Mango season in India: markets, varieties and a visitor's first taste

Why summer smells of mango

From about April into the summer months, markets across India fill with mangoes. Many Indians treat the season as a small festival, and the fruit shows up in drinks, desserts and pickles.

If you travel in this season, it is a joy to taste them.

Varieties you may meet

India grows many kinds of mango. You may hear names such as Alphonso, Dasheri, Langra, Kesar and Totapuri. Each has its own flavour, texture and season, and availability depends on the region and the year.

Ask a vendor which is in season and how they like to eat it.

How to choose

Ripe mangoes usually smell sweet near the stem and give slightly when pressed. Colour is not always a guide, since some varieties stay green when ripe. Vendors often let you smell, and they will usually help you pick.

Buy a few and try them before choosing a favourite.

Eating tips

Mangoes are juicy and messy. Many people slice them, cut cubes in the skin or enjoy them by the stone. Wash the fruit well, and if you are unsure about a stall's cleanliness, buy whole fruit and cut it yourself.

Keep a few tissues or a small cloth with you.

Ways it appears on the table

You may find mango lassi, aamras, mango kulfi, raw mango chutney and pickles. Raw mango also shows up in drinks and salads. Try one new thing each day.

If you have a sensitive stomach, start with small portions.

Markets and festivals

Some cities and towns hold mango festivals in the season, with tastings and displays of local varieties. Dates and places change each year, so check local news.

A morning market visit is a good way to see the season.

Taking mangoes home

Rules about carrying fresh fruit across borders and on flights vary. Check the current rules for your destination and airline before you buy a box.

If in doubt, eat them here, and take a photo instead.

Be mindful

Fruit prices change with the season and the day. Ask the price before you buy, and carry small notes. Be kind to vendors who work long hours in the heat.

A friendly conversation often brings a free taste.

A morning at the market

Go early, when the fruit is freshest and the heat is lower. Walk the stalls, smell a few mangoes and ask the price. Buy a small amount and ask the vendor to pick ripe ones.

It is a lovely way to meet the season.

What goes with mango

Mangoes pair well with yoghurt, ice cream, milk and a pinch of salt or chilli powder. Some people enjoy raw mango with spice and salt as a snack.

Try the combinations the locals suggest.

Health notes

Wash the fruit well and avoid cut fruit that has been left out in the heat. If you are diabetic or watching sugar, remember that mangoes are sweet and enjoy them in moderation.

If you have an allergy, avoid the fruit and the skin.

A ZikPe note

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