COMMERCIAL VARIETY GI Certified

Langra

Also known as: Varanasi Langra, Langda, Dudhiya Langra, Malda

📍 Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi), Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana📅 June-July⚖️ Large
Langra

Geographical Indication (GI) Protected Variety

The Langra mango is legally protected under India's Geographical Indications of Goods Act. Genuine Langra mangoes must originate from the certified soils of its designated region (e.g., Konkan coast for Alphonso, Saurashtra for Kesar) to carry this designation.

How to verify authenticity:
  • Confirm the crop is sourced directly from its designated GI region.
  • Look for the official GI Registry logo on packaging boxes.
  • Request the vendor's GI Authorized User Certificate/Number.

About Langra

Langra (also known as Banarasi Langra, Malda, or Digha) is one of the most famous, highly aromatic, and beloved premium mango varieties of North and East India. Originating in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, it is an absolute favorite among mango connoisseurs for its complex, intense flavor.

Physically, Langra is a medium to large mango, weighing between 250 and 400 grams, with a distinct oval-round shape and a somewhat flattened profile. The most striking visual feature of Langra is its skin: it remains a vibrant, deep leaf-green even when completely ripe, never turning yellow or red.

The flavor profile of Langra is extraordinary. It is exceptionally sweet, juicy, and melting, characterized by a highly distinct, strong aroma that carries complex notes of citrus, pine, and turpentine. The pulp is a bright lemon-yellow and is almost completely fiberless, save for a tiny bit near the stone.

The Langra season is mid-season, making its grand entrance in mid-June and lasting through July. It is extensively cultivated across the Gangetic plains, primarily in Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi), Bihar (Digha/Malda), and West Bengal.

Compared to Dasheri, Chausa, Bombay Green, and Keitt, Langra is a completely different experience. While Dasheri is honey-sweet and yellow, Langra provides a more complex, acidic-sweet punch with its green skin. Unlike the early-season green variety Bombay Green which arrives in May, Langra is a mid-season variety. Learn more about regional mango traits at the Mango Identifier hub.

Post-harvest, Langra is highly delicate. It has a very thin skin and a short shelf life of about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. It bruises easily and is highly susceptible to fruit drop, making careful handling and quick distribution essential.

Taste & Sensory Profile

👅
Taste

Unique sweet-sour balance

👃
Aroma

Aromatic, fruity

🧈
Texture

Fibrous

🌱
Fiber

Moderate

🔑 Authentication Markers

How to tell if it's a genuine Langra:

  • Green skin when ripe (stays green)
  • Sweet-sour taste
  • June-July season

Seasonal Availability

Window:June-July
Peak Period:July
Type:Late
Annual Lifecycle Timeline
Jan
Feb
MarBloom
AprBloom
MayBloom
JunRipening
JulPeak
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
🌸 Blooming Phase
🟢 Ripening & Harvest
👑 Peak Season

Best Uses

✨ Eating fresh
✨ Pickles (raw)
✨ Traditional favorite

Heritage & Cultural Significance

Legend has it that the variety was named 'Langra' (meaning 'lame') because the original mother tree appeared in the orchard of a lame sadhu (holy man) in Varanasi centuries ago.

It is an integral part of the cultural and literary heritage of Varanasi and Bihar.

Banarasi Langra holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unmatched quality in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you know when a Langra mango is ripe?
A: Because Langra remains green, you must rely on touch and smell. A ripe Langra will yield slightly to gentle pressure and emit a very strong, sweet, and slightly citrusy aroma.
Q: Why is the mango called Langra?
A: The word 'Langra' means lame. Historical accounts suggest the original tree was grown by a lame holy man in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Q: Does Langra mango have a strong smell?
A: Yes, Langra is famous for its highly distinct, strong, and complex aroma that has underlying notes of citrus and turpentine, highly prized by connoisseurs.
Q: What is the shelf life of Langra mango?
A: Langra has a very short shelf life of 3 to 5 days due to its extremely thin skin and delicate, juicy pulp. It must be consumed quickly.

🩺 Safety & Quality Inspection Guide

Quick reference for identifying common healthy vs. problematic conditions:

Mango Disease and Safety Inspection Guide

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.

🛡️ Chemical Ripening Check

Ensure your Langra mango is naturally ripened. Use Food Guard to detect Calcium Carbide and other chemical ripeners.

🔍 Test for Chemicals