Chaunsa

Chaunsa (Sindhi: چونسو‎, Urdu: چونسا‎) is a variety of mango. Chaunsa is mainly produced in Mirpur Khas Sindh and Multan, Sahiwal Punjab in Pakistan. This variety of mango was originally made popular by Sher Shah Suri throughout the subcontinent. While commemorating his victory over Humayun at Chausa, he gave his favorite mango the name Chaunsa.

Chaunsa mango has a golden yellow color when ripe. It is soft, almost fibreless and has an aromatic pleasant sweet flavor. The unique taste and richness in its flavor makes it a favorite in Pakistan. Overall it is considered the best mango in terms of its rich aroma, sweet taste, juicy pulp and high nutritional value. The other mango which is considered similarly tasteful, soft in texture and even sweeter in flavor, is Alphonso. But Alphonso lacks the aromatic fragrance of a Chaunsa mango.

The season for Chaunsa in Pakistan normally starts at the beginning of June, and ends in the third week of August. Due to demand, it is heavily exported to the Middle East, Europe, and most recently to the USA. There are three known types of Chaunsa mangoes; Honey Chaunsa, Sweet Chaunsa, and White Chaunsa. White Chaunsa is considered best for export due to its longer shelf life, even though the other two are considered better tasting.