Dasheri
Also known as: Dussehri, Dashehari, Dusehri, Dusari, Desari

About Dasheri
Dasheri (also spelled Dussehri) is a legendary, historically significant mango variety that originated in the gardens of the Nawab of Lucknow in the 18th century. It is the pride of North India and remains one of the most commercially successful and widely consumed mangoes in the country.
Physically, Dasheri is a small to medium-sized mango, typically weighing between 150 and 250 grams. It has a very distinct, elongated, straight shape with a slight curve at the tip. The skin is thin, smooth, and ripens from a bright green to a beautiful, vibrant lemon-yellow.
The flavor of Dasheri is exceptionally sweet, often described as honey-like, with a strong, highly pleasant, and distinct aroma. The pulp is a peach-yellow, firm, completely fiberless (none), and has a very small, remarkably thin stone, resulting in an excellent pulp-to-stone ratio.
The Dasheri season is mid-season, beginning in late May, peaking in June, and lasting until mid-July. It is the dominant commercial variety in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Malihabad region near Lucknow, which is globally famous for its Dasheri orchards.
Compared to other North Indian heavyweights like Langra and Chausa, Dasheri is earlier and smaller. While Langra remains green and has a citrus-turpentine note, Dasheri is bright yellow and purely honey-sweet. Explore all North Indian varieties at the Mango Identifier hub.
Dasheri has excellent keeping quality and post-harvest durability, making it perfect for long-distance transport. It is best enjoyed by gently squeezing the fruit to soften the pulp, removing the top, and sucking the juice directlyβa traditional method known as 'Choosne wala aam'.
Taste & Sensory Profile
Sweet with succulent flavor
Sweet, fragrant
Smooth, minimal fiber
Minimal
π Authentication Markers
How to tell if it's a genuine Dasheri:
- β Elongated oval shape
- β Sweet aroma
- β May-July season
Seasonal Availability
Best Uses
Comparison with Similar Varieties
| Variety | Similarity | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Langra | Premium North Indian commercial variety | Dasheri is elongated, turns yellow, and is honey-sweet; Langra is oval, stays green, and has a complex citrus-turpentine aroma. |
| Chausa | Intensely sweet, suckable mango | Dasheri is a mid-season (June) elongated mango; Chausa is a late-season (July/August) larger, oval mango. |
| Kesar | Elongated shape and extreme sweetness | Dasheri has a straight shape and lemon-yellow skin; Kesar has a curved beak, green-yellow skin, and saffron pulp. |
Similar Varieties
These varieties might look similar but have distinct characteristics:
Heritage & Cultural Significance
The mother tree of all Dasheri mangoes is believed to be over 200 years old, located in the village of Dasheri near Kakori, Lucknow, and is still bearing fruit today.
It was patronized by the Nawabs of Awadh and heavily propagated in the famous mango belt of Malihabad.
Malihabadi Dasheri holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, representing the finest quality of this cultivar.
Frequently Asked Questions
π©Ί Safety & Quality Inspection Guide
Quick reference for identifying common healthy vs. problematic conditions:

Pro Tip: Surface spots like Anthracnose are often harmless to the fruit inside, while Bacterial Canker or Stem-end Rot usually require discarding the fruit.
π‘οΈ Chemical Ripening Check
Ensure your Dasheri mango is naturally ripened. Use Food Guard to detect Calcium Carbide and other chemical ripeners.