Alphonso mango
The Alphonso mango (Mangifera indica 'Alphonso'), also known as Hapus, is a cultivar of the mango tree native to the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its oblong shape, vibrant golden-yellow skin, and exceptionally sweet, fiberless pulp with a rich, creamy texture and intense aroma.[1][2] Primarily cultivated in the Konkan coastal regions of Maharashtra, such as Ratnagiri and Devgad, along with parts of Gujarat, Goa, and Karnataka, this variety thrives in the tropical monsoon climate of western India, where lateritic soils and high humidity contribute to its superior quality.[1][2] Introduced possibly through Portuguese influence in the 16th century and named after viceroy Afonso de Albuquerque, the Alphonso mango has earned geographical indication (GI) status since 2008–2009 for specific Indian regions, ensuring authenticity amid export demands that account for up to 60% of India's mango trade.[1][3] Renowned as the "king of mangoes" for its balanced sugar-acid profile and low fiber content, it commands premium prices globally, though challenges like adulteration with inferior varieties persist despite GI protections.[2][4]Varietal Characteristics
Physical and Sensory Attributes
The Alphonso mango (Mangifera indica 'Alphonso') features an oval shape, typically measuring 10 to 15 centimeters in length and weighing 150 to 300 grams per fruit.[5] Its skin transitions from green when unripe to a vibrant golden-yellow or orange-yellow color upon ripening, often displaying an attractive red blush toward the basal end.[1][6] The pulp constitutes a high proportion of the fruit's mass, characterized by a fiberless, creamy, and tender texture that yields a smooth, buttery consistency described as melting in the mouth.[5] This non-fibrous quality sets it apart from many other mango varieties, which often retain stringy fibers affecting mouthfeel.[7] Sensorily, Alphonso mangoes exhibit intense sweetness, with total soluble solids levels commonly reaching 18 to 22 °Brix, alongside a distinctive musky and fragrant aroma derived from volatile compounds including terpenes.[8][5] These attributes underpin empirical sensory evaluations affirming its superior organoleptic profile, contributing to designations such as the "king of fruits" in horticultural assessments.[9]Nutritional Composition
The edible pulp of the Alphonso mango provides approximately 70 kcal per 100 grams, derived mainly from 17 grams of carbohydrates, including natural sugars, alongside 1.6 grams of dietary fiber; fat content is low at 0.27 grams, and protein ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 grams.[10][11][12]| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % Daily Value (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 27.7 mg | 46% |
| Vitamin A (retinol equivalents) | 38–54 μg | 4–7% |
| β-Carotene | 445–640 μg | Contributes to vitamin A |
| Potassium | 150–170 mg | 3–4% |