The Himsagar mango is a highly prized and popular mango cultivar, especially in India and Bangladesh. Here’s a detailed description:
Origin and Cultivation:
- Primary Origin: It originates from the modern-day state of West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.
- Key Growing Regions: Primarily cultivated in West Bengal (Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Hooghly districts) and the Chapai Nawabganj district of Bangladesh.
- Geographical Indication (GI) Status: The Himsagar mango has earned Protected Geographical Indication (GI) status, highlighting its distinctive provenance and superior qualities.
- Tree Characteristics: Himsagar mango trees are medium to large-sized evergreen trees with a dense, spreading canopy. They thrive in warm, tropical climates with ample sunlight and well-drained soil.
Fruit Characteristics:
- Size and Shape: Medium-sized fruit, typically weighing between 250 and 350 grams. It has an oval or oblong/round shape.
- Skin: Thin and smooth, turning from green to a bright golden-yellow when ripe, often with a subtle red blush on one side.
- Flesh (Pulp):
- Color: Vibrant golden-yellow to orange.
- Texture: Exceptionally juicy, tender, creamy, and completely fiberless. This smooth, buttery texture is one of its most distinguishing features.
- Pulp Content: High pulp content, around 77% of the fruit.
- Taste and Aroma:
- Sweetness: Known for its exceptional sweetness, often described as having a rich, honey-like flavor with subtle notes of citrus.
- Aroma: Possesses a strong, pleasant, and distinctively aromatic fragrance.
- Flavor Profile: It belongs to the “classic flavor” group of mangoes, offering a delightful and balanced taste.
Season and Availability:
- The Himsagar mango season typically starts in May and extends into June, making it a highly sought-after seasonal delight. Its availability is often limited to this short window, contributing to its demand.
Culinary Uses:
- Himsagar mangoes are primarily enjoyed fresh due to their exquisite taste and smooth, fiberless pulp.
- They are also excellent for making a variety of desserts, smoothies, mango shakes, lassis, ice creams, sorbets, jams, and preserves. Their rich flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for gourmet mango-based treats.
Cultural Significance:
- In West Bengal and other growing regions, Himsagar mangoes hold significant cultural importance and are often associated with festivals and celebrations, symbolizing agricultural heritage and culinary delight.
In summary, the Himsagar mango is revered for its perfect balance of sweetness, creamy, fiberless texture, and captivating aroma, earning it a reputation as one of the finest and most loved mango varieties, particularly in its native regions
