Mango in October is not something Gujarat sees every year. This month, Saurashtra's Kesar mango turned up at a market yard about six months early. Here is what was reported, why it may have happened, and what it means if you are hoping for an early mango treat.
What happened at Porbandar
Ahmedabad Mirror reported on 27 October 2026 that four boxes of Kesar mangoes were auctioned at the Porbandar APMC yard for a combined ₹53,500. The top lot, a 10-kg box from Hanumangadh village, sold for ₹14,500 after spirited bidding. Market yard sources said three boxes came from the Ranavav area and one from an orchard in Hanumangadh.
Why Kesar came early
Kesar normally flowers in December and January and the fruit matures around March and April. According to the same report, deficient monsoon rainfall and unusually high temperatures are believed to have disrupted the normal flowering and fruiting cycle this year. Horticulture experts and orchard owners were surprised, and the report notes questions about how changing weather may be affecting the region's mango calendar. This is one small lot; it does not mean the season has moved.
What ICMR-NIN data says about Kesar
ICMR-NIN's Indian Food Composition Tables 2017 list ripe Kesar mango separately from other varieties. Per 100 g of edible portion, IFCT gives about:
| Kesar mango, ripe (per 100 g) | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 231 kJ (about 55 kcal) |
| Carbohydrate | 11.4 g |
| Total dietary fibre | 2.0 g |
| Water | 85.1 g |
Mango is a fruit, so it fits a varied diet. ICMR-NIN's Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024) encourage whole fruits over juices and sweetened fruit products.
What it means for shoppers
- Expect very high prices and tiny volumes. A ₹14,500 box works out to ₹1,450 a kilo at auction, before any retail margin.
- Ripening matters. FSSAI has warned that ripening fruit with calcium carbide is banned. Buy from trusted sellers and let fruit ripen naturally.
- Off-season, try mango in other forms. Frozen pulp and fruit preparations made in season are how most mango desserts reach menus outside spring.
Sources
Questions
Is Kesar mango season starting now?
No. The October 2026 lot at Porbandar was four boxes, reported as an unusual out-of-season arrival. Kesar normally ripens around March and April.
Why did the mangoes come so early?
According to the Ahmedabad Mirror report, deficient monsoon rainfall and unusually high temperatures are believed to have disrupted the normal flowering and fruiting cycle. Horticulture experts were surprised, and the exact cause has not been studied.
What does ICMR-NIN data say about Kesar mango?
ICMR-NIN's Indian Food Composition Tables 2017 list ripe Kesar mango at about 231 kJ (about 55 kcal), 11.4 g carbohydrate and 2.0 g total dietary fibre per 100 g of edible portion.
Are early-season mangoes safe to buy?
Buy from sellers you trust, and look for fruit that ripens naturally. FSSAI has warned against artificial ripening with calcium carbide, which is banned.
Do you share mango recipes?
No. We share ideas, not recipes.
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