📚 Regional Mango Names Guide
Did you know that Alphonso is called Badami in Karnataka and Hapus in Maharashtra? Explore our complete state-by-state guide mapping 30+ regional names across India.
COMMERCIAL VARIETY
Langra
Also known as: Varanasi Langra, Langda, Dudhiya Langra, Malda
👁️ Visual Identification Guide
Shape:Oval
Ripe Color:
GreenLight-green
Skin:Smooth with light spots
Avg. Weight:300-400g
🛡️ Common Susceptibilities
Typical diseases and disorders affecting this variety:
Mango Malformation
Fruit Drop
Anthracnose
Powdery Mildew
Detect these early using our Plant Guard AI.
Read our detailed Mango Diseases & Safety Guide.
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
Regional Presence & Names
Read Names Guide→
Best Uses
✨ Eating fresh
✨ Pickles (raw)
✨ Traditional favorite
Comparison with Similar Varieties
| Variety | Similarity | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Dasheri | Premium North Indian commercial variety | Langra remains green when ripe and has a complex citrusy aroma; Dasheri turns bright yellow and is purely honey-sweet. |
| Himsagar | Green-skinned, highly aromatic eastern variety | Langra has a distinct turpentine/pine note and is rounder; Himsagar is sweeter, smoother, and completely fiberless. |
| Chausa | Intense sweetness and high juiciness | Langra is a mid-season green mango; Chausa is a late-season yellow mango that is much sweeter and softer. |
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
How do you know when a Langra mango is ripe?
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.
Why is the mango called Langra?
The word 'Langra' means lame. Historical accounts suggest the original tree was grown by a lame holy man in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Does Langra mango have a strong smell?
Yes, Langra is famous for its highly distinct, strong, and complex aroma that has underlying notes of citrus and turpentine, highly prized by connoisseurs.
What is the shelf life of Langra mango?
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:
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.