16 February,2014 09:30 AM IST | | Richa Pinto
Mangoes have begun entering the market, but can you tell one variety from the other before coughing up heavy prices? We tell you how
The king of fruits is making its way into the market. We don't mean to be killjoys, but know this - traders often fool you into buying a cheaper variety of the fruit. Here's what you could keep in mind before buying the fruit.
Devgad Hapus
Available between: January-May 15
Specialty: Most traders claim that the Devgad variety is one of the best Alphonso mangoes, and that its sweetness is incomparable to any other variety. Presently, only 100-150 boxes of the Devgad mango have come into the Agricultural Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) in Vashi. During peak season, however, the number of boxes could go up to a lakh. This variety of the fruit has a saffron colour and a thin skin. It has a unique aroma and its skin peels off easily.
Price: Rs 4,000-8,000 for a five-dozen box (the prices will decrease as the season progresses, claim traders).
Ratnagiri and Raigad mangoes
Available between: February- June 5
Specialty: These saffron-coloured varieties are pulpier than other varieties. These mangoes are not very big and weigh anywhere between 200-300 gms each. Their skin is thin. These varieties have already entered the market.
Price: Rs 800-1,000 per dozen
Mangoes from South India
Available between: February- May 10
Specialty: Mangoes from Palakkad in Kerala and Ramnagara in Karnataka have already made their way into the market. These mangoes are small in size and not as sweet as the Devgad or Ratnagiri varieties.
Price: Rs 600 onwards for a dozen
Junnar Mangoes
Available between: June 10- July 15
Specialty: Junnar mangoes from Pune find huge takers as they enter after the Devgad and Ratnagiri mangoes have been consumed. These mangoes are quite sweet and have a unique aroma. They are larger than the mangoes from the South.
Price: Depends upon their arrival in the market once the season begins.
