The difference between Ratnagiri alphonso mango and Gir kesar mango

1. Origin and Geographic Indication (GI)

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Origin: Grown in the coastal Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.
• GI Tag: Recognized under the GI system, covering Ratnagiri and neighboring areas.
• Climatic Influence: Grown in a humid, coastal environment, giving it a distinct taste and aroma.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Origin: Grown in the Gir region of Gujarat, especially around Junagadh and Talala.
• GI Tag: Also recognized under the GI system as “Gir Kesar Mango.”
• Climatic Influence: Cultivated in a semi-arid region, benefiting from dry conditions and the unique soil of Gujarat.

2. Appearance

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Shape: Oval with a tapered end.
• Color: Golden-yellow with a reddish tinge on the top when fully ripe.
• Skin: Thin and smooth.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Shape: Slightly rounder and broader compared to Alphonso.
• Color: Deep orange to saffron (hence the name “Kesar,” meaning saffron in Hindi).
• Skin: Slightly thicker and may have a reddish-green tinge when ripe.

3. Flavor and Aroma

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Flavor: Exceptionally rich, creamy, and sweet with a hint of tanginess.
• Aroma: Intense, fruity fragrance with a floral note, considered the “King of Mangoes” for its unparalleled taste.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Flavor: Distinctly sweet and slightly less tangy compared to Alphonso. It has a smooth, fiber-free pulp.
• Aroma: Mildly aromatic with a unique saffron-like fragrance.

4. Pulp and Texture

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Pulp: Deep orange, fiberless, and buttery.
• Texture: Smooth and melts in the mouth.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Pulp: Vibrant orange, slightly denser than Alphonso.
• Texture: Juicy and smooth, though slightly thicker.

5. Harvesting Season

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Harvest: March to May.
• Early season mangoes are smaller; peak season fruits are larger and sweeter.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Harvest: May to July.
• Often available slightly later than Alphonso, extending the mango season.

6. Price

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Premium-priced due to limited production, high demand, and export value.
• Considered more luxurious because of its intense flavor and delicate nature.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Relatively more affordable, with wider availability.
• Valued for its sweetness and saffron-like fragrance, but generally less expensive than Alphonso.

7. Cultivation and Soil

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Soil: Grows in lateritic soils rich in iron and nutrients, with good drainage.
• Climate: Humid coastal climate enhances its unique flavor.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Soil: Thrives in the alluvial and black soils of Gujarat.
• Climate: Dry, arid conditions with ample sunlight enhance its sweetness and shelf life.

8. Export and Demand

Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango:

• Highly demanded in international markets like Europe, the Middle East, and the USA.
• Known for its exclusivity and association with luxury.

Gir Kesar Mango:

• Popular in domestic markets and some international markets.
• Its affordability and extended shelf life make it widely accessible.

Summary Table

Both mangoes are prized for their unique qualities and play a significant role in India’s mango diversity, catering to different preferences and markets.