Mango Puree Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Product

Finding the right mango puree can be a challenge. With different varieties like Kesar and Alphonso, and options with or without added sugar, the choices are plentiful. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision by highlighting the key differences between products and presenting a selection of mango purees suited for various culinary uses.

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I have compiled the available information on popular products to offer you objective and practical guidance.

What to Look for When Buying Mango Puree

To find the right product for your recipes, a few key criteria are crucial. Paying attention to these points will make your selection much easier.

1. The Mango Variety: Kesar vs. Alphonso

The two most famous varieties for Indian mango puree are Kesar and Alphonso. Each has a distinct flavour profile:

• Kesar Mango Puree: Often called the "Queen of Fruits," this variety is distinguished by its vibrant saffron-yellow colour and an intense, sweet-tart flavour. Kesar mango puree is especially popular for making mango puree for lassi, as its slight acidity provides a refreshing contrast to yoghurt.
• Alphonso Mango Puree: The Alphonso mango is considered one of the finest varieties. Its pulp is buttery-smooth, fibreless, and has a distinctly sweet, full-bodied taste. Alphonso mango puree is perfect for desserts, ice cream, or enjoying on its own, where an intense, natural sweetness is the main focus.

2. Sugar Content: With or Without Added Sugar

The decision for or against added sugar depends on your personal preference and intended use.

• Mango Puree Without Sugar: This pure mango pulp consists almost entirely of fruit. It offers the authentic, unadulterated taste of the mango and gives you full control over the sweetness of your dishes. It's an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers or for recipes that use other sweet ingredients.
• Mango Puree With Sugar: In this version, sugar is added to the puree, which extends its shelf life and ensures a consistent sweetness. This option is convenient for the quick preparation of drinks and desserts where a specific level of sweetness is desired.

3. Consistency and Packaging

Mango puree is typically offered in cans, which ensures a long shelf life. The consistency can range from thick and creamy to slightly runnier. A thicker consistency is well-suited as a filling for pastries or a base for mousse, while a runnier version dissolves more easily in drinks like smoothies or lassis. The canned mango pulp is a common and practical packaging format for both home use and the food service industry.

Our Selection of Mango Purees

Based on product features and their suitability for different applications, we have put together a selection of mango purees.

SWAD Kesar Mango Puree No Sugar, 850g

What Makes This Product Stand Out According to the manufacturer, this puree from SWAD consists of 99.9% pure Kesar mangoes. The absence of added sugar highlights the natural, characteristic flavour of the Kesar fruit.

Pros

• No Added Sugar: Allows for full control over the sweetness of your dishes.
• High Fruit Content: Delivers an intense and authentic mango flavour.
• Versatile: Suitable for sweet and savoury dishes, drinks, and desserts.
• Certified: The product is Halal certified and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Who Is It For? This product is ideal for home cooks and health-conscious consumers who prefer pure fruit flavour and want to control the sweetness of their creations themselves. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic Kesar mango puree.

Royal Orient Alphonso Mango Puree, 850g

What Makes This Product Stand Out This puree is made from high-quality Alphonso mangoes, known for their rich, sweet taste and vibrant golden colour. With a fruit content of 95% and a subtle sweetness, it is ready to use right out of the can.

Pros

• Classic Alphonso Flavour: Offers the characteristically sweet and creamy aroma of the Alphonso mango.
• Ready to Use: The balanced sweetness makes it a convenient ingredient for quick desserts and drinks.
• Smooth Texture: The fine consistency is well-suited for smoothies, milkshakes, and ice cream.

Who Is It For? This Alphonso mango puree is a great choice for lovers of traditional Indian sweets and for anyone looking for a straightforward and reliable ingredient for their desserts. It appeals to both home and professional kitchens.

Royal Orient Kesar Mango Puree, 950g

What Makes This Product Stand Out This product from Royal Orient captures the aromatic profile of the Kesar mango. It is lightly sweetened to enhance the fruit's natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Pros

• Authentic Kesar Flavour: Ideal for preparing mango lassi and other traditional recipes.
• Balanced Sweetness: Offers a good balance between the natural sweetness and the slight tartness of the Kesar mango.
• Generous Size: The 950g can is practical for regular use or larger households.

Who Is It For? This puree is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the characteristic flavour of Kesar mango puree in a ready-to-use form. It is particularly well-suited as a mango puree for lassi and is a versatile ingredient for Asian cuisine.

Looking for More Options?

If you haven't found the right product among these recommendations or are interested in other canned fruits, there's more to explore. From pineapple chunks to lychees in syrup, the selection of preserved fruit products is vast.

Explore our entire range of canned fruit and find more fruit products for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Kesar and Alphonso mango puree? The main difference is in the taste and colour. Kesar mango puree is bright orange-yellow and has a sweet-tart flavour, making it ideal for lassis. Alphonso mango puree is golden-yellow, creamier, and significantly sweeter, making it a preferred choice for desserts.

What is the shelf life of canned mango puree? An unopened can of mango pulp can typically last for several years when stored in a cool, dry place (check the packaging for the exact best-before date). After opening, the contents should be transferred to a non-metallic container, stored in the refrigerator, and consumed within a few days, typically 2 to 4.

Can you eat mango puree straight from the can? Yes, mango puree is a ready-to-eat product. It can be enjoyed on its own, used as a topping for yoghurt or ice cream, or incorporated as an ingredient in a variety of recipes such as smoothies, desserts, marinades, and curries.