- The Hapus mango, also called Alphonso, is a tropical fruit with yellow skin, a sweet scent, and a rich taste. It is mainly grown in Maharashtra, India.
- Its origins date back to the 16th century when Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque introduced mango grafting to India after discovering Goa’s mangoes.
- The Portuguese brought grafts from Malaysia, which thrived in India’s ot and humid climate . These grafts shaped the Hapus mango into the prestigious variety it is today.
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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 realised they had created a work of art.
Enthusiastically, they planted the seeds of these fruits. Some years later, they realised 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 originated 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, maise, tomatoes, and potatoes worldwide.
It's believed that these grafts 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 mango cultivar boasts specific traits like thick skin, vibrant yellow flesh, and high sugar content, all of which culminate 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.
Alphonso's reign isn't limited to fresh consumption. Its vibrant pulp is used in 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. This delicious fruit's history dates back to the mid-16th century when Portuguese traders first cultivated it 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. It has gained worldwide recognition for its 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 mangoes come in various shapes and originate 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 hapu, which originated in Devgad.
As a result, it has gained popularity in India and internationally, with exports to countries like the United States and Japan.
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.
Alphonso Mango origin Story
- The Alphonso mango origin story dates back to the 16th century when the Portuguese introduced grafting techniques in India.
- Known for its rich flavour, the Alphonso mango origin story begins in the Konkan region, particularly in Ratnagiri and Devgad.
- The Alphonso mango origin story is closely tied to Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general who influenced its cultivation.
- Maharashtra's coastline plays a crucial role in the Alphonso mango origin story, as the fruit thrives in its unique climate.
- The Alphonso mango origin story highlights how the fruit evolved through selective breeding to achieve its distinctive sweetness.
- As per the Alphonso mango origin story, early Portuguese settlers refined its cultivation using advanced horticultural methods.
- The Alphonso mango origin story is deeply rooted in Indian history, making it one of the most prized mango varieties.
- With a rich heritage, the Alphonso mango origin story reflects the blend of Indian and Portuguese agricultural expertise.
- The Alphonso mango origin story explains why Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg remain its prime growing regions.
- Farmers have passed down the Alphonso mango origin story through generations, preserving its authenticity.
- The Alphonso mango origin story is a testament to how foreign influence shaped India's fruit cultivation.
- Despite its foreign roots, the Alphonso mango origin story is now an integral part of India's agricultural pride.
- The Alphonso mango origin story reveals how the fruit was named after a Portuguese nobleman.
- Premium quality and irresistible taste define the Alphonso mango origin story, making it the king of mangoes.
- The Alphonso mango origin story highlights its transformation from an exotic fruit to a global favourite.
- The Alphonso mango origin story explains why this mango is protected under the Geographical Indication tag.
- Tracing the Alphonso mango origin story, one can see how it spread from India to international markets.
- The Alphonso mango origin story showcases how ideal soil conditions in Maharashtra contribute to its superior taste.
- The Alphonso mango origin story demonstrates how traditional farming techniques ensure consistent quality.
- The Alphonso mango origin story is a journey of flavour, heritage, and a commitment to preserving excellence.
- The Alphonso mango origin story dates back to Portuguese rule in India when they introduced grafting techniques to improve mango quality.
- Many mango lovers are curious about the Alphonso mango origin story, which traces its roots to the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
- The Alphonso mango origin story is linked to Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general who helped cultivate this premium variety in India.
- Understanding the Alphonso mango origin story reveals how this mango became known as the "King of Mangoes" due to its rich taste and texture.
- The Alphonso mango origin story highlights its unique journey from being a royal delicacy in colonial times to becoming a globally sought-after fruit today.
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, which has a 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 do we 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 offer 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: When ripe, mangoes should naturally look soft and touch. Chemically ripe mangoes are yellow yet hard.
- Colour: Chemically ripe mangoes look different. The naturally mature hafoos show hues of yellow and green.
- 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.
Where did the Alphonso mango come from?
The Alphonso mango is native to India, mainly the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The Portuguese introduced it in the 16th century, using unique grafting methods to improve its quality.
Why is it called Alphonso mango?
It is named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general who helped establish trade routes in India. The Portuguese also improved the mango’s taste and texture through careful cultivation.
What makes the Alphonso mango unique?
The Alphonso mango is famous for its sweet taste, smooth pulp, and rich aroma. It grows in Ratnagiri, Devgad, and Sindhudurg, where the climate and soil create its unique flavour. The mango is also tagged with a GI to protect its quality.
How to make mango lassi | Alphonso mango | Mango Pulp
Prashant Powle
Prashant Powle's journey wasn't always about mangoes. He was once a part of a corporate world, but his heart was set on a dream – to spread the exquisite taste of Alphonso mangoes far and wide.
With unwavering passion, he took a leap of faith, bidding adieu to his job and venturing into the world of entrepreneurship with Alphonsomango.in.It wasn't easy at first. He had to learn about farming, how to get the mangoes to people, and how to run a business. But Prashant's love for Hapus mangoes was unwavering, and he didn't give up.
He worked hard and faced the challenges, always ensuring that the mangoes he delivered were of the highest quality.
Now, Alphonsomango.in is a big success! Thanks to Prashant's hard work and passion, people all over India can enjoy delicious Alphonso mangoes from the renowned regions of Ratnagiri and Devgad. His story shows us that even when things are tough if you follow your dreams, you can achieve amazing things.