Kinnow is a winter fruit. In India the harvest runs roughly December through February, and the fruit is at its sweetest from mid-January to mid-February.
Quick answer: In India, Kinnow season runs from December to February. The fruit reaches peak flavour — the ideal sugar-to-acid balance — from mid-January to mid-February. A season on the farm, though, takes the whole year.
A year in the grove, month by month
- Spring (Feb–Mar): the trees flower, filling the grove with blossom.
- Summer (Apr–Aug): fruit sets and swells through the Punjab heat; careful irrigation matters most here.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): the fruit sizes up and the skin begins to 'break' from green to orange as nights cool.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): harvest. The fruit colours fully and sweetens on the branch; we hand-pick at peak maturity.
When is Kinnow sweetest?
Kinnow is best when its sugar-to-acid (TSS/acid) ratio reaches about 12:1 to 14:1 — which, in the Abohar belt, happens around mid-January to mid-February. That's why fruit picked too early can taste sharp: it simply hasn't reached balance yet. We let it ripen on the tree rather than picking green and colouring it later.
Why the Abohar belt matters
Punjab's Abohar–Khuian Sarwar belt gives Kinnow its reputation: hot, dry days and cool desert nights drive deep colour and concentrated sweetness. The same variety grown in a milder climate rarely develops the same intensity.
How to buy — and keep — Kinnow in season
- Buy from December, but for the sweetest fruit, target mid-January onward.
- Look for heavy fruit with firm, deep-orange skin — weight means juice.
- Store cool; Kinnow holds well for a couple of weeks and keeps longer refrigerated.
- Buying at volume? Place orders ahead of the season so grading and logistics line up.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kinnow season in India?
Kinnow is harvested from December to February, with the fruit at its sweetest from mid-January to mid-February.
What month is Kinnow the sweetest?
Mid-January to mid-February, when the sugar-to-acid ratio reaches roughly 12:1–14:1.
Does Kinnow ripen after it's picked?
Kinnow develops its flavour on the tree. Picked-green fruit can be colour-treated but won't gain the same sweetness, which is why tree-ripening matters.
How long does Kinnow last after harvest?
Stored cool, Kinnow keeps well for around two weeks, and longer under refrigeration, thanks to its sturdy skin.
Keep reading
Kinnow vs Orange: What's the Difference?
They look similar, but a Kinnow isn't an orange. The short version: Kinnow is a mandarin hybrid — juicier, more tart, more seeds, and higher in some nutrients.
How to Buy Kinnow Wholesale in India: A Buyer's Guide
Whether you're a retailer, exporter or juice buyer, sourcing good Kinnow at volume comes down to grade, timing and a supplier you can trust. Here's how it works.