🌙

Chandrakaran

(Chandrakaran Pazham, Moon Fruit Mango, Chandrakkaran, Karpooram Maanga)

Chandrakaran is a small, round mango variety famous in Kerala for its extreme sweetness and use in traditional cuisine. Known as the "Moon Fruit" due to its round shape, it is a key ingredient in Mambazha Pulissery. Despite its small size, it is highly prized for its fiberless, juicy flesh and medicinal properties. It typically grows in clusters and is one of the most expensive local varieties in Kerala.

Quick Facts

📍
Region
Kerala, Tamil Nadu
📅
Season
April-June
⚖️
Weight
50-100g
🥭
Shape
Small-round

Visual Identification Guide

🔷 Shape

Small-round

Distinctive shape characteristics

🎨 Ripe Colors

yellow-orangegolden-yellow

Typical ripe color variations

📏 Size

Small

50-100g average

🤚 Skin Texture

Smooth, thin

Skin texture when ripe

Taste & Characteristics

👅Taste: Sweet with a mild tang
💧Fiber Content: None
👃Aroma: Strong, camphor-like (Karpooram)
🧈Texture: Soft, very juicy

🔑 Key Identification Markers

✓ Tiny round size
✓ Intensely sweet and juicy
✓ Used in Pulissery

Seasonal Availability

SeasonApril-June
Peak MonthMay
TypeMid

Regional Presence

📍 Kerala 📍 Tamil-nadu

Best Uses

✨ Pulissery (mango curry)
✨ Eating fresh
✨ Juicing

Similar Varieties

These varieties might look similar but have distinct characteristics:

Muvandan

Heritage & Cultural Significance

Pride of Kerala. Traditionally used in royal kitchens and Ayurvedic preparations.

🛡️

🥭 Check for Chemical Ripening

Ensure your Chandrakaran mango is naturally ripened. Use Food Guard to detect artificial ripening with Calcium Carbide and other chemicals.

🔍 Test for Chemicals