The Ratol Family of Mangoes: no-nonsense guide

The Ratol family of mangoes — named after the village of Rataul (Ratol) near Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, India — produces the most intensely aromatic mangoes in the world. In Pakistan, the Ratol varieties grown in Multan and surrounding Punjab have reached their absolute peak expression, delivering aroma and flavor complexity that connoisseurs prize above all other mango families. This is the honest breakdown.

*Last Updated: June 2026*

Where Ratol Mangoes Come From: The Rataul Story

The variety traces to the village of Rataul, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, where the original tree is said to have been spotted and propagated by horticulturist Sheikh Mohammad Afaq Faridi in the early 1900s. He ran the nursery "Shohra-e-Afaq," established in 1928. After the 1947 Partition, grafted scions were carried to the Multan region of Pakistan, where the hotter, drier climate and wide day–night temperature swing intensified the aroma well beyond the Indian parent. That is why the world's most celebrated Ratol mangoes today are Pakistani.

In India, the original name is protected: "Rataul Mango" received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag on 14 September 2021 from the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. And the variety has its own diplomatic history — since 1981 Pakistan has sent Anwar Ratol mangoes to foreign heads of state and dignitaries, the practice often called "mango diplomacy."

The Ratol Family Tree

Anwar Ratol: The Crown Jewel

Anwar Ratol is the undisputed star of the Ratol family and arguably the most celebrated mango variety in Pakistan.

The Name — An Honest Note on a Contested Story

You will see several origin stories for the word "Anwar." The most credible accounts tie the variety to the Faridi family of Rataul: one version says it was named after the matriarch Anwar Khatun, another after a family member Anwar-ul-Haq. (A common local retelling credits a farmer "Haji Anwar," but this is not supported by the documented horticultural record.) What is not disputed is the place — Rataul village — and the result: a small, intensely aromatic mango that became the benchmark for the whole family.

Early vs Late Anwar Ratol — Same Name, Two Fruits

One detail that confuses buyers: the *same* Anwar Ratol comes in an early and a late form.

The early crop is the connoisseur's prize but is the first casualty of a badly timed rain or windstorm — which is part of why supply is unpredictable and prices stay high.

Why Connoisseurs Choose Anwar Ratol

1. The Aroma: No other mango variety on earth produces an aroma as intense as Anwar Ratol. When you open a box, the fragrance fills the entire room within seconds. This isn't marketing exaggeration — it's a measurable phenomenon. The volatile aromatic compounds (terpenes, esters, and lactones) in Anwar Ratol are present at higher concentrations than in any other tested variety.

1. The Flavor Complexity: While Sindhri delivers straightforward sweetness and Chaunsa delivers floral elegance, Anwar Ratol delivers layers. The first bite is sweet. Then a musky-floral mid-note emerges. Then a warm, lingering finish that stays on the palate for minutes. This layered complexity is what separates it from simpler varieties.

1. The Texture: Ultra-creamy, completely fiberless, the flesh has the consistency of thick fruit creme. There is nothing to chew, nothing stringy — just pure smooth fruit.

1. The Tradition: The classic way to eat Anwar Ratol is the "massage and suck" method — gently massage the ripe fruit until the flesh inside is completely pulpy, then bite off the tip and suck the contents directly. This traditional method is the ultimate mango experience. For a detailed description, see our Anwar Ratol guide.

Anwar Ratol Pricing

Anwar Ratol consistently commands the highest domestic prices of any Pakistani mango variety:

We offer Anwar Ratol in 5kg and 10kg boxes at PKR 2,950 and 5,050 respectively.

12 Number Ratol: The Bigger Brother

12 Number Ratol is essentially a larger-grade selection of the Ratol family. The "12 Number" designation refers to its top-tier grading category — a system used by Pakistani mango traders where higher numbers indicate superior quality and size.

How 12 Number Differs from Anwar Ratol

The trade-off is clear: Anwar Ratol offers slightly more intense aroma and complexity, while 12 Number Ratol gives you the Ratol experience in a more substantial package. Many families order both — Anwar Ratol for connoisseur moments and 12 Number for everyday enjoyment.

Other Ratol Varieties

Bari Ratol

"Bari" means "big" in Punjabi. This is a naturally larger Ratol strain that doesn't require the selective grading of 12 Number. The aroma is slightly less intense than Anwar Ratol but still very good. Bari Ratol is widely available in Punjab markets and represents good value.

Small Ratol (Chhota Ratol)

The smallest Ratol variety — sometimes as tiny as 100g per fruit. What it lacks in size, it delivers in concentrated flavor. Many old-school mango lovers insist that the smallest Ratols have the most intense flavor, and there's some truth to this — smaller fruit concentrates aromatic compounds into less flesh volume.

