The Best Mangoes in South India, According to Farmers Who Grow Them Mangoes hold a special place in the hearts of South Indian farmers, many of whom have dedicated their lives to cultivating and preserving native varieties.
From Kerala to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka to Telangana, these farmers share their favorite mangoes and the stories behind them.
Kerala: Sweet Memories and Lost Varieties Sankaran Namboothiri from Palakkad reminisces about a native mango variety called *chakkarakodayan*, which he fondly remembers from his childhood for its jaggery-like sweetness. Sadly, this variety is no longer found in backyards.
Instead, he enjoys *Moorthy 1*, a local variety grown on a tree that has thrived for over four decades. Named after his ancestral home, *Moorthiyedathu Mana*, this mango grows in clusters, weighs around 100 grams, and boasts a high sugar content with a Brix level of 23.
Namboothiri is passionate about conserving Kerala’s native mango varieties, many of which are disappearing. His organic farm houses 443 local varieties, including *kuttiyattor* from Kannur and *kottoorkonam* from Thiruvananthapuram.
He has also collected 17 of India’s 22 GI-tagged mangoes, such as *Aroor olor* from Kozhikode, which is awaiting its GI tag.
Karnataka: Pickle Mangoes and Premium Hybrids In Bengaluru, Arun Sogathur grows over 25 mango varieties, including hybrids like *Arka ambika*, *Udaya*, and *Arka suprabhath*.
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