Alphonso (mango)

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Alphonso mangoes in a box surrounded by straw.

Alphonso (हापुस Haapus in Marathi) is a Mango cultivar that is considered by many to be the best in terms of sweetness and flavor. It is also one of the most expensive kinds of mango and is grown mainly in western India. It is in season April through May. Weighs between 150g to 300 grams each.

The southern part of district of Ratnagiri and northern parts of Sindhudurg in Maharashtra state, ie. region around the Devgad Taluka produces the finest quality of alphonso mangoes in India. Alphonso is also cultivated largely in Pune and all over Maharashtra. Southern districts of Valsad, Navsari in Gujarat state and particularly Alphonso from the Amalsad region including the villages like Dhamadachha,Kacholi and all villeges of town Gandevi Alphonso mangoes. Southern States in India also are major producing areas. These are considered substandard as though the other parts have culivated the alphonso cultivar from