Indigenous varieties of mangoes tickle taste buds at Kozhikode fest

Exotic varieties of mangoes tickled the taste buds of fruit lovers in Kozhikode, Kerala, during a festival.

The 21st edition of the mango festival, which began on May 8, has been organised by the Calicut Agri- Horticultural Society and will conclude on May 18.

Various varieties of mangoes were put on display, including Alphonso, Kudadath, Banganampalli Malgova and the native Chakkarakkutty.

Rare and indigenous varieties such as Chandrakkaran, Perakka Manga, Ammini and hybrid varieties like H4, Mallina, H44 and H151 also delighted the visitors.

"Our aim is to educate people about the various varieties of mangoes, especially Malgova mango. We have also brought a lot of mangoes from Thaliparambu farm and the mangoes are also for sale. Such festivals help as people don't know about various kinds and quality of mangoes," said chief patron of Calicut Agri-Horticultural Society, Krishnan Vaydyar.

Meanwhile, there was also a mango eating competition which enthralled the audience. The participants were required to eat as many mangoes as possible.

Jose Thomas emerged victorious who was rewarded with a cash prize and variety of mangoes to take home.

"It's not about winning or losing, it's about being part of this event," said Thomas.

A total of 35 participants tested their appetites with the crowds cheering and lauding for them.

"There is lot of enjoyment and fun, it's not about the competition. It's a lot of fun during the mango season," another participant, Mohammed Naushad, said.

Mango, popularly known as king of fruits, is grown in different parts of the country.

Arrival of the fruit from southern and western parts of the country hits the market mainly in April-May, while harvest in the north starts from May-end and runs till mid-July.

The Middle East buys 80 percent of mango exports from India, the world's biggest producer of the fruit, accounting for about half of global output.

Other major producers include China, Thailand, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria and Egypt.

Asia, excluding India, accounts for more than a third of world mango output.