The primary signal of summer season isn’t simply the rising warmth — it’s the scent of mangoes ripening within the kitchen, their candy perfume filling the air. As youngsters, we’d linger close to the straw-filled baskets, gently urgent every golden fruit, hoping to search out one completely gentle and able to eat. The wait felt limitless, however the first chunk made all of it worthwhile — juicy, buttery, and bursting with sunshine.
Each household had its favourites — Langda, Dussehri, Kesar — however one mango stood above the remainder: the Alphonso. Silky easy and impossibly aromatic, it was a fruit meant for particular moments. However right here’s one thing stunning — this beloved mango, now the crown jewel of Indian summers, was first launched by the Portuguese over 400 years in the past, abandoning a legacy as wealthy as its style.
A mango match for a king
Not all mangoes have been made for cautious slicing. Many have been fibrous, their pulp greatest loved the messy method — juice trickling down chins, arms sticky with sweetness. Whereas this was a part of the appeal for a lot of Indians, the Portuguese, who dominated over Goa within the sixteenth century, have been accustomed to neatly lower fruit at their eating tables. They needed a mango that was easy, simple to slice, and chic to serve.
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Picture credit: Wikipedia
Enter Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese basic and viceroy. His males launched the strategy of grafting — a technique of mixing the most effective traits of various mango timber. Over time, they cultivated a mango that was not solely sweeter and silkier but in addition simpler to chop. In honour of Afonso, they named this prized fruit ‘Alphonso’ — and the remainder, as they are saying, is historical past.
Name it what you’ll, it’s nonetheless the king
Regardless of the place you go in India, the love for Alphonso mangoes stays the identical — even when the identify modifications. In Maharashtra, it’s fondly known as Hapus, a reputation that immediately brings again childhood recollections of sticky fingers and summer season afternoons.
In Gujarat, it’s generally known as Hafus, whereas in Karnataka and components of Goa, individuals name it Aphoos. However regardless of the identify, one factor by no means modifications — its wealthy, buttery texture, irresistible aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. The Alphonso isn’t only a mango; it’s a style of summer season itself.
Why Ratnagiri and Devgad Alphonsos style so good
The most effective Alphonsos don’t simply develop anyplace. They arrive from Ratnagiri, Devgad, Sindhudurg, and some different locations in Maharashtra’s Konkan area.
In case you’ve ever tasted an genuine Ratnagiri Alphonso, you’ll know what makes it particular — the distinctive crimson soil, the salty sea breeze, and simply the correct quantity of sunshine. This mix offers Alphonso mangoes their signature saffron-yellow color and wealthy, creamy sweetness.
For generations, Konkan farmers have rigorously nurtured these mango timber. Even at the moment, Alphonso from Ratnagiri and Devgad promote out inside hours, with individuals paying premium costs for an unique GI-tagged Alphonso (sure, there are fakes on the market!).
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A mango that crossed oceans
The Alphonso didn’t simply win hearts in India — it grew to become a world star. For years, Indians dwelling within the US and Europe longed for its style. In truth, the US banned Indian mango imports in 1989 over pest considerations. However in 2007, after a lot negotiation, the ban was lifted — and shortly, Alphonsos have been flying internationally once more!
Right now, Alphonso mangoes are exported to Dubai, the UK, Singapore, and even Japan. However for many people, nothing beats the enjoyment of consuming one straight from a market in Mumbai or Goa, with juice dripping down our fingers.
Greater than only a mango — a practice
In lots of Indian households, Alphonso season is a competition of its personal. Grandparents inform tales of how they’d wait all yr for that first field of mangoes. Households argue over one of the simplest ways to eat them — some swear by aamras and puris, whereas others love skinny slices with chilled milk.
And let’s not neglect the fierce debates over which metropolis has the most effective Alphonsos! Ratnagiri lovers and Devgad loyalists have their very own opinions, very similar to cricket followers arguing over Virat Kohli vs. Rohit Sharma.
In 2018, Alphonso mangoes from Ratnagiri and surrounding areas got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, that means that solely mangoes grown right here can formally be known as ‘Alphonso.’ This helps shield farmers from counterfeit sellers and ensures that the actual Alphonso continues to shine.
