Mangoes are a tropical fruit from the drupe family. This means they have a single large seed or stone in the middle. Mangoes are actually one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. Mangoes are known originated in India around 5,000 years ago. Their sweet, golden flesh is now beloved around the world because of their amazing taste.
Mangoes are not only delicious but also nutritious. As with most foods, however, moderation is key. Sweet fruits like mangoes can have a lot of sugar. But fruit sugar is different from processed sugar because it’s balanced out by fiber and a host of nutrients for the body.
In Malaysia, ‘Harumanis’ mango is considered to be one of the most popular mangoes because of the favorable taste. Little did people know, there are actually many other delicious mangoes from all over the world that could be in the same rank as ‘Harumanis’ mango. Those mangoes are:
1) Carabao
Named after the native water buffalos of the Philippines, Carabao is also among the best varieties of mangoes in the world. In 1995, Carabao mangoes entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the sweetest variety across the globe. Carabao reportedly has 14 strains, out of which Sweet Elena of Zambles is the sweetest. Carabao mango looks green and tastes sour when unripe and grows into orange-yellow later. Carabao is often regarded as a symbol of national pride by citizens of the Philippines. The South Asian country is the second-largest exporter of mangoes in the world. Its capital city of Manila plays a key role in the history and trade of mangoes worldwide.
2) Sein Ta Lone
Sein Ta Lone translates into Diamond mango. These valuable mangoes from Myanmar are most cherished for their non-fibrous and juicy flesh. 15 cm in length and over 3 pounds in weight, the diamond mango looks big and imposing. Diamond mangoes have made their own mark among the best varieties of mangoes in the world. The orangy fleshed mango dominates the fruit market from April to August. Diamond Mangoes are generally grown in the southern parts of Myanmar.
3) Alphonso
Named after the Portuguese general Alfonso de Albuquerque, Alphonso mango is known as the King of mangoes. Unparalleled taste and texture make Alphonso the most sought-after variety of mango in the world. Grown in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alphonso is believed to be the driving force behind Mango being the national fruit of India. Alphonso mango from Konkan region has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Famous for its rich taste and fibre-less flesh, an Alphonso mango weighs around 230 to 260 grams.
4) Haden
A fantastic story captures the tale of Haden mangoes. A retired US Captain John J. Haden planted four dozen Mulgoba seedlings on his property – Coconut Grove, Florida. The tree took eight years to grow. Florence Haden, the wife of the late Captain, became the first person to pluck a mango off the Haden tree. Today, Haden is the most widely produced variety of mango in Florida. Considered among the best varieties of mangoes in the world, Haden has dominant red and hinted yellow hues. Varieties like Tommy Atkins draw heritage from the Haden seed.
5) Madame Francis
The loveliest tropical fruit of the Haiti region in the West is none other than Madame Francis. Though being one of the best varieties of mangoes in the world, people find it difficult to pluck Madame Francis in the wild. The reason being its association with the poisonous family of Anacardiaceae plants. However, the mango tastes superbly luscious and a bite of it can be a complete mood-changer! Sweet, strong flavor with some fibres, Madame Francis comes in a medium-sized oval kidney shape.
Sources: Mangoes4U