Alphonso vs Imam Pasand vs Malgova vs Senthoora vs Mallika — Which Mango Truly Wins?

Mango lovers know that every variety has a personality of its own. This simple and deeply researched guide compares the five most loved Indian mangoes—Alphonso, Imam Pasand, Malgova, Senthoora (Sendura), and Mallika—so you can decide which one deserves a spot in your fruit bowl this season.

Quick Highlights

• Alphonso (Hapus): Silky, aromatic, saffron pulp — the celebrity mango.
• Imam Pasand: Custard-soft, rare, delicate skin — connoisseur’s favourite.
• Malgova: Large, juicy, honey-like — nostalgic South Indian classic.
• Senthoora (Sendura): Sweet, light, soft — the “honey mango”.
• Mallika: Fibreless, citrus-honey notes — a modern hybrid loved for desserts.

1. Alphonso (Hapus) — India’s Most Famous Mango

Taste & Texture: Rich, creamy and completely fibreless with floral and honey notes.
Season: March/April to June.
Grown in: Ratnagiri, Devgad IN MH, Salem In TN.

Best For: Fresh eating, aamras, premium desserts.

2. Imam Pasand (Himayat) — The Royal, Rare Mango

Taste & Texture: Custard-like, highly aromatic, extremely thin skin.
Season: April to May.
Special Note: Considered a luxury mango because it bruises easily and is harder to ship.

Best For: Fresh eating, luxury gifting, mango tasting platters.

3. Malgova — Big, Juicy & Intensely Sweet

Taste & Texture: Juicy, low-fibre, honeyed flavour with a signature aroma.
Season: Late May to June.
Grown in: Tamil Nadu in Salem

Best For: Cutting, shakes, puddings and traditional desserts.

4. Senthoora (Sendura / Sindhura) — The Honey Mango

Taste & Texture: Soft, melting, mildly tangy with honey sweetness.
Season: Early to mid-season.
Also Known As: Sindhura, Lalbagh, Senthura.

Best For: Fresh eating, kids’ lunchboxes, salads and light chutneys.

5. Mallika — The Modern Hybrid Favourite

Taste & Texture: Fibreless, sweet, with citrus–melon–honey aroma.
Season: June to July.
Parentage: Neelum × Dasheri hybrid.

Best For: Smoothies, purées, homemade desserts and ice creams.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which Mango Should You Choose?

• For intense aroma: Alphonso
• For luxury, soft texture: Imam Pasand
• For large, juicy bites: Malgova
• For everyday snacking: Senthoora
• For fibreless consistency: Mallika

Buying & Ripening Tips

• Smell the stem end — it reveals ripeness instantly.
• Ripen mangoes at room temperature; refrigerate only after ripe.
• For thin-skinned varieties like Imam Pasand, buy from trusted sellers.
• Store ripe mangoes in the fridge for 2–3 days.

FAQs

Which mango is best for aamras?

Alphonso and Mallika make smooth, rich aamras without fibres.

Which mango is the sweetest?

Malgova and Senthoora are naturally very sweet.

Which mango has the best aroma?

Alphonso is globally known for its intense fragrance.

What is the rarest mango among these?

Imam Pasand — due to its delicate skin and limited availability.