Tube Ratol

An elongated variety that resembles a tube or cylinder rather than the classic oval Ratol shape. The flavor is good — sweet, aromatic, fiberless — but lacks the peak intensity of Anwar Ratol. Tube Ratol is less commonly available and is primarily found in local Punjab markets.

Growing Ratol Mangoes

Ratol varieties are notoriously difficult to grow compared to more strong cultivars:

• Yield: Lower per-tree yield than Chaunsa or Sindhri — each tree produces fewer fruits
• Sensitivity: More susceptible to weather fluctuations — a poorly timed rain or cold snap can devastate a crop
• Grading Loss: A significant percentage of each harvest doesn't meet premium grade — too small, skin blemishes, or insufficient aroma
• Handling: The thin skin bruises easily, requiring careful hand-harvesting and packaging

These growing challenges are a major reason why Anwar Ratol is consistently the most expensive Pakistani mango variety. Supply is genuinely limited relative to demand.

Ratol Season Timeline

Ordering tip: Anwar Ratol sells out faster than any other variety. At MMA Farms, we recommend ordering 2-3 weeks before each variety's dispatch date. See our ordering guide for details.

The Ratol Experience

If you've never tasted a Ratol family mango, here's what to expect:

1. Before you even taste it: The aroma hits you when you open the box. It's not subtle. It fills the room.
2. First bite: Sweet, intensely fruity, with a richness that feels almost concentrated
3. Mid-palate: Musky-floral notes emerge — hard to describe, impossible to forget
4. Finish: A warm, lingering sweetness that stays on the palate for several minutes
5. After: You'll understand why people say "once you try Ratol, other mangoes feel incomplete"

Order Ratol Mangoes from MMA Farms

We grow both Anwar Ratol and 12 Number Ratol on our Multan orchards. Every fruit is 100% carbide-free, naturally ripened, and hand-selected for premium quality. Browse our mango collection or contact us on WhatsApp to order for the 2026 season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Anwar Ratol and regular Ratol?

"Anwar Ratol" is the celebrated premium strain from Rataul village — the most aromatic and flavorful of all Ratol varieties. "Regular Ratol" or "Small Ratol" is the generic Ratol found in markets — still good, but lacking the peak aroma intensity that makes Anwar Ratol famous. Always look for "Anwar Ratol" by name when buying.

Is Anwar Ratol from India or Pakistan?

Both, in a sense. The variety originated in Rataul village in India, but after Partition it was propagated in the Multan region of Pakistan, where the climate produced a more intensely aromatic fruit. Today the finest Anwar Ratol is Pakistani.

Does Anwar Ratol have a GI tag?

The "Rataul Mango" name received a Geographical Indication tag in India on 14 September 2021. The GI protects the name within India; the Pakistani-grown Ratol is sold under the well-known "Anwar Ratol" name.

What is the difference between early and late Anwar Ratol?

The early crop (late June–early July) has thinner skin and is slightly sweeter but very fragile; the late crop (mid-July–August) has thicker, more travel-stable skin. Both are true Anwar Ratol.

How do I know my Anwar Ratol isn't a copy (12 Number)?

12 Number Ratol looks very similar but is noticeably larger (250–350g vs 150–250g), arrives later (August), and has a slightly milder aroma. The giveaway is the room-filling fragrance the moment you open the box — Anwar Ratol's is the most intense.

Why is Anwar Ratol so expensive?

Three factors: (1) Lower per-tree yield than other varieties, (2) Extreme demand that consistently exceeds supply, and (3) Higher grading losses due to the variety's sensitivity. These factors create genuine scarcity, not artificial price inflation.

What does "12 Number" mean in 12 Number Ratol?

The numbering system is used by Pakistani mango traders to grade quality and size. "12 Number" designates the top tier — the largest, most perfect specimens selected from the Ratol harvest. It's essentially a premium grading label, not a distinct biological variety.

How should I eat Anwar Ratol?

The traditional "massage and suck" method is the classic way: gently squeeze and massage the ripe fruit until the flesh inside is completely pulpy, then bite off the tip and suck out the contents. Alternatively, cut cheeks off either side of the seed and scoop with a spoon. Serve at room temperature for maximum aroma.

Can I get Ratol mangoes outside Pakistan?

Anwar Ratol is exported to the UAE, UK, Saudi Arabia, and occasionally Europe and North America. Availability is limited and prices are premium ($15-30/kg). MMA Farms offers international shipping — contact us on WhatsApp for export orders.

Which Ratol variety should I try first?

Start with Anwar Ratol if aroma and complexity are your priorities. Start with 12 Number Ratol if you want a more substantial eating experience with slightly more flesh per fruit. Both are exceptional.