Mango season doesn’t announce itself — it drifts in with the scent of cut fruit, school holidays, and stories passed down in orchards.

A slice of summer that takes us back to sticky fingers, backyard trees, and the thrill of spotting the first golden blush on green skin. But beyond the much-hyped Alphonso lies a treasure trove of regional varieties, each with its own tale, taste, and terroir — and they’re finally getting their due.

Here’s a look at nine GI-tagged mangoes from across India that deserve the spotlight — not just for their flavour, but for the stories they carry.

1. Kuttiattoor (Kerala)

In Kerala’s Kannur district, the mango season starts unusually early. By mid-November, the Kuttiattoor trees begin to flower — a full few months ahead of their peers. What follows is a mango with smooth, unblemished skin and a creamy, mildly sweet flavour that has become a local delicacy.

It’s grown with minimal intervention, often in backyard orchards, and is a perfect reminder that good things grow in silence.

2. Banganapalle (Andhra Pradesh)

A classic late bloomer, the banganapalle mangoes arrive just when summer feels unbearable — and offer much-needed relief. With their thin seed, generous flesh, and juicy sweetness, they’ve earned the title of Andhra Pradesh’s official fruit. Grown extensively in the Kurnool region, these

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