In the royal court of Indian mangoes, two varieties reign supreme: the Alphonso, crowned as the “King of Mangoes,” and the Kesar, often hailed as the “Queen of Mangoes.”
Both are celebrated for their distinctive flavours and textures, but which truly deserves the throne? Let’s dive into this royal battle and see how these two regal varieties compare.
The King: Alphonso Mango
As the undisputed King of Mangoes, the Alphonso, also known as Hapus, is known for its luxurious, velvety texture and complex flavour. Here’s what makes this mango worthy of its crown:
- Flavour: The Alphonso boasts a rich, creamy sweetness, with a perfect balance of tropical fruit and honey-like notes. There’s also a hint of tartness, adding depth to its flavour.
- Texture: The Alphonso’s flesh is smooth and buttery, with almost no fibrousness. It practically melts in your mouth.
- Aroma: The fragrance of the Alphonso mango is fit for royalty—intense and sweet, with a fruity scent that captivates your senses long before you take a bite.
- Appearance: These mangoes wear their royal colours proudly, with a vibrant golden-yellow skin and a slight red blush. Their oval shape and thin skin make them easy to peel, revealing the rich treasure within.
- Growing Region: Alphonso mangoes thrive in the coastal regions of Ratnagiri and Konkan in Maharashtra, where the climate provides the perfect conditions for this royal fruit to flourish.
The Queen: Kesar Mango
While the Alphonso is the king, the Kesar mango stands tall as the “Queen of Mangoes.” Named after the saffron-coloured hue of its flesh, this royal rival offers a different kind of sweetness:
- Flavour: The Kesar mango is sweeter than the Alphonso, with a straightforward, honeyed taste that lacks the slight acidity of its counterpart. However, its floral notes give it a regal charm, perfect for those who prefer their mangoes without the hint of sharpness of the Alphonso.
- Texture: The Kesar mango, while not as creamy as the Alphonso, offers a smooth, soft texture with minimal fibre, making it a pleasure to eat.
- Aroma: The aroma of the Kesar is subtler, with a delicate floral fragrance that is lighter than the powerful scent of Alphonso but still every bit as enchanting.
- Appearance: Kesar mangoes wear their royal colours with pride, showing off a yellow skin with a tinge of green. The saffron-coloured flesh, from which the Kesar gets its name, is truly a jewel in the crown.
- Growing Region: This queen of mangoes hails from the Girnar Hills of Gujarat, where the dry, warm climate produces mangoes known for their intense sweetness.
The Royal Verdict: Who Wins the Throne?
In this battle of mango royalty, the decision ultimately rests on your taste preferences.
The Alphonso mango, with its rich complexity, buttery texture, and balanced sweetness, remains the King for those who appreciate indulgent, sophisticated flavours. It’s perfect for those who seek a luxurious, full-bodied experience.
The Kesar mango, on the other hand, holds her own as the Queen with her unpretentious sweetness and floral charm. If you prefer a lighter, honeyed flavour and a simpler, more refreshing bite, Kesar may be the royal choice for you.
Rather than choosing one over the other, why not enjoy both when mango season arrives? We can guarantee they taste incredible compared to UK supermarket mangoes.
In this kingdom, the best approach may be to appreciate the King and Queen side by side—each delivering their own unique flavour, texture, and royal flair.