Although widely beloved, certain mangoes can be pretty pricey, with prices that rival luxury goods. Indeed, certain mangoes fetch prices of up to hundreds of dollars each, a reflection of their scarcity, distinctive taste, and the extensive care taken in their growth.
Sticker shock is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re ready, let's take a look at some of the world's most expensive types of mangoes.
The Taiyo no Tamago mango, also known as the "Egg of the Sun," is a Japanese mango renowned for its unique shape, juicy flesh, and sweet flavor. This mango is grown exclusively in the Miyazaki prefecture of Japan and is considered a luxury fruit. The Taiyo no Tamago mangoes are so valuable that they are often sold individually, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 each. Yeah, you read that right. Each!
The Alphonso mango is widely considered one of the world's best-tasting mangoes. It has a rich, sweet flavor and a buttery texture. It is known for its distinctive fragrance and bright orange color. The Alphonso mango is so prized that the Indian government has granted it Geographical Indication (GI) status, which means that only mangoes grown in specific regions can be sold under the name "Alphonso." These mangoes can range from $20 to $40 per kilogram.
Another famous Indian mango variety is the Kesar mango, primarily grown in the Gujarat region of India. This mango is known for its sweet, aromatic flavor and bright orange flesh. The Kesar mango is in high demand, particularly in the Middle East, where it is often used to make desserts and other sweet dishes. Kesar mangoes can vary, but they can sell for as much as $6 per kilogram.
The Champagne mango, or the Ataulfo mango, is a small, yellow mango primarily grown in Mexico and Central America. This mango is prized for its sweet, creamy flesh and lack of fibrous strands, making it easy to eat. The Champagne mango is also considered one of the world's most expensive types of mangoes, with prices ranging from $2 to $4 per mango. Pricey. Pricey. Pricey.
These are just a few examples of the world's most expensive types of mangoes. Whether you are a mango lover or not, it's hard not to appreciate the effort and care that goes into producing these luxurious fruits.
Disclaimer:
Please note that the prices mentioned for various mango varieties are subject to fluctuation and may vary based on market conditions, seasonality, and geographical location. The figures provided should be viewed as indicative and may not reflect the current market rates.
Additional Sources:
https://www.itfnet.org/v1/2018/04/japan-egg-of-the-sun-mango-how-can-a-fruit-be-worth-usd-2000/
https://www.gktoday.in/alphonso-mango-5-districts-maharashtra-geographical-indication-tag/
Mango (Mangifera indica L.), “The King of Fruits”—An Overview. R. Tharanathan et al. (2006). Food Reviews International. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mango, including its significance, varieties such as the Alphonso, and the fruit's nutritional and economic value. Link to source