The “King of Chakapat” mango, also known as the Thai Red Emperor Mango or simply Chakapat Mango, is a highly esteemed variety, particularly in Thailand, where it originated. It has gained significant popularity globally for its distinctive appearance and exceptional taste.
Here’s a detailed description:
Origin and Cultivation:
- Origin: The King of Chakapat mango was first developed in Thailand, which is why it’s often referred to as a “Thai mango.”
- Tree Characteristics: King of Chakapat mango trees are typically large, reaching heights of 30 to 100 feet, with a broad, rounded canopy. They are long-lived, with some specimens known to be several hundred years old and still producing fruit. They are adaptable to tropical and subtropical climates and require ample sunlight.
Fruit Characteristics:
- Size and Shape: The fruit is generally large, often weighing between 700 and 1500 grams, making it quite substantial. It has an oval or elongated shape.
- Skin: One of its most striking features is its skin color. While it starts green, a fully ripe King of Chakapat mango develops a vibrant bright red color, often with a beautiful reddish blush or tinge that spreads across the top of the fruit. This attractive coloration contributes to its “royal” designation.
- Flesh (Pulp):
- Color: The flesh is a rich, deep saffron-colored or vibrant orange.
- Texture: It’s known for its exceptionally rich, creamy, tender, and delicate texture. Crucially, it is non-fibrous, making it incredibly enjoyable to eat fresh.
- Juiciness: The pulp is very juicy.
- Taste and Aroma:
- Sweetness: The King of Chakapat mango is renowned for its intense sweetness, often described as one of the sweetest mango varieties. Its high Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content, typically ranging from 18% to 24% when fully ripe, indicates its significant sugar content.
- Flavor Profile: It offers a delightful balance of rich sweetness with a subtle tanginess, creating a complex and refreshing flavor profile. It has an excellent, attractive fragrance.
Season and Availability:
- The King of Chakapat is a seasonal fruit. Its main harvest season in India typically runs from mid-April through the end of June.
Culinary Uses:
- Due to its exquisite taste, smooth fiberless pulp, and large size, the King of Chakapat mango is primarily savored for fresh consumption.
- It is also highly suitable for a variety of culinary applications, including:
- Making juices, smoothies, and shakes.
- Preparing desserts like ice creams, sorbets, and puddings.
- Being used in chutneys and preserves (raw fruits can also be used for chutney and pickles).
Nutritional Value:
- Like most mangoes, the King of Chakapat is rich in essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin A and C, and contains antioxidants.
In summary, the King of Chakapat mango stands out for its striking red coloration, large size, incredibly sweet and fiberless flesh, and delightful balance of flavor, making it a highly sought-after and regal mango variety.
