May
Early season — fruit arrives in limited quantities
GUJARAT · JUNAGADH & GIR
Kesar Mango — The Queen of Mangoes from Gujarat's Gir Belt
The Kesar mango is Alphonso's closest rival for the title of India's best mango — and its most passionate advocates would argue it has already won. From the Junagadh district at the foothills of the Gir forest in Gujarat, Kesar is named for its saffron-coloured flesh that gives it its name (kesar means saffron in Hindi/Gujarati). It is sweeter, longer-seasoned, and — crucially — more affordable than Alphonso.
FLAVOUR PROFILE
What Makes Kesar Mango Unique?
Kesar mango grows in the rocky, mineral-rich soil at the base of the Gir hills, in an agro-climatic zone that exists nowhere else in India. The combination of calcium-rich Gir soil, coastal Gujarat humidity, and warm dry summers creates a mango with a distinctive flavour profile that separates it from any other variety.
Key Characteristics
Flesh colour
Deep saffron-orange (the saffron colouring is natural, not chemical)
Taste
Sweet, rich, floral — slightly less acidic than Alphonso, but deeply flavourful
Texture
Smooth, fiberless, juicy
Skin
Thin, golden-yellow with green shoulders when slightly unripe
Aroma
Floral and sweet — less intense than Alphonso but distinct
Sugar content
18–22% Brix at peak ripeness
SEASON
Kesar Mango Season
Kesar's season is longer than Alphonso's — one of its great advantages for buyers.
June
Peak season — full colour, maximum sweetness
Peak quality
July
Late season — still excellent quality
Best buying window: June. Kesar's season runs approximately May to July, with peak quality in June. This makes it available long after Alphonso is gone.
PRICE GUIDE
Kesar Mango Price
Type
Price
A-grade Gir Kesar (per dozen)
₹500 – ₹900
Kesar per kg
₹200 – ₹400
Gift box (2 kg)
₹600 – ₹1,200
Kesar is significantly more affordable than Alphonso at comparable grades. It is the go-to choice for bulk gifting and family orders. Browse more options in our variety guide.
ORIGIN COMPARISON
Alphonso vs Kesar Mango — Which to Choose?
Feature
Alphonso
Kesar
Origin
Ratnagiri/Devgad, Maharashtra
Junagadh, Gujarat
Season
March–May
May–July
Price
Higher
Moderate
Sweetness
Rich, acidic-sweet
Floral, round sweetness
Availability
Ends by mid-May
Available through July
GI Tag
Yes
Yes
Best for
Connoisseurs, gifting
Family orders, extended season buying
Frequently Asked Questions
Kesar mango price ranges from ₹200 to ₹400 per kg for A-grade Gir Kesar, and ₹500 to ₹900 per dozen during peak season (June).
FARM DIRECT
Order Farm-Fresh Gir Kesar — Season: May to July
Kesar from Junagadh. Sweeter, longer season, better value.