Where are alphonso mangoes grown?
Alphonso Mangoes are widely revered for their unparalleled flavor and juiciness, making them one of the most popular mango varieties in India and beyond.
Discover where these succulent fruits are grown and their intriguing history and cultural significance throughout India and worldwide.
What Are Alphonso Mangoes?
Alphonso Mangoes come from a species of mango tree known as Mangifera indica, native to India and grown in various tropical climates.
Its fruits are known for their otherworldly aroma, sweetness, and rich pulp that is deliciously hard to resist.
The best way to enjoy these succulent fruits is in their peak season since the flavor blooms with its maximum intensity.
Every year the Alphonso mango season officially starts on April 25th and usually ends by June.
Where is the Home of Alphonso Mangoes?
The Alphonso Mango is grown commercially in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India.
This area's unique climate and soil produce sweet, juicy mangoes that are considered some of the world's highest quality.
In addition to its taste, the Alphonso Mango also has a distinct orange and yellow skin, making it easily identifiable at markets around the country.
It's often exported to other countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, the Netherlands, The United States of America, and The United Kingdom.
The Legendary History Behind the Alphonso Mango Craze
You will be surprised when you hear that India's beloved Alphonso Mango was brought to us by the Portuguese around the 1500s.
The Alphonso Mango was first discovered growing in a village in India, near the banks of the Terekhol River, in Sindhudruga over 500 years ago.
A Portuguese ship brought the stick of mango from Brazil to the port of Goa, bringing a common Brazilian mango variant.
The botanical name of mango is Mangifera Indica, where India represents Indica.
Alfonso De Albuquerque, a Portugal general who cross breed grafted local mango of Sindhudurga terekhol and Brazilian mango stick, resulting in Alphonso Mango, also called Hapus, Aapush, aapus, and many more names.
Since then, it has become a symbol of Indian culture and is revered for its sweet flavor and creamy texture.
Depending on where you are located in India, you may find that Alphonso Mangoes are served with every meal!
From street stalls to fine-dining restaurants around the country, this unique fruit is essential to each culinary experience.
Caring for Your Fresh Alphonso Mangoes at Home
If you're fortunate enough to get your hands on fresh Alphonso Mangoes, care for them while they ripen properly.
It will help prevent them from over-ripening or being bruised before you can enjoy their delicious flavor!
Keep them away from direct sunlight, and store them in wooden baskets or paper bags.
The leaves of the mango tree are believed to have medicinal properties. In addition to their use in cooking, Hapus mangoes are also used in traditional medicine in India.
Mangoes are used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea and diabetes.
Recipes to Enjoy With Your Freshly-Picked Alphonso's
Known for its sweet, fragrant, and succulent taste, the Alphonso Mango is the star ingredient in several recipes across India.
There's no limit to how you can enjoy them – fry ripe mangoes with some black or red Salt on a pan and garnish with chili powder, turmeric powder, and hing or make a delicious vegan mango smoothie by blending it with milk, honey, and cardamom.
The possibilities are endless with this premium Alphonso Mangoes online!