Mango, the fruit of the gods. That fragrant, sweet work of nature used in cuisines or enjoyed as desserts, or in lassi mix, ice cream, puddings and other sweets, are believed to have originated from the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh and northeastern India.

While we are lucky to have access to mangoes all year round in the UAE, this season is a particularly special time to enjoy the fleshy mango fruit in all its glory.

In addition to their velvety textures, fragrances, vibrant colors and creamy tastes, mangoes are packed with nutrients for the body.  

Mangoes contain magnesium and potassium, which can help with blood pressure regulation. These fruits are also a source of Mangifera, which early studies have linked to reduce heart inflammation.

Mangoes are also a good source of fiber that is important for a healthy digestive system; and have lots of beta-carotene yellow pigment, an antioxidant that helps improve overall health

The varieties of mangoes with buttery tartness or full of sweet fibrous bites on offer include:

• The Alphonso,which  is a seasonal fruit, available mid-April through the end of June. The fruits have a rich, creamy, tender texture and delicate, non-fibrous, juicy pulp. This type of mango is a huge source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin E and selenium along with being rich in antioxidants.

• The Lalbagh mango, which is very elongated in shape and has skin of red and green color. It is also known as Honey Mango because of its extreme sweetness and flavour. These mangoes are rich in Vitamin A & C and contain minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium.

• The Yamani mangoes, meantime, are a superfood, rich in fibre, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and polyphenolic flavonoids. Sweet and rich, their texture is juicy, and tender flesh with limited fibers.

• The Malgova or Malgoa is an important mango cultivar mainly grown in Tamilnadu and Karnataka and also in other parts of South India. It is large and round and very juicy and fragrant. It is generally considered to be one of the best mangoes globally.

• The Rajapuri mango meantime is the largest of the Indian mango varieties with an attractive combination of smooth and unblemished yellow, orange and red skin. Smooth and tender flesh without fibre, the smaller versions of the fruit are much sweeter.

• Sindoor mangoes are distinct in appearance with pleasing reds and greens among the golden skin. It is also called a “Sindhoora’ or the ‘honey’ mango owing to its super sweet nature.

• The ‘Sindhri’ mango is a large oval shaped mango which is extremely sweet and aromatic. It is considered the Queen of Mangoes because of its taste.

• ‘Neelum’ is a South Indian dessert mango, which is smooth-skinned and bright yellow upon ripening and have no blush. The flesh is deep yellow or orange.

• The Mallika mango produces high quality, fiberless orange mango fruit. The fruit has prominent citrus, melon and honey notes and is exceptionally sweet.

• The Badami mango meantime is one of a number of delicious mangoes grown in India. It is slightly earlier than the sort-after Alphonse mango due to its more southerly production but is attractive as a fresh variety. The fruit has pale yellow, thin skin through which it is easy to detect the softness of the flesh.

FreshToHome, an e-commerce platform launched in the UAE in 2019, delivers fresh groceries and daily essentials to all seven emirates at affordable prices.

It has a very fresh batch of mango varieties on offer straight from the farmers, delivering them to homes all over the country. 

To place an order, download the FreshToHome App (Android & IOS) or visit: www.freshtohome.com