The Alphonso mango is a foreign fruit that came to India through Goa along with Alfonso De Albuquerque, the Portuguese explorer and military strategist who led many Portuguese invasions in the 1600s. From Goa, the Alphonso mango traveled to different places like Ratnagiri, other Konkan region and southern side of India as well.
The Devgad Alphonso gained distinctiveness and favorable characteristics like the pleasant fruity smell, no fiber, extremely aromatic and sweet taste, becoming popular among buyers. The distinctiveness comes from the geographical conditions of Devgad as the same is not observed in other varieties grown elsewhere.
In the early 90’s, growers brought grafts from Ratnagiri to Devgad for experimentation. As Devgad is majorly hard laterite rock below (termed as jambha dagad locally), it was difficult to plant the grafts. Growers uprooted existing trees of other species that had grown in cracks on the laterite rock and planted Alphonso grafts in its place. The planted grafts survived and produced Alphonso mangoes that tasted very different from mangoes of the Ratnagiri region. This was attributed to the typical weather conditions and soil characteristics in the geographical region of Devgad. Between 1920 and 1930 Devgad Mango Growers engaged in marketing efforts, by sending their Alphonso mangoes via passenger boats to Mumbai. Mumbaikars recognized the unique taste of Devgad, along with its sweet taste, thick pulp, and extremely pleasant fruity flavor, and the fruit became popular.
The fruit from Devgad came to be popularly known as Devgad Hapus in Mumbai and fetched premium prices due to its growing demand and popularity. It was at this time that Devgad Alphonso started gaining consumer goodwill to become a brand name thereby acquiring commercial importance. It was apparent from the growing demand and popularity of Devgad Alphonso that the distinctiveness of Devgad Alphonso was a result of the typical climatic conditions and soil characteristics of Devgad region which are different than even nearby regions like Ratnagiri.
Alphonso Mango as National Obsession
In India, during the peak mango season, the Alphonso Mango becomes a perfect national obsession. It is also categorized in the 1000 best things to eat before death and is a kind of pride for its production area. Alphonso Mango feels like a good cross between melon, apricot, nectarine, and peach with the additional better flavor of citrus and honey.
The nation is so obsessed about Alphonso Mango that at the beginning of its season, there are news headlines on mass media. Newspapers are also providing continuous updates about their availability and prices. Due to its short season, people are willing to take the opportunity of best taste even at a high price.
The price of Alphonso mango is at least 20% more as compared to the other mango varieties. Although, the price of the Devgad Alphonso mango is somewhat high, its taste and characteristics completely worth its high price. The pulp of Devgad Alphonso is much more delicious, and its skin is thin but firm. Its seed is also smaller as compared to the other mango cultivars, so there is more pulp to enjoy the great taste.
Unique Features of Alphonso Mango Which Completely Worth its High Price
Earlier, many people have tried to develop and market the other cultivars of mangoes, but due to characteristic coastal zone and volcanic soil, the taste of Devgad Alphonso mango is superior to all other mangoes from all states of India. In the Ratnagiri area, these mangoes are harvested by hand, so there is no risk of fruit injuries and people can enjoy the original taste. Mostly, the authorities are exporting the hand-harvested mangoes, so their price is high as compared to the mechanically harvested mangoes.
Devgad Alphonso mangoes offer excellent flavor, high freshness, and yummy taste that is mouth-watering. There is no use of pesticides, insecticides, pre-fulling, and ripening treatment for these mangoes. There is no application of cultar and ethylene gas. The peeling of Devgad Alphonso is very easy and can be easily peeled just like a banana. Unlike other breeds of mangoes, Devgad Alphonso does not have any fiber contents.
Preservation and Marketing of Alphonso Mango
We are a strong and registered link between state Government, our valuable members, governmental agencies and agricultural universities. Devgad mango is equipped with modern grading, packaging, and cold storage facilities.
We choose only the best mangoes as table fruit for sale and others are being sent for processing. We are intended to provide the best and quality services for our customers and knowledge regarding the use of pesticides, fertilizer management, and best management practices.
The shelf life of Alphonso Mangoes is longer and even in the enhanced life; there is no change in the texture and fragrance. Hafooschiaamrai does not use any chemical for the preservation of Alphonso mangoes. We ensure quality and provide chemical and carbide free Alphonso Mangoes to our valuable customers, so their digestion is easy.
Alphonso Mangoes are an excellent option for making refreshing drinks, soft drinks, juices, and mocktails. After trying this mango for once, people absolutely are willing to pay some more due to its quality features.
Conclusion
There is no doubt, that Devgad Alphonso Mango cultivars are the best mangoes in the world. They are most tasty, pulpy, and sweet than any other kind of mango. Their strong aroma is much more appealing, but its availability is limited for only six to eight weeks. So, there is no reason to miss this option of enjoying the greatest taste, even at some higher price.