Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh carries the nickname of India's mango belt, and every summer the orchards here send out fruit whose sweetness reaches far beyond national borders. Half a dozen local varieties are grown with such flavour that anyone who tastes them turns into an instant fan, and it is these very mangoes that have carried Saharanpur's name to markets abroad.
The Langda, Dashahari and Chausa trio
Saharanpur's biggest identity rests on three mangoes, Langda, Dashahari and Chausa. All three travel well beyond Indian markets and are exported abroad, adding sweetness to tables in other countries too. The district grows several sub varieties of Dashahari, among which one called Naagin Dashahari holds a distinct place of its own.
A mango named after Banaras, grown in Saharanpur
Here is the curious part, one of Saharanpur's most famous mangoes carries the name of Banaras even though it is actually grown in Saharanpur. The Banarasi Langda is known for its honey like sweetness, fibre free pulp and a skin that stays green even after the fruit has ripened. Its unique taste and fragrance make it one of the most popular fruits in Uttar Pradesh. For farmers it is also a solid earner, since it sells for up to three times the price of ordinary mangoes.
Chausa, the last and heaviest mango of the season
The last mango to ripen in the season is Chausa, celebrated worldwide for its unmatched sweetness, creamy pulp and rich aroma. It is larger in size and heavier in weight than most other mangoes, ripening only towards the end of summer. Its quality is considered so exceptional that it is exported internationally, and it is often the mango chosen as a gift for the country's President and Prime Minister among other high dignitaries.
Dashahari, the first mango of the season
Dashahari is known for its intense sweetness, juicy pulp and distinctive fragrance. Since Saharanpur is a major mango growing belt of Uttar Pradesh, the Dashahari grown here has pulp that is almost fibre free and remarkably soft, while its skin is thin enough to be eaten along with the fruit. It is the first mango to arrive in the market each season, and people enjoy it just as much eaten raw as they do turned into pickle.
Rasgulla Aam, a name that says it all
Saharanpur's Rasgulla Aam is recognised for its extraordinary sweetness, heavily juicy pulp and superb fragrance. It is so sweet that eating it leaves a taste in the mouth similar to a rasgulla, which is exactly how the mango got its name. This variety is mostly found in the Saharanpur region, where every farmer makes sure to plant its trees. The fruit grows in clusters and remains a favourite even among VIPs.
Gulab Jamun Aam, a mango that changes colour three times
The Gulab Jamun Aam of Saharanpur stands out for its sweetness, unusual colour and fragrance. As it ripens, the fruit changes colour three times, starting green, turning red midway through ripening, and finally becoming bright yellow once fully ripe. On the tree it typically grows in heavy clusters that make for a striking sight. Because of this distinct quality, it sells for nearly double the price of ordinary varieties in the market, and demand for it isn't limited to local mandis, it is exported abroad as well.
Sweetness that reaches VIP tables
Every one of these Saharanpur varieties is known for a flavour of its own, and none of them go unnoticed for their taste. During the mango season, these fruits are sent as gifts to the country's Prime Minister, the President, the Chief Minister and even other ministers. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, too, recognises Saharanpur's mangoes by their name and their taste, which is exactly why Saharanpur has become more than just a district, it is a destination for anyone who loves mangoes.
