mango varieties. It thrives in warm, tropical climates and is predominantly grown in the southern parts of the United States and some nations in South America.
Description & Flavor: Irwin mangoes are large, oval fruits with smooth, bright red or orange skin when ripe. The flesh is juicy, fiberless, and has a sweet and mildly tart flavor. The vibrant aroma adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for fresh consumption.
Julie Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: Originating in Jamaica, the Julie mango has become a popular variety cultivated in the Caribbean, South and Central America, and some parts of Africa. Julie mangoes are often referred to as “the dwarf of the mango world” due to the relatively small size of the tree. Despite their petite stature, they are prolific fruit bearers and are considered one of the best-tasting mango varieties.
Description & Flavor: Julie mangoes are small to medium-sized, with a round to oval shape. They have vibrant yellow and red skin and a sweet, fragrant aroma. The flesh is smooth, fiberless, and boasts a rich, sweet flavor with hints of citrus. This variety is known for its succulent and tender flesh.
Keitt Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: The Keitt mango was discovered as a natural hybrid growing in the garden of Mrs. J.N. Keitt in 1939 in Homestead, Florida. They are now widely grown in various tropical and subtropical regions, including California, Mexico, and Israel. Keitt mangoes are known for their late-season harvest, extending into the fall months. This makes them unique among mango varieties, as most are typically harvested earlier in the summer.
Description & Flavor: Keitt mangoes are large, with an elongated oval shape and a green skin even when ripe. The flesh is sweet, mild, and nearly devoid of fibers, making it a popular choice for salads, chutneys, and desserts.
Kent Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: The Kent mango originated in Florida in the 1940s, and is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru.
Description & Flavor: Kent mangoes are large, with an oval shape and a greenish-yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is juicy, smooth, and sweet, with minimal fibers. Kent mangoes are popular for their relatively large size and excellent eating quality. They are often chosen for export due to their ability to withstand transportation while maintaining their flavor and texture.
Kesar Mango
Origin and Growing Regions: The Kesar mango, also known as the “Queen of Mangoes,” is native to the Indian state of Gujarat and is primarily grown in the western parts of India.
Description & Flavor: Kesar mangoes are small to medium-sized with an ovate shape and a golden-yellow skin. The flesh is fiberless, smooth, and has a distinct sweet aroma. Its flavor is a nice blend of sweetness and tanginess. They are often considered one of the best mango varieties in India which is no participation trophy as India is the home of the mango.
Nam Dok Mai
Origin and Growing Regions: Nam Dok Mai is a popular mango variety that originated in Thailand. The name “Nam Dok Mai” translates to “flower water” in Thai, reflecting its sweet and floral aroma. This mango is primarily grown in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, where it is considered one of the best mango varieties.
Description & Flavor: The fruit has an elongated shape, a smooth, yellow skin, and a distinct S-shape when sliced. Nam Dok Mai mangoes are known for their sweet, non-fibrous flesh and are often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts, salads, and smoothies. Nam Dok Mai is often referred to as the “Champagne Mango” due to its sweet and refined taste.
Neelam
Origin and Growing Regions: Neelam mangoes are native to India, and their cultivation is widespread in the southern part of the country. These mangoes are grown in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Description & Flavor: With a medium-sized, oval shape and bright yellow skin, Neelam mangoes are known for their vibrant flavor and aroma. The flesh is juicy, smooth, and free from fibers, making it a favorite for both eating fresh and cooking.
Palmer
Origin and Growing Regions: The Palmer mango is a relatively newer variety that originated in Florida. It was developed to withstand the occasional cold weather during Florida winters, making it a suitable choice for cultivation in subtropical climates.
Description & Flavor: Palmer mangoes are characterized by their large size, red blush on their skin, and a sweet, rich flavor. The flesh is fiber-free and has a smooth texture, making it ideal for eating fresh or using in desserts, drinks, etc.
Parvin
Origin and Growing Regions: Parvin mangoes have their origins in Pakistan, where they are widely cultivated.
