The mango is a tropical fruit, known globally for its sweet flavor and vibrant color. Its cultivation history spans over 4,000 years, beginning in South Asia, particularly the area covering modern-day India and Myanmar. The fruit has since spread across the entire tropical belt, becoming one of the world’s most widely consumed fruits. This long history of cultivation has led to a massive number of distinct mango types available today.
The Scale of Mango Diversity
Nearly all mangoes belong to a single species, Mangifera indica. The immense variety seen in markets is due to the development of thousands of named cultivars over centuries of selection and breeding. Experts estimate there are several hundred to over a thousand such cultivars found worldwide, each with unique characteristics.
The greatest concentration of this diversity is found in the fruit’s native region, with India alone claiming between 1,000 and 1,500 named varieties. Mangoes are generally categorized into two broad genetic populations: the “Indian type” and the “Southeast Asian type.” This distinction is based on the seed structure; Indian types are typically monoembryonic (producing one plant per seed), while Southeast Asian types are often polyembryonic (producing multiple seedlings).
Essential Commercial Cultivars
For the average consumer in North America and Europe, the selection is narrowed down to a few globally transported cultivars chosen for their hardiness and shelf life. These select varieties dominate international trade because they can withstand the rigors of shipping better than the more delicate, locally cherished types.
The primary commercial cultivars include:
- The ‘Tommy Atkins’: Developed in Florida, this is perhaps the most common variety, characterized by its medium-to-large size and a distinctive dark red blush covering a green and orange-yellow base.
- The ‘Kent’: Also originating in Florida, this large, oval-shaped fruit typically has dark green skin that often develops a deep red blush near the stem.
- The ‘Haden’: The parent of many commercial varieties, this large, oval fruit from Florida is known for its skin that is mostly covered in a bright red color over a yellow background.
- The ‘Ataulfo’: Often marketed as ‘Honey’ mango, this variety from Mexico and South America is identified by its small, kidney-like shape and uniformly vibrant golden-yellow skin.
- The ‘Keitt’: Originating in Florida, this large, oval fruit is distinct because it remains a deep green color even when fully ripe.
- The ‘Alphonso’: A highly prized international variety from India, often referred to as the “King of Mangoes,” known for its medium size and smooth, golden-yellow skin when mature.
Key Differences in Flavor and Texture
The internal qualities of these major cultivars provide the most practical way for consumers to distinguish between them. The ‘Ataulfo’ and ‘Alphonso’ varieties are celebrated for their exceptionally low-fiber content, offering a smooth, buttery, and intensely sweet flesh. The ‘Alphonso’ is noted for its complex, aromatic sweetness, while the ‘Ataulfo’ provides a rich, creamy texture without any stringiness.
In contrast, the ‘Tommy Atkins’ and ‘Haden’ cultivars tend to contain moderate amounts of fiber, which gives the flesh a firmer, sometimes stringy, texture. The ‘Tommy Atkins’ offers a mild and moderately sweet flavor, while the ‘Haden’ delivers a richer, more aromatic sweetness. The ‘Kent’ and ‘Keitt’ varieties strike a balance, possessing limited fibers and juicy, tender flesh. The ‘Kent’ is typically rich and sweet, and the ‘Keitt’ often exhibits a sweet, fruity flavor with a slight tanginess that provides a good sugar-acid balance.