Honey mango differs from the regular mango in its origin, size, taste, ripened look, and peak season, among other things. It’s also considered fleshier than the common southeast Asian mangoes since the seed is smaller.
However, many more differences separate these two kinds of mangoes.
So, let’s discuss these differences in-depth.
8 Differences Between Honey Mango and Regular Mango
You already know they belong to the same varieties and share similar tastes, but that’s as far as the likeness goes.
I’ve distilled the differences between these two in the table below. When you have a minute, continue below for an expanded opinion on how these differences matter.
| Criteria: | Regular Mango | Honey Mango |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivating region | South Asia; Southeast Asia | Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico |
| Taste | Sweet | Sweeter |
| Size | Bigger | Smaller |
| Weight | Avg.: 250-350 grams | Avg: 170 – 280 grams |
| Texture | Fibrous | Smooth and non-fibrous |
| Ripening color | Green and yellow | Golden yellow |
| Season | March – June | April – July |
| Best applications | Eating and cooking | Eating and smoothies |
Origin: Where Are They From?
Most regular mangoes are cultivated in South and Southeast Asia, with India alone representing over 45% of the world’s mango supply.
However, honey mangoes are grown in Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico. Still, Mexico has claimed the cultivar as theirs and has the most vocal support for this variety.
Taste: How Do They Taste?
Honey mangoes live up to the name, being a tad sweeter than the regular mangoes. They’re at their most precious when they’re ripe.
This isn’t to say that the regular mangoes aren’t sweet either. Also, letting regular mangoes go overripe gives them the same even golden yellow hue and sweeter taste as the honey mango.
However, that’s not how they’re meant to be eaten and may cause stomach upsets for some.
Good Read: Learn 5 Ways to Eat a Mango Seed
Size: How Big Are They?
Honey mangoes are known for their smaller sizes compared to regular mangoes. A common mango can weigh almost twice as much as a honey mango.
Luckily, the honey mango makes up for its smaller size by allowing a more considerable flesh-to-fruit ratio. Thus, you get almost equal edible parts from the average honey and regular mango.
Feel: What’s Their Texture?
Regular mangoes are usually fibrous and less smooth than honey mangoes with a softer texture. However, both mangoes have firm flesh when ripe to make for cleaner eating.
Still, they both get messy when left to ripen for too long before biting into them.
Ripening Colors
Regular mangoes can show their ripeness with green or yellow coloration on the skin. Honey mangoes are only fully ripe when they display their characteristic golden yellow color.
This gives regular mangoes better consumption leeway as you can start eating them at varying firmness levels until they reach the yellow color stage. On the other hand, you should wait till the honey mango comes into full color to enjoy it.
Season: When Are They in Season?
Honey mangoes usually experience their peak season from March to June, which is at the height of the summer and fall months in the regions where they’re grown. Conversely, regular mangoes experience their peak seasons between April to July instead.
But you can still get these mango varieties outside their peak seasons. Even though they won’t be in high supply and may cost more, imports help keep them in some supply level.
Good Read: A Complete Guide to Mango Season in the US and Abroad
Consumption: What Are Their Best Applications?
Regular mangoes can be eaten as they are, peeled and eaten with dipping sauce, or used for other cooking types. Also, they can be used to make salads and smoothies, but this is where honey mangoes shine better.
Since they aren’t as fibrous as regular mangoes, honey mangoes leave less “residue” in smoothies and can provide a smoother blend. Likewise, this makes them better presentable on salads, given the fresh texture.
So, Which Mango Variety Do You Prefer?
No rule says you have to choose between the two mango varieties.
If you’re like me, you enjoy the mangoes in the season while waiting for the next one to hit. That way, you treat your taste buds to different, exciting mango flavors.
However, if you have a personal preference, I’ll love to hear it (and why) in the comments.
