Alphonso vs Kesar.
Two GI-tagged king mangoes from two neighbouring states. Kesar starts the season; Alphonso closes it. The right answer is usually "both, in sequence".
Side by side
| Attribute | Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) | Kesar |
|---|---|---|
| Origin region | Devgad taluka, Maharashtra | Junagadh / Talala, Saurashtra (Gujarat) |
| GI tag | #139 | #281 (Gir Kesar) |
| Season | May 5 – late June | Mid-April – June |
| Fruit size | 200–300g | 180–250g |
| Skin colour | Saffron-orange, pink shoulder blush | Yellow-green with red-orange shoulder |
| Shape | Oval with pointed tip | Oval, slightly flatter |
| Aroma | Woody-floral, deep | Sweet-floral, brighter |
| Sugar profile | Balanced sugar-acid, long finish | Sweeter on first bite, less acidic |
| Best for | Aamras, shrikhand, kulfi, fresh eating | Aamras (Gujarati style), lassi, fresh eating |
| Price (per dozen, peak) | ₹799–₹1,199 | ₹450–₹699 |
The two-mango Indian household
A pattern we see often, especially in Mumbai and Ahmedabad: buy Kesar for April's first aamras of the season, then switch to Alphonso from mid-May onwards as the Devgad season opens. Two boxes a month across April-June is typical for a 4-5 person household with Maharashtrian or Gujarati family ties.
Which one for which dish?
- Maharashtrian-style aamras with puri: Alphonso. The aroma carries through the heat of the puri.
- Gujarati-style ras with rotli/puri: Kesar. The brighter sweetness is the regional signature.
- Mango lassi: Either works; Kesar gives a slightly sweeter result with less added sugar needed.
- Aamrakhand / shrikhand: Alphonso. The aroma is the dish.
- Mango kulfi: Alphonso for depth, Kesar for brightness — depends on your preference.
- Pure eating: Alphonso when you want intensity; Kesar when you want easy sweetness.
Ready to taste the season?
Pre-book a box. Carbide-free. Doorstep across Mumbai by 9 AM.