Kesar

Kesar, famously known as the 'Queen of Mangoes', is a highly premium commercial variety originating from the foothills of Girnar in Gujarat, India. It was first grown by the Nawabs of Junagadh in 1931 and was named 'Kesar' (Saffron) due to the spectacular bright orange color of its pulp.

Physically, the Kesar mango is medium-sized, weighing between 200 and 300 grams. It has a distinctive elongated, somewhat curved shape with a prominent beak. The skin is uniquely unappealing compared to its interior; it remains a dull green with a slight yellow tinge even when fully ripe, occasionally sporting a faint red blush.

However, the flavor and aroma are breathtaking. The pulp is a brilliant saffron-orange, intensely sweet (often sweeter than Alphonso), and exceptionally juicy with a very minimal amount of soft fiber. Its aroma is powerful, sweet, and fills the room, making it instantly recognizable.

The Kesar season begins in mid-May, hits its absolute peak in early June, and extends until July. It is predominantly cultivated in the Junagadh, Amreli, and Kutch districts of Gujarat, as well as in neighboring parts of Maharashtra.

When comparing Kesar to Alphonso, Rajapuri, or Jamadar, its outward appearance is deceiving. Alphonso has a beautiful golden skin, whereas Kesar remains greenish-yellow. Yet, Kesar often surpasses Alphonso in pure sweetness. Discover more varieties at the Mango Identifier hub.

Kesar has excellent post-harvest characteristics. It boasts a very good shelf life of 8-10 days, making it ideal for export. Furthermore, it is highly sought after for making 'Aamras' (mango pulp) because of its intense saffron color and high sugar content.