Throughout the year, you’ll most likely find at least one mango of the five varieties described below. Each mango has a unique flavor and texture, so try different varieties at different stages of ripeness and at different times of the year. You’ll be glad you did. (Photos and content courtesy of the National Mango Board, mango.org.)
Tommy Atkins is the most widely grown commercial variety coming into the United States
FLAVOR: Mild and sweet
TEXTURE: Firm flesh due to fibers throughout
COLOR: A dark red blush often covers much of the fruit with green and orange-yellow accents
SHAPE: Medium to large with oval or oblong shape.
RIPENING CUES: This mango may not provide any visual cues. Squeeze gently to judge ripeness.
PRIMARY SOURCE COUNTRIES: Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru
PEAK AVAILABILITY: March to July, September and October
Honeys have a very small seed, so there is a high flesh to seed ratio.
TEXTURE: Smooth, firm flesh with no fibers
COLOR: Vibrant yellow
SHAPE: Small, flattened oval shape
IT’S RIPE WHEN: Skin turns to a deep golden color and small wrinkles appear when fully ripe.
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN: Mexico, Ecuador
AVAILABILTY: Mostly March to June, some from December to February
FLAVOR: Rich, with aromatic overtones
TEXTURE: Firm flesh due to fine fibers
COLOR: Bright red with green and yellow overtones and small white dots
SHAPE: Medium to large with an oval to round shape
RIPENING CUES: Green areas of the mango turn to yellow as it ripens. Squeeze gently to judge ripeness.
PRIMARY SOURCE COUNTRY: Mexico
PEAK AVAILABILITY: March to May
FLAVOR: Sweet and rich
TEXTURE: Juicy, tender flesh with limited fibers
COLOR: Dark green and often has a dark red blush over a small portion of the mango
SHAPE: Large oval shape
RIPENING CUES: Kents have yellow undertones or dots that cover more of the mango as it ripens. Squeeze gently to judge ripeness.
PRIMARY SOURCE COUNTRIES: Mexico, Ecuador, Peru
PEAK AVAILABILITY: January, February, June to Aug, and December
Keitts are popular in Asian cultures, where they are enjoyed in its mature-green stage or even as pickles.
FLAVOR: Sweet and fruity
TEXTURE: Firm, juicy flesh with limited fibers
COLOR: Dark to medium green, sometimes with a pink blush over a small portion of the mango
SHAPE: Large oval shape
RIPENING CUES: Skin stays green even when ripe. Squeeze gently to judge ripeness.
PRIMARY SOURCE COUNTRIES: Mexico, United States
PEAK AVAILABILITY: July to September