Description & Flavor: These medium-sized mangoes are recognized for their oval shape, smooth skin with a reddish blush, and a unique blend of sweetness and acidity. The flesh is non-fibrous, juicy, and has a distinct flavor that sets it apart. Parvin mangoes are appreciated for their unique balance of sweetness and acidity, providing a delightful eating experience.
Sensation
Origin and Growing Regions: The Sensation mango, also known as Keitt Sensation, is a hybrid variety that originated in Florida. It is a cross between the Kent and Keitt mango varieties. Sensation mangoes are grown in tropical and subtropical climates, including parts of the USA outside of Florida, Mexico, and other countries with warm conditions.
Description & Flavor: Sensation mangoes are large, with greenish-yellow skin and a sweet, mild flavor. What makes them unique is their ability to be harvested even when green. The flesh is smooth and virtually fiber-free, making it suitable for slicing and use in salads, salsas, or eating fresh.
Tommy Atkins
Origin and Growing Regions: Tommy Atkins mangoes have their origins in Florida, and were first discovered as a seedling in the 1920s. Today, they are widely cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Major producing countries include Mexico, Brazil, and several countries in Central America.
Description and Flavor: Tommy Atkins mangoes are known for their large size, typically weighing between 1 and 3 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance with a dark red or crimson blush over a greenish-yellow background. The flesh is firm and fibrous, and the flavor is a nice combination of sweetness and tartness. The aroma is rich and tropical, making them a popular choice for both fresh consumption and processing into products like juices and preserves.
Despite their popularity, Tommy Atkins mangoes are often criticized for their fibrous texture, but hey that is what makes them nice and firm. They are, however, one of the favorite mango varieties among commercial growers due to their resilience during transportation and longer shelf life. Over the years, efforts have been made to develop new mango varieties with improved texture while retaining the desirable attributes of the Tommy Atkins.
Valencia Pride
Origin and Growing Regions: Valencia pride mangoes originated in Florida in the 1940s, but their cultivation has expanded to other warm regions with suitable conditions, including parts of California and tropical countries.
Description and Flavor: Valencia pride mangoes are medium to large-sized fruits with an elongated shape. They feature a smooth, yellow skin with a pink blush. The flesh is fiber-free, smooth, and tender, offering a sweet and mildly tangy flavor. This variety is often praised for its juicy and succulent texture, making it a popular choice for fresh consumption and desserts.
Van Dyke
Origin and Growing Regions: Van Dyke mangoes trace their origins to Florida where they were developed in the mid-20th century. They are primarily grown in Florida, but cultivation has expanded to other warm regions, including parts of Central and South America.
Description and Flavor: Van Dyke mangoes are medium to large-sized fruits with an oval shape. They have a smooth, yellow skin with an orange-red blush. The flesh is juicy, smooth, and virtually fiber-free, offering a sweet and mildly floral flavor.
White Piri
Origin and Growing Regions: White Piri mangoes have their roots in Pakistan, where they are a popular indigenous variety. They are also grown in Pakistan’s larger neighbor India.
Description and Flavor: White Piri mangoes are small to medium-sized fruits with an oval shape. They have a pale green to yellowish skin with a slight blush. The flesh is smooth, firm, and low in fiber, offering a sweet and aromatic flavor with a hint of citrus. This variety is often enjoyed fresh, and its unique taste sets it apart from other mango varieties.
They are often used in traditional recipes, desserts, and chutneys in South Asian cuisine. The name “Piri” is derived from the Urdu word for “small,” reflecting the size of the fruit.
Zill
Origin and Growing Regions: Zill mangoes are a group of mango varieties developed by the Zill family in Florida. The Zill family has been instrumental in breeding and introducing new mango varieties with desirable characteristics to the USA.
Description and Flavor: Zill mangoes encompass a range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. They are known for their vibrant colors, distinct shapes, and exceptional flavors. Common features include smooth, non-fibrous flesh and a sweet, tropical taste. Varieties like ‘Carrie’ and ‘Kent’ are among the well-known Zill mangoes known to be delicious.
This wraps our look at some of the most popular varieties of mangoes. We hope you found this useful, and as always happy cooking!
