Chennai: Pushcarts are displaying pyramids of mangoes, and their scent is filling retail markets across the city as the juicy fruit’s season hits its peak. While customers are flocking to stalls, one variety commands significant attention and a premium price tag — the imam pasand.The large-sized mangoes, which often weigh between 500 to 800 grams per fruit, are in high demand, consistently fetching prices between 200 and 250 per kg in retail. “This year’s quality is outstanding,” said a fruit vendor, K Jayaraman, who is a member of the market management committee. “They are sweet and have a captivating aroma,” he said.On Saturday, Samuel Raj, a chef at an Anna Nagar restaurant, picked several boxes of the fruit. “These fibreless fruits are best for preparing desserts. It has a deep yellow, a complex sweet-tangy flavour with unique citrus and coconut notes,” he said. Wholesale prices are 150 per kg for premium quality.While royal imam pasand reigns supreme, other popular varieties are also widely available, offering options for every budget. Alphonso mangoes cost 120 per kg at retail, originating from a wholesale price of 80-100 per kg. Javaadu is sold at 100 in most retail shops. For those seeking a more budget-friendly yet delicious choice, banganapallis are available at 70-80 per kg.Some who are on the hunt for rarer finds might stumble upon Salem malgova and Maharashtra’s ratnagiri mangoes. Malgovas are priced at 100 per kg in wholesale, while ratnagiri is trading at 120 per kg. The sindura variety, currently priced at 60 per kg wholesale, is nearing the end of its season.Vendors noted that the price of banganapalli might soon drop, thanks to recent showers in Andhra Pradesh, promising a good harvest. “These timely rains are crucial forw enhancing quality of the remaining mango crop. Improved rainfall can lead to better fruit development, resulting in sweeter, and more succulent mangoes,” Jayaraman said. Next week, the fruit prices will dip further, he said.Vendors are already booking end-of-season varieties such as rumani and neelam mangoes, which are expected by June end.