When you savour the sweet, rich flavours of an Alphonso mango, you're not just enjoying some fruit but indulging in centuries of history. Let us understand what makes it the most expensive and cherished mango in the world.
While there are references to mango in Upnishads, Mauryan and Mughal scriptures, and Sanskrit poet Kalidas’s epics, Alphonso’s presence in India is about 400 years old. Dr. Y.L. Nene's research paper, ‘Mango through Millennia’ narrates an anecdote about the discovery of Alphonso by Columbian traders during their India visit. These traders found that the local mango varieties were "sucking type"—a characteristic that didn't meet their market demand back home. Hence, they worked with local farmers to cultivate a new variety of mango that would be loved by their native consumers. The efforts eventually yielded the Alphonso mango. Named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese military leader who helped set up Portuguese colonies in India, Alphonso is an outcome of globalisation even before globalisation became an established word.
Given the Portuguese dominance in the Konkan region, it became the hotspot for Alphonso breeding. Konkan’s unique agro-climatic conditions, i.e., sandy soil, and humidity suit the breeding of Alphonso. As a result, Alphonso’s cultivation in the region has been continuously growing and currently stands at over 1.5 lakh hectares. Out of this, Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra is known for producing the most authentic and premium Alphonso. The short harvesting season, i.e., mid-April to June means limited availability for a perpetually growing domestic and global demand.
The Alphonso mango's global demand shows how people love its rich, creamy, tender texture; delicate, non-fibrous, juicy pulp, and aroma. This unique experience is the result of getting the right soil, optimal harvesting time, and weaving traditional and modern harvesting practices. Today, the Alphonso mango is not just a symbol of India's rich agricultural heritage but also the economic hope for many smallholder farmers in the Konkan region. Through Aamoré, these farmers bring their years of hard work to the global stage.
As you enjoy your next slice of Alphonso mango, remember the centuries of history, culture, and tradition that have shaped its journey. From the sun-kissed orchards of Konkan to your table, the Alphonso mango is more than just some fruit; it's a timeless legacy.