Mangoes are the reason summer is bearable. While the world burns in the scorching heat, farm fresh mangoes soothe us down with their refreshing taste and therapeutic effects that help us stay healthy. These heavenly fruits come in different varieties, Badami, Kesar, Langda among many others. Each of them has a signature taste and aroma. However, there’s one variety that has been at the top of the game since time immemorial. We are talking about the much-revered Alphonso, known as the king of mangoes. But, what’s the reason behind this variety being tagged the king of mangoes? Well, there are several reasons behind this.

Let’s find out why Alphonso mangoes are the king of mangoes?

One of the main reasons behind Alphonso mangoes being hailed as the king of mangoes is their peculiar trait. Alphonso mangoes don’t have a fibrous pulp unlike many varieties of mangoes in the country.

Secondly, the shape of the fruit somewhat resembles an egg. It normally weighs between 200 – 400 grams.
When the fruit is raw it has a dark green color but, once it ripens the outer skin assumes a golden–yellow shade with its flesh turning saffron-colored.

The Alphonso mangoes boast thin skin and are highly aromatic. They appeal to the three senses of vision, taste, and smell, perhaps it’s the only variety of mangoes that scores well in all three departments.

This is a seasonal fruit and available mainly during the mid of April to May. Grown most famously in the Ratnagiri and Devgad regions of Maharashtra, it is also found along with the western parts of Gujarat and Karnataka.

Alphonso mangoes are famous for their thin skin, orange flesh, and sweetness, as well as being one of the expensive varieties of mangoes after the majestic Miyazaki mangoes.

Such is the demand for Alphonso mangoes that it’s India’s most exported variety. Around 60% of all its exports go to the Middle East. Recently, the government of India granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to the Alphonso mangoes from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and other adjoining areas in Maharashtra, a move that will help identify the authenticity of this variety of fruit.

A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which can be attributed to its origin in that defined geographical locality. Considering their rising demand the Alphonso mangoes have seen an upsell on e-commerce sites as well. Now the vendors are tying up with many e-commerce stores as this gives them a greater reach and penetration with the logistical support being provided by the online stores. They can now reach the farthest of the corners and earn a loyal customer base in new territories. Alphonso is truly the king of mangoes and is going to stay that way forever.