Unveiling the Story: Alphonso Mango Origin
Alphonso Mango: The Origin Story
You will be surprised that India's beloved Hapus was brought to us by the Portuguese around the 1500s.
The Portuguese ruled over many other lands and sold goods between these countries.
So, their ships sailed from country to country with various new products. Fruits were one of those.
Mango Origin Story
A Portuguese ship from Brazil to the port of Goa brought a common Brazilian mango variant. The botanical name of manga is Mangifera Indica, where India represents Indica.
Therefore, Portuguese farmers saw this as an excellent opportunity and attached shoots from these Brazilian manga trees to Indian mango trees.
Portuguese farmers planted these fields in their gardens in Goa, and the trees survived. Some years later, they bore fruit, and the Portuguese realized they had created a work of art.
Enthusiastically, they planted the seeds of these fruits. Some years later, they realized that the trees growing in these seeds possessed mangoes of random species.
Thus was the divine fruit, the greatest in the world and so unique that it could only grow by grafting.
Alphonso Mango Origin
The Hapus is a delicious fruit with yellow skin and a sweet scent. It's known as the King of Mangoes and has been famous for ages. But where does it come from?
Mangoes are tropical fruits that started in South Asia. The Hapus, also called Hapus, is a hafoos grown mainly in Maharashtra, India. It's considered high quality and prestigious.
Unveiling the story of Hafoos origin takes us back to the 16th century. Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque discovered Goa, India and its delicious mangoes. Some say he introduced these mangoes to Portugal by bringing grafts. During his reign, Indians were also introduced to red chillies, maize, tomatoes, and potatoes worldwide.
These grafts, it's believed, eventually made their way to Goa, where they flourished under the region's ideal hot and humid climatic conditions.
"Hapus", also known as the Alphonso mango, arrived in India via Portuguese explorer Afonso de Albuquerque. He got the fruit grafts from Malaysia and planted them in Goa during the 16th century. Alfonso De Albuquerque was a Portuguese general who established the Portuguese colonies in India in the fifteenth century, beginning with Goa.
Alfonso de Albuquerque
However, not all hafoos trees are created equal. The Alphonso, as we know it today, is a distinct cultivar, a cultivated variety with unique characteristics.
While the exact timeline and parentage remain debatable, some historians believe that local hafoos plants in Goa cross-pollinated with the grafts brought by Albuquerque, giving rise to the Hapus we relish today.
The region’s warm summers, abundant rainfall, and favourable climate provide the ideal conditions for food cultivation, including Hapus in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. Scientists predict that over 1000 hapus varieties exist in India, showcasing mangoes' incredible diversity and sensitivity to their growing conditions.
Konkan region in India
Several factors contribute to mangos' exceptional flavour and aroma. The Konkan region's unique blend of sunshine, humidity, and coastal soil provides the perfect growing environment.
The mangos cultivar itself boasts specific traits like thick skin, vibrant yellow flesh, and high sugar content, all culminating in an explosion of sweetness on the palate.
However, Alphonso's journey isn't just about historical intrigue. Its cultivation is a painstaking process. From careful grafting and pruning to meticulous pest control and harvesting at precisely the right moment, every step demands dedication and expertise.
The Alphonso's reign isn't limited to fresh consumption. Its vibrant pulp finds its way into an array of delectable treats, from creamy ice cream and tangy chutneys to refreshing juices and decadent desserts.
Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango History
Ratnagiri Mango is a widespread hapus originating in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The history of this delicious fruit dates back to the mid-16th century when it was first cultivated by Portuguese traders in the region.
Over time, the cultivation of Ratnagiri Hapus and other popular varieties like Dasheri, Badami, Chaunsa, and Himsagar has become an essential source of income for farmers in the area and has gained worldwide recognition for their unique taste and aroma.
Today, these mango varieties are some of India's most sought-after and are exported to several countries worldwide.
Devgad Hapus mango Origin
Devgad Hapus mango is a variety of hapus that originates from the Devgad region in Maharashtra, India. Alphonso Origin is considered one of India's best varieties of mangoes, known for its sweet and juicy taste, vibrant colour, and distinct aroma.
The unique climate and soil conditions of the Devgad taluka contribute to the exceptional quality of this hapus origin from Devgad.
As a result, it has gained popularity in India and internationally, with exports to countries like the United States and Japan.
Hapus Origin Tasty fruit from Konkan
Alphonso Origin in India by Portugal General
Where do Alphonso mangoes originate from? Origin of Alphonso
Alphonso mangoes originate from Ratnagiri, Devgad in Maharashtra, India. Known as the King of Mangoes, Hapus are renowned for their rich, sweet flavour and creamy texture. They are highly sought after and exported to various countries around the world.
Origin of Alphonso Mango
Alphonso Mango Nutrition Facts
Know more about Alphonso Mango Nutrition Facts
One Hapus, many variants!
Hafoos then travelled to many other places from Goa. The best was found on the Konkan coast, with low moisture content.
The fruit displayed phenotype plasticity. The taste, colour, aroma, and other characteristics of Hafoos changed in the area where it was grown.
However, the phenotypic plasticity in Alphonso Mango produced many species of mangoes, which looked like Alphonso Mango but lacked the essential qualities found in the ancient Alphonso Mango.
How to identify authentic Alphonso?
- Aroma: The original Alphonso Mango grows in Devgad Taluka in the Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra. The pure and real-life Alphonso hapus from Devgad offers a natural scent.
- Even one hafoos stored in a room will fill the room with the aroma. Mangoes grown in some areas look like Alphonso Mango but have no odour or give off an awful smell when you press it hard on your nose. Chemically ripe mangoes do not give off such a scent.
- Look: Mangoes should naturally look soft and touch when ripe. Chemically ripe mangoes are yellow yet hard.
- Colour: Chemically ripe mangoes look different colours. The naturally mature hafoos show hues of yellow and green. Chemically ripe mangoes look in different colours.
- Wrinkles and insides: Hapus should not have lines or wrinkles. Many people feel that if mangoes show wrinkles, they are beautiful. Seeing green on the inside of the Hapus after slicing implies that it is harvested before ripening.