Believe it or not, the name Alphonso came into origination from a Portuguese general and military expert “ Afonso
DE Albuquerque”, that helped establish a Portuguese colony in India. Now you might be wondering what that has to do with the fruit? A lot! It was Portuguese who was responsible for introducing Grafting on mango trees to produce extraordinary and incredible varieties like the Alphonso. Hence, being a major contributor to the mangoes we relish today. Mango lovers guess we have a lot to thank them for!
Did you know- In 2006 George. W. Bush (43rd president of the United States) came on his first visit to India and tried an Alphonso Mango, after having it, he said to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that it was “a hell of a fruit’ (that he had tasted no other fruit as good as the Alphonso before)
Here is what makes them so special- The outer layer (skin) of fully ripe alphonso mangoes turn a bright golden yellow with an orange tint spread across the top and have just the right amount of firmness for a perfect bite of the slice. Along with being rich and sweet in taste, the orange flesh of the fruit has a taste, unlike anything you’ve ever had before. It’s almost like a cross between an apricot, nectarine, peach, melon with hints of honey and citrus all rolled into one. Isn’t that amazing?!
Did you know that in 2007, the US struck a deal with India, that included the export of mangoes in exchange for Harley Davidson bikes. Although the deal didn’t pan out (work out), it sure does prove the value that Alphonso mangoes hold worldwide. Alphonso’s (locally also very popularly called as Hapoos) are the most expensive varieties of mango that are cultivated in India. To find out why this is the case, you can read our blog which answers why alphonso mango is costly.
The first export of alphonso mangoes was done to London in 1953 from Mumbai’s legendary Crawford Market for the Queen’s crowning day. Ever since the loving bond between Britain and Alphonso mangoes has remained unbroken.
Alphonso mango is a huge source of iron. Other nutritional facts include vitamin Ah, vitamin E and selenium along with being rich in antioxidants.
Difference between Kesar Mango and Alphonso/Hapus Mango
Kesar Mango and Alphonso/Hapus Mango are two of the most popular mango varieties in India, but they differ in taste, texture, and aroma. Kesar Mango is slightly smaller than Alphonso Mango, with an oval shape and a pointed end. It has a bright yellow skin with green spots and a sweet, juicy, and fiberless flesh.
On the other hand, Alphonso/Hapus Mango is larger than Kesar Mango, with a round shape and a golden yellow skin. It has a sweet, creamy, and aromatic flesh with a fiberless texture. Alphonso Mango is also known as the "King of Mangoes" due to its rich taste and flavour.
In terms of taste, Kesar Mango has a unique sweet and sour flavour, while Alphonso Mango has a rich, creamy, and sweet taste. Kesar Mango is also more aromatic than Alphonso Mango, and it has a firmer texture.
The variety is named after Afonso DE Albuquerque, a distinguished militarian and viceroy of Portuguese India from 1509 to 1515. Jesuit missionaries introduced Grafting on mango trees in Portuguese Goa, to produce varieties like Alphonso. In 1563, Garcia da Orta wrote of Alphonsos grown in Portuguese Bombay, which were to be presented to the governor (viceroy) in Goa. Alphonso is also one of the most expensive varieties of mango, and is grown mainly in the Konkan region of western India. and also grown in Valsad and Navsari district of south Gujarat.
