Dreaming of a seedless mango? Scientists are getting there, but not quite yet

Imagine digging into the flesh of a sweet, ripe mango without having to pause and nibble around that huge annoying seed in the middle. In search of a better mango, researchers at the Bihar Agriculture University in India are attempting a seedless variety, reported The Independent.

Despite multiple media outlets reporting the invention of a seedless mango, BAU researchers have not actually grown a seedless mango, they are simply running tests on a mango called Sindhu.

In 2011, BAU planted Sindhu mangoes, and this is the first year the trees have produced fruit. The mangoes are a cross between the Ratna and Alphonso varieties of mangoes developed in 1992 by Konkan Krishi Vidyapith, Dapoli agriculture university in Maharashtra, according to Quartz.

The BAU is just the latest of many researchers in India to conduct trials on the Sindhu mango.

The Sindhu weigh a little less than half a pound and have a smaller seed than other types of mangoes, resulting in fewer fibrous bits around the seed.

Research trials on the mangoes are currently underway, but don’t expect to see Sindhu mangoes in stores anytime soon. The fruit isn’t expected to be available commercially for at least five more years.

Twitter: @Jenn_Harris_