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Indian Diaspora in US Embraces Summer with Trending Mango Varieties
Indian Americans are eagerly seeking out these seasonal delights, often at high-end prices, to recreate beloved memories and culinary traditions.
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Pallavi Mehra - Thu, 26, Jun 2025
- 00:51 EDT
- 22
File photo of mangoes. / Courtesy Photo
As the summer season heats up, so does the demand for the ‘King of Fruits’ among the Indian diaspora in the United States. While the well-loved Alphonso still reigns supreme for many, a diverse range of Indian mango varieties is increasingly trending, bringing a taste of home and a colorful splash of flavor to dining tables across the country. New India Abroad spoke to the Indian community to learn about which mango varieties they prefer eating. Here’s what they had to say.
“For us, mango season isn't just about eating a fruit, it’s a sensory experience, a connection to our Indian roots. I’m always searching for Indian mangoes in California,” mentions Divya Sharma, a management consultant from Los Angeles. “Growing up in Mumbai, the arrival of Alphonso was a celebration in itself. I would look forward to it all year long. In Los Angeles, finding a good, ripe Indian mango is like striking gold.”
The search for the perfect mango often leads Indian Americans to specialty grocery shops, local pop-up stalls, and even online retailers. While global wholesale prices for fresh mangoes have seen an increasing trend, the retail prices for premium Indian varieties in the US can be drastically higher, exhibiting their imported status and high demand.
Alphonso (Hapus): The Undisputed King, Still in Demand
Despite its premium price point and sometimes limited availability because of delicate handling requirements, the Alphonso from Ratnagiri and Devgad in Maharashtra remains desired by many.
“Nothing beats a true Maharashtrian Alphonso,” Nikhil Patel, a restaurant owner in Jersey City. “The smell alone transports you back to India. Yes, they are on the higher end, sometimes $40-60 for a dozen, but for that lip-smacking taste, it’s worth it. Our customers love Alphonso Mango desserts and aamras. They especially ask for it every summer and are disappointed if we don’t serve it.”
Kesar: The Queen's Growing Popularity
Hailing from Gujarat, Kesar mangoes are increasingly becoming more and more popular. Commonly known as the ‘Queen of Mangoes,’ their arresting yellow-orange flesh and balanced sweet-tangy flavor with a saffron-like aroma make them a strong contender.
“I actually choose Kesar over Alphonso now," remarks Kiran Girdhar, a doctor in Chicago, Illinois. “They have a subtle sweetness, with a bit more personality, and a slight tangy flavor, which makes them so refreshing. Additionally, they travel better and are more economical than Alphonso mangoes as well. I typically pay approximately $35-45 for a box.”
Dasheri and Langra: Northern Delicacies
From Uttar Pradesh, Dasheri and Langra mangoes are also finding their market in the United States. Dasheri, with its long oval shape and balanced sweet-tangy flavor, is well-loved for its fiberless flesh, making it perfect for eating fresh or in mango lassi. Langra, recognizable by its greenish-yellow skin even when ripe, provides a distinctive tangy sweetness that’s perfect for chutneys and pickles.
“My family is from North India, so Dasheri and Langra are our top preference of mangoes,” explains Sumit Minocha, a tech professional in the Bay Area. “The Langra adds lovely sour-sweet taste to our homemade pickles, and the Dasheri mango always hits the spot. They can be a bit tougher to find, but when I do, I pay around $30-40 for a small box.”
Price and Preferences: A Matter of Taste and Tradition
Therefore, the Indian diaspora’s mango preferences are deeply rooted in regional culinary traditions and childhood memories. As the summer progresses, the Indian community in the United States will continue their passionate search for the perfect mango, a showcase of the fruit’s cultural significance and its one-of-a-kind ability to connect Indians to their country and childhood, one delicious bite at a time.
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