India’s deep-rooted love affair with mangoes is no secret. With over a thousand varieties grown across the country, the mango isn't just a fruit—it's an emotion. Out of these, 11 mango varieties have earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, celebrating their unique flavor, origin, and cultural heritage. Let’s explore six of the most beloved ones that have taken the crown in both taste and tradition.
Alphonso – The king of mangoes (Maharashtra)
Popularly known as ‘Hapus’, Alphonso is cherished for its saffron-hued flesh, non-fibrous pulp, and irresistible aroma. Cultivated in five districts of Maharashtra, including Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, Alphonso mangoes are a premium export variety. The GI tag not only protects its authenticity but also ensures that the fruit's royal reputation remains untarnished.
Banaganapalle – Andhra’s official fruit (Andhra Pradesh)
Creamy, sweet and completely fibreless, Banaganapalle mangoes have a fan base of their own. So much so that they’ve been crowned as the official fruit of Andhra Pradesh. Ideal for juices and desserts, this variety is grown in the Kurnool district and was awarded a GI tag for its consistent quality and cultural significance.
Malihabadi Dussehri – Asia’s mango capital (Uttar Pradesh)
Hailing from the Malihabad region of Uttar Pradesh, the Dussehri mango is a melt-in-your-mouth delight. Known for its slender shape and intense sweetness, this mango grows in Asia’s largest mango belt. Its GI tag reinforces its status as a heritage fruit with generations of cultivation history behind it.
Gir Kesar – The queen with a golden heart (Gujarat)
Nicknamed the ‘Queen of Mangoes’, Gir Kesar boasts a vibrant golden-orange pulp and a heady fragrance. It became the first Indian mango to receive a GI tag in 2011, grown in the foothills of the Girnar mountains in Junagadh. Perfect for desserts or eaten as-is, Kesar’s rich taste is simply unforgettable.
Langra – The green jewel of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
What sets Langra mangoes apart is their unique green skin even when ripe, and a tangy-sweet flavour loved across North India. Grown around Varanasi, this variety received its GI tag in 2023. Whether sliced, juiced, or pureed, Langra’s zesty profile keeps fans coming back for more.
Zardalu – Bihar’s fragrant treasure (Bihar)
Delicate, aromatic, and slightly tangy, the Zardalu mango from Bhagalpur in Bihar is used in everything from pickles to traditional pulps. Its GI tag honors the region’s long-standing mango-growing traditions and ensures this lesser-known gem gets the recognition it deserves.
Each GI-tagged mango is a slice of India’s biodiversity, heritage, and culinary excellence. As mango season arrives, these varieties remind us why the mango is rightly called the “King of Fruits”—a regal experience in every bite.
