Few fruits in the world evoke as much passion and pride as Indian mangoes. Among the country’s most beloved varieties, two names rise to the top: Kesar and Alphonso. While Alphonso, often called the “King of Mangoes,” has traditionally dominated headlines and export charts, the Kesar mango is making a bold, flavorful case for itself as India’s sweetest secret. Let’s dive into this fruity face-off and discover which mango truly reigns supreme.
1. Origin and Geographical Identity
Alphonso (Hapus):
- Region: Predominantly grown in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, including Ratnagiri, Devgad, and Sindhudurg.
- GI Tag: Granted to Ratnagiri and Devgad Alphonso mangoes.
- History: Introduced to India by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, named after Afonso de Albuquerque.
Kesar:
- Region: Primarily grown in Gujarat’s Gir region, especially Junagadh, and expanding fast into Marathwada(Maharashtra).
- GI Tag: Gir Kesar mango received a GI tag in 2011 — the first agricultural product from Gujarat to do so.
- Marathwada Kesar: Emerging as a premium offshoot, thanks to favorable climate, rich soil, and sustainable practices. Received it’s GI tag in 2016.
2. Appearance and Texture
| Feature | Kesar Mango | Alphonso Mango |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Oval with a pronounced beak | Small Oval shaped |
| Skin Color | Golden-yellow with a saffron tint | Bright golden-yellow, sometimes reddish |
| Flesh Color | Deep orange to saffron | Rich golden-yellow |
| Texture | Smooth, fiberless | Smooth, sometimes slightly fibrous |
3. Flavor Profile
Kesar Mango:
- Renowned for its sweetness with a mild tang.
- Its aromatic, juicy pulp makes it perfect for desserts, pulp processing, and fresh consumption.
Alphonso Mango:
- Slightly tangy with a more intense aroma.
- Rich, creamy, and often described as the “mango of connoisseurs.”
4. Culinary Versatility
- Kesar:
- Often preferred for aamras, milkshakes, and mango-based sweets.
- Pulp retains its color and flavor even after freezing, making it ideal for exports and processing.
- Alphonso:
- Loved for table consumption and luxury desserts.
- Delicate flesh makes it less suitable for freezing and long-term pulp storage.
5. Market and Export Potential
- Alphonso:
- Commands premium prices.
- High demand in UAE, UK, USA, and Japan.
- However, highly perishable and sensitive to transport.
- Kesar:
- Rapidly growing export share due to longer shelf life and consistent taste.
- Increasingly preferred by processors and F&B industries.
- Marathwada Kesar offers significant potential with lower input costs and robust post-harvest handling.
6. Shelf Life and Storage
- Kesar: Superior shelf life; pulp color and taste are retained in frozen form.
- Alphonso: More delicate and susceptible to over-ripening; quality deteriorates if not stored properly.
7. Sustainability and Farming Trends
- Kesar (especially in Marathwada):
- Grown using modern, sustainable techniques.
- Favorable for drip irrigation, intercropping, and organic farming.
- Alphonso:
- More prone to fungal diseases and requires intense care.
- Sensitive to weather fluctuations.
8. The Verdict
So, which mango reigns supreme? The answer depends on what you’re looking for:
- Love intense aroma and creamy pulp? Alphonso is your pick.
- Prefer sweetness, pulp utility, and value for money? Kesar wins hands down.
With evolving consumer preferences, Kesar — especially from Marathwada — is emerging as the mango of the future.
Leave a Reply