The king of Indian mangoes, the Alphonso mango from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and adjoining areas in Maharashtra, had already acquired the GI tag October 3, 2018 from the government. It is grown across the 200-kilometre-long Konkan coastline in Devgad and Ratnagiri.
The reputation of the Alphonso mango is unlike any other, a name that conveys an assurance of quality. Commonly known as the hapus in Maharashtra, the tagging of the Alphonso will surely protect its exclusivity and distinctiveness among the consumers in the global market.
Named after Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese conqueror of Goa, Alphonso mangoes origins are born out of a happy accident. Arriving with his fleet from Brazil at the port of Goa, India, Afonso de Albuquerque’s fleet were carrying with the common Brazilian mangoes. These seeds were planted in India and bore fruit – and due to the different acidity and minerals available in the soil combined with the salty sea air from the Arabian Ocean, created a hybrid mango variety – the Alphonso.
The king of mangoes, Alphonso, better known as ‘Hapus’ in Maharashtra, is in demand in domestic and international markets not only for its taste but also for pleasant fragrance and vibrant colour. It has long been one of the world’s most popular fruit and is exported to various countries including Japan, Korea and Europe. New markets such as USA and Australia have recently opened up.
Smooth and creamy with a soft skin of deep marigold, Alphonso mangoes are considered to be the pinnacle of mangoes, with a superior taste, flavour, texture and sensation to all others. Bursting with mouth-wateringly fresh juice and flavour, Alphonso mangoes are widely heralded around the world, and especially in India, for their smooth consistency and vibrant taste.
Mango Season
Mango season moves with the weather in India – which is difficult to predict! Mangos need hot and dry weather to ripen and badly suffer when it’s cold. Indian mango season usually starts in March and lasts until July-August. Alphonso mangoes are always the first Indian mangoes of the season, swiftly followed by Kesar and Badami as the rainy season moves up through the continent from Kerala towards New Delhi and Kolkata.
What are the optimum growing conditions for alphonso mangoes?
Mango trees are grown in warm temperate climates – temperatures shouldn’t ever drop below 4 degrees Celsius otherwise the tree can be severely damaged. Young mango tree seedlings require bright but indirect sunlight. Once the tree starts to grow and mature, it requires as much sunlight as possible. The mango tree needs at least six hours of sun per day but grows optimally with eight to ten hours. The soil needs to be rich and well drained.
How big do alphonso mango trees grow?
Alphonso mangoes trees are a dwarf variety of mango tree, only capable of growing up to 10-15 feet tall, while other mango trees can grow up to 30 feet tall. The large leaves on the tree are leathery, 5 to 16 inches in length, and remain on the tree for a year or more.
How long do alphonso mangoes take to grow?
The journey from seedling to harvesting the first fruit from a mango tree takes between 5-8 years. Once a tree has reached maturity and flowers, alphonso mango fruit usually takes around three to five months to grow.
To test the readiness of the fruit, farmers will smell the fruit to see if it has a sweet scent. During the final stages of development, Alphonso mangoes absorb the nutrients and sugars from the tree, making them taste as sweet and juicy as possible! If Alphonso mangoes are picked too early they won’t taste as sweet and delicious!
Why Devgad and Ratnagiri?
The taste of Hapus depends on the soil and climate where it grows. There have been many attempts to grow Alphonso mangoes all across the country. But the topography and the coastal yet volcanic soil of Ratnagiri and Devgad give Hapus its unique taste, aroma, and color. The thin skin of the fruit makes Devgad and Ratnagiri Hapus special. Konkan coast has volcanic red soil and a hot climate with adequate humidity. The topography of the region makes it suitable for Hapus production. Devgad and Ratnagiri districts produce the finest of Hapus. Hapus grown in these districts is exported to various countries. A ripe Alphonso mango is slightly hard to touch and has saffron-yellow skin, and a sweet aroma. Alphonso season lasts from mid-April to June-end.
Some Fun facts about Alphonso Mango
- This fruit’s aroma is a better sign of ripeness than color. If your aam fills your room with its delicious smell, it is ready to eat.
- If not, then wait for a few days. Store it in hay or a dry place away from light.
- Don’t wash your raw mangoes. It stops the ripening process.
