12 Best Most Underrated Indian Mangoes (The Ultimate Guide)
When fruit lovers think of India, they usually think of the Alphonso. However, true connoisseurs know that the most underrated Indian mangoes often hold flavors that rival—or even surpass—the famous “King.”
India is home to over 1,500 varieties of mangoes. While the Alphonso gets the fame, regional treasures like the fiberless Imam Pasand or the sugarcane-sweet Cheruku Rasalu remain hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
At Berrydale Foods, we scour the country to bring you the finest produce. Here is our curated list of the 12 most underrated Indian mangoes that you simply must try this summer.
The South Indian Legends: Most Underrated Indian Mangoes
1. Banganapalli (The Pride of Andhra)
Also recognized as Benishan or Safeda, the Banganapalli is the undisputed heavy-weight champion of the South. Primarily grown in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, these mangoes are massive, featuring golden-yellow skin.
Why it’s special: It has fiberless, firm flesh that is incredibly sweet.
Export Fact: We export these to the USA in large volumes because their sturdy skin keeps them fresh during travel.
2. Imam Pasand (The Royal Secret)
Often called Himayath or Humayun Pasand, this variety from the Chitoor district is a legend among locals. Many argue that the Imam Pasand is superior to the Alphonso because of its thin skin and soft, buttery texture.
Unique Trait: Interestingly, this mango tastes sweet even before it is fully ripe (when the skin is still green), making it a favorite for culinary use.
3. Nuziveedu Cheruku Rasalu
Hailing from the Nuzividu region, this is a distinct “Juicy” variety. The name Cheruku translates to “Sugarcane,” hinting at its extreme sugary sweetness.
How to Eat: You cannot cut this mango. You gently squeeze it to liquefy the pulp inside, bite the tip, and suck the nectar out!
4. Rasalu (Rasbhari)
Similar to the Cheruku but slightly smaller, the standard Rasalu is famous for its dual use. When raw, it makes excellent pickles; when ripe, it is a “Sucking Mango” perfect for smoothies and traditional desserts like Mango Rice.
5. Suvarna Rekha (The Indian “Miyazaki”)
Grown on the east coast near Visakhapatnam, the Suvarna Rekha is visually stunning with a red blush on its shoulders, similar to the expensive Japanese Miyazaki mango.
Global Appeal: Known as Sundari in North India, it is heavily exported to South Korea due to its balanced sweetness and beautiful appearance.
6. Malgova (The Giant)
Cultivated in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Malgova is a massive, round mango. When cut, it reveals a tender, juicy flesh that is surprisingly light and fragrant. It is widely used for making rich mango creams and desserts.
7. Neelam (The Late Bloomer)
Neelam is the dependable favorite that arrives late in the season (June-July), often when other varieties have vanished. It has a floral aroma and a pleasant, mild sweetness, making it perfect for those who find the Alphonso too intense.
8. Mallika (The Perfect Hybrid)
A hybrid between Neelam and Dasheri, the Mallika is celebrated for its highly aromatic, citrusy-sweet flavor. Unlike other mangoes, Mallika is best harvested green and ripened in a box to develop its full honey-like taste.
9. Raspuri (The Queen of Karnataka)
Grown around Bengaluru and Kolar, Raspuri mangoes are often the first to arrive in the market. They have a warm, rich sweetness with a bit of tartness. The texture is smooth and fiber-free, making it an excellent table fruit.
The North Indian Gems
10. Chaunsa (The Aromatic Delight)
Grown across North India, the Chaunsa is often cited as the sweetest mango in existence. It has a succulent, soft flesh with very little fiber. It is famous for its heavenly tropical aroma that fills the entire room.
11. Langra (The Banarasi Legend)
Cultivated in Varanasi, the Langra is unique because it stays green even when fully ripe. It offers a complex, tart-sweet flavor that melts in the mouth. It is a mid-to-late season variety available from July to August.
12. Dasheri (The Pride of Malihabad)
Famous in Uttar Pradesh, the Dasheri is a long, fiberless mango known for its savory-sweet aroma. It is the quintessential “table mango” of North India, loved for its thin stone and high pulp content.
Why You Should Try the Most Underrated Indian Mangoes
While the Alphonso may be the King, exploring the most underrated Indian mangoes reveals the true depth of India’s fruit diversity. Whether you prefer the red-hued Suvarna Rekha or the juice-filled Rasalu, there is a hidden gem waiting for you.
At Berrydale Foods, we are committed to bringing these unique varieties from Indian farms to global tables.
Ready to try something new? 👉 [Shop Our Exotic Mango Collection Here]