Mango is often referred to as the king of fruits. It is also the national fruit of India. Mangoes are especially renowned for their taste. There are thousands of varieties of mangoes available across the country. Some varieties have a strong connection with Bihar.
According to the Department of Agriculture in Bihar, there are mainly 12 varieties of mangoes produced in Bihar. Some mango varieties are associated with different districts. For example, while lychee cultivation is widespread in northern Bihar, the recognition of Shahi Lychee comes from Muzaffarpur. Similarly, let’s explore five major types of mangoes that identify five districts of Bihar.
Jardalu Mango from Bhagalpur gets GI tag
The famous ‘Jardalu Mango’ of Bihar’s Bhagalpur district is renowned not only in the country but also worldwide for its unique fragrance. This variety of mango is known for its light yellow skin and sweetness. Its name ‘Jardalu’ comes from its yellowish color upon ripening. It is said that Maharaja Rahmat Ali Khan first introduced this mango variety in the Bhagalpur region. In 2018, the Jardalu mango from Bhagalpur was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Mango orchards of this variety are extensive in the areas around Sultan Ganj and Navgachhia in Bhagalpur district. Its seed is quite thin, and the pulp is devoid of fiber. The ‘Jarda’ mango from the western Champaran region is also somewhat similar to Jardalu in terms of being juicy. It is named ‘Jarda’ due to its yellow color upon ripening.
Bambaiya Mango from Sitamarhi is special
The Bambaiya mango from Sitamarhi and surrounding areas is famous throughout the country. Large orchards of this mango variety are found in various parts of the country. Compared to Langda or Malda, this variety ripens quickly. It usually ripens in June. Upon ripening, it acquires a golden color near the stem. The rest of the fruit remains green. This variety has a medium size (up to 150-200 grams) and is without fibers. It is a moderately sweet mango with a strong aroma.
Gulabkhas Mango from Supaul is renowned
The name itself suggests its special quality. This mango variety is one of the major types found in Bihar, especially in the Supaul and surrounding regions. Its skin has a slight pinkish hue, which is why it is called Gulabkhas. It is relatively small in size, and its seed is also small. This mango is known for its aroma. When fully ripe, it tastes very sweet.
Chausa Mango has become synonymous with Buxar
The story behind the name of this mango is quite interesting. In Buxar district, the village of Chausa is where Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in battle. In celebration of this victory, Sher Shah Suri named his favorite mango ‘Chausa.’ This mango and Buxar became so interconnected that it became synonymous with the district itself. In terms of taste, this mango is somewhat different from other varieties. It is a late-ripening mango with yellowish skin. The fruit size is quite large. This mango is available in the market until the end of July.
Bathua Mango from Samastipur is famous
The regions around Vaishali and Samastipur are home to extensive orchards of this mango variety, also known as Kanchan Malda mango. When ripe, this mango variety acquires a golden color. Apart from these mangoes, Darbhanga’s Kalkatiya, Madhubani’s Krishna Bhog, Madhepura and Katihar’s Malda, Munger’s Churamba Malda, and Patna’s Dudhia Malda mangoes are popular varieties of mangoes in Bihar.
