Gujarat has long been known for producing Kesar and Alphonso mangoes, two varieties that have earned a reputation for their rich sweetness and strong demand across the country. Now, a handful of farmers in the state are looking beyond these traditional favourites by experimenting with premium mango varieties from the United States and Japan. While the initiative is still in its early stages, growers believe these exotic fruits could help create a niche market among consumers seeking unique flavours and premium-quality produce.
Lemon Zest Mango Brings a New Flavour to Gujarat
One of the latest varieties being cultivated is the Lemon Zest mango, which originated in Florida, US. Unlike conventional Indian mangoes, the Lemon Zest is known for its distinctive flavour. It begins with intense sweetness and leaves a citrus-like taste, similar to lime, making it different from the flavour profile of traditional varieties.
Sumeet Jariya, a farmer from Sasan Gir, has planted 35 Lemon Zest saplings sourced from the United States and Thailand in his Kesar orchard over the past three years. The trees produce fruit around mid-June, with creamy, fibreless pulp and a rich yellow-orange colour.
Describing the fruit, Jariya said its taste is difficult to explain in words. According to him, the fruit delivers intense sweetness when first eaten before ending with a refreshing citrus flavour similar to lime.
Farmers Eye Premium Consumers
Jariya plans to market the Lemon Zest mango as a premium product by selling it directly to consumers in metropolitan cities through small gift boxes. The fruit is expected to retail at around Rs 1,000 per kilogram.
However, he believes it is still too early to determine whether the variety will become commercially successful. According to Jariya, farmers still need to assess factors such as yield per tree, cultivation costs, consumer response and overall market demand before reaching any conclusions.
Despite these uncertainties, he feels the variety has shown promising commercial potential based on his experience so far.
Miyazaki Mango Attracts Farmers’ Attention
Apart from the Lemon Zest variety, Gujarat farmers are also experimenting with Japan’s famous Miyazaki mango, which is regarded as one of the world’s most expensive fruits.
Authentic Miyazaki mangoes grown in Japan can fetch around Rs 2.5 lakh per kilogram, while fruits cultivated in India are sold for Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per kilogram.
A few farmers across Saurashtra and North Gujarat have already started growing the variety. Among them is Hasmukh Patel from Idar taluka in Sabarkantha district, who has planted six Miyazaki mango trees.
Patel believes that although Indian-grown Miyazaki mangoes are unlikely to command the same prices as those grown in Japan, the variety is expected to gain popularity among consumers over time.
What Makes Miyazaki Different?
Unlike most mangoes that turn yellow when ripe, Miyazaki develops a striking purplish-red skin. The fruit is juicy, completely fibreless and offers sweetness comparable to that of Kesar mangoes.
While Japanese farmers cultivate Miyazaki under highly controlled conditions, Gujarat’s farmers are adapting the variety to local climatic conditions with additional care as they continue to study its performance.
A New Direction for Gujarat’s Mango Orchards
The cultivation of Lemon Zest and Miyazaki mangoes is still at an experimental stage, but it reflects the willingness of some Gujarat farmers to diversify beyond traditional varieties. As they monitor production, cultivation costs and consumer demand, these growers hope the exotic mangoes will eventually carve out a place in India’s premium fruit market.
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