Mango in winter? Early arrival of summer fruits is being seen in Bengaluru markets. lifestyle news

Last updated:January 05, 2026, 11:32 IST

Many shoppers stop by to inquire, examine the fruit, and ask questions, but leave without making a purchase. Sellers attribute this hesitation to doubts about artificial ripening.

Bengaluru’s fruit markets are witnessing an unusual development this winter, with mangoes starting to appear months ahead of their traditional summer season. In a city accustomed to the influx of mangoes around March and peaking by April and May, the sale of the fruit in early January has created curiosity among buyers and cautious interest among traders.

Wholesalers and retailers across Bengaluru say there has been a steady supply of off-season mangoes over the past few weeks. Although the quantity is not very high, the presence itself is significant enough to raise questions among consumers about quality, safety, and pricing.

What mangoes are available now

Traders say varieties like Neelam and Banganapalli are currently being sold in Bengaluru markets. These mangoes are largely sourced from orchards in Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, where off-season cultivation techniques have become increasingly common.

Currently, Neelam mango is being sold at around Rs 160 per kg, while the Banganapalli variety is priced around Rs 150 per kg. Sellers say these rates are generally higher than those paid by consumers during the peak summer months, when supply is abundant and prices soften.

Buyers are eager, but sales remain slow

Despite the novelty factor, traders say actual sales remain low. Many shoppers stop by to inquire, examine the fruit, and ask questions, but leave without making a purchase. Sellers attribute this hesitation to two main concerns – skepticism about artificial ripening and relatively high prices.

Many consumers associate mangoes eaten out of season with chemical ripening or bad taste. While some buyers are willing to try a small amount of it out of curiosity, most prefer to wait for the natural summer harvest, which they believe offers better flavor and aroma.

Why are the mangoes coming early?

Agricultural experts say that the early arrival of mango is not accidental. In many mango growing areas of southern India, farmers now follow controlled farming practices that allow them to produce the fruit outside the traditional season.

These methods involve early flowering by applying specific plant growth regulators to the soil at precise stages of the crop cycle. When done correctly and within prescribed limits, this technique enables farmers to harvest mangoes between October and December, instead of waiting for the summer months.

Experts say this practice has been adopted to penetrate specific markets and fetch higher prices when mangoes are in short supply.

Is it safe to eat off-season mangoes?

According to agricultural experts, the use of plant growth regulators to induce flowering is allowed when applied correctly. They emphasize that these substances do not remain as residues in fruits or soil when used in recommended amounts.

However, experts also point out that consumer skepticism often stems from confusion between flower induction techniques and artificial ripening practices. While the former is a controlled farming method, ripening artificially using banned chemicals is illegal and unsafe.

Traders say clear communication and better awareness is needed to bridge this trust gap, especially when such products enter urban markets like Bengaluru.

The market is driven not by demand but by curiosity

At present, off-season in Bengaluru is more of a novelty than a mainstream purchase. Vendors say the fruit attracts attention but does not translate into strong demand. Given the slow turnover, many sellers keep limited quantities of stock to avoid losses.

Market insiders believe this trend may continue until prices come down or consumers develop more confidence in off-season products. Some traders expect demand to pick up modestly as supply increases and rates soften, but most agree that peak consumption will only return during the summer months.

What’s next for Bengaluru’s Mango Market?

At present, Bengaluru’s early mango season reflects wide variation in farming practices and market usage. While science has enabled farmers to expand the common calendar, consumers’ preferences remain rooted in tradition.

Unless buyers are convinced of taste, safety and value, off-season mangoes are likely to be purchased occasionally rather than as regular purchases. As supplies continue to swell in the city, traders and consumers alike are watching closely to see if winter mangoes will ever find a permanent place in Bengaluru’s fruit baskets.