Himsagar is a popular variety of mango that is widely used in desserts across South Asia. The sweet and luscious pulp of this mango variety is known for its distinctive aroma and rich taste, making it a prized ingredient for many traditional and contemporary desserts.
The fruit is primarily grown in the Nadia, Murshidabad, Maldah, and Hooghly districts of West Bengal, India. It is also cultivated in the Indian states of Bihar and Odisha, where it is known as 'maldahi' and extends towards the neighbouring country of Bangladesh too.
Due to their popularity and unique flavour profile that is said to surpass the likes of Alphonso, Langra, etc., Himsagar mangoes are used in a variety of desserts, ranging from classic mango ice cream and sorbet to traditional Bengali sweets like aam doi, which is a mango-flavoured yoghurt dessert, and the iconic rasmalai, which is a soft, spongy cheese dessert served in a creamy mango sauce.
Himsagar mangoes are a popular variety of mangoes that are prized for their unique flavour and aroma. They are oval-shaped with bright yellow skin that often has a red blush on the shoulders. The colour of the flesh varies from bright yellow to orange, and the fruit is relatively small compared to other mango varieties, typically weighing between 250 and 350 grams. The flesh of the Himsagar mango is incredibly juicy, tender, and fiberless, making it a perfect ingredient for desserts.
The flavour of the Himsagar mango is known for its rich, sweet taste with a hint of tartness, making it a well-balanced fruit that is enjoyed by many. Himsagar mangoes are typically harvested from May to June, and they are primarily grown in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, as well as in Bangladesh. Due to their popularity and limited availability, Himsagar mangoes are considered a premium variety and are often sold at a higher price than other mangoes.
Uses Of Himsagar Mangoes
Himsagar mangoes are a versatile fruit that is used in a variety of dishes, particularly desserts, in Indian cuisine. The sweet, juicy, and fiberless pulp of this mango variety makes it an excellent ingredient for ice creams, sorbets, mithais, smoothies, and milkshakes.
The pulp is also used in making fruit-based desserts like custards, puddings, and mousses, adding a rich and tropical flavour to these dishes. The Himsagar mango pulp can also be used as a topping for cakes, cheesecakes, and other baked goods, providing a fresh and fruity twist to these classic desserts.
In Indian cuisine, Himsagar mangoes are especially popular in the eastern state of West Bengal, where they are used in a variety of traditional desserts. One of the most famous desserts made with Himsagar mangoes is aam doi, a creamy and tangy yoghurt-based dessert that is flavoured with the pulp of the mango. The dessert is typically served chilled and garnished with chopped pistachios and almonds, making it a refreshing and satisfying summer treat.
Aam sattva is a popular sweet dish from the coastal regions of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa. It is made by blending ripe mango pulp with sugar and milk and then adding cardamom powder and saffron for flavour. The mixture is then chilled and served as a refreshing dessert.
Aam papad, on the other hand, is a sweet and tangy candy made from mango pulp, sugar, and lemon juice. The pulp is spread on a flat surface and dried in the sun until it becomes a thin, flexible sheet. It is then cut into small squares or rolled into cylindrical shapes and served as a popular snack. Himsagar mangoes are an excellent choice for both aam sattva and aam papad due to their naturally sweet flavour and juicy flesh.
Another popular Bengali dessert made with Himsagar mangoes is rasmalai, a soft, spongy cheese dessert that is soaked in a creamy milk syrup flavoured with mango pulp. The dessert is typically served chilled and garnished with saffron and pistachios, making it a decadent and luxurious dessert that is perfect for special occasions. In addition to desserts, Himsagar mangoes are also used in savoury dishes like chutneys, pickles, and sauces.
How To Identify Himsagar Mangoes
Identifying Himsagar mangoes can be a bit challenging, especially if you're not familiar with this particular mango variety. However, there are a few key features that can help you identify Himsagar mangoes.
One of the most distinctive features of Himsagar mangoes is their shape. They are oval-shaped with a slightly pointed tip, and they are relatively small compared to other mango varieties.
The skin of Himsagar mangoes is typically bright yellow with a red blush on the shoulders, although the intensity of the red colour may vary depending on the ripeness of the fruit. The skin of the mango should be smooth and free from any blemishes or bruises, which can be an indication of damage or poor quality.
When selecting Himsagar mangoes, it's also important to pay attention to the texture of the fruit. Himsagar mangoes have a firm texture when they are unripe, and they should feel heavy for their size. As the fruit ripens, it will become softer and more fragrant, with a sweet aroma that is characteristic of this particular variety.
Another way to identify Himsagar mangoes is by their flavour. Himsagar mangoes have a rich, sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The pulp of the mango is incredibly juicy and tender, with no fibres, making it a perfect ingredient for desserts and other dishes that require a smooth texture.
Benefits Of Himsagar Mangoes
Not only are they delicious and versatile fruit that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, but they also offer several health benefits.
Himsagar mangoes have a high nutritional value. They are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, while vitamin A is important for healthy vision and immune function. Potassium is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and regulating blood pressure.
Another potential benefit of Himsagar mangoes is their antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Research suggests that consuming foods that are high in antioxidants, such as Himsagar mangoes, may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Finally, Himsagar mangoes may also help support healthy skin and hair. They are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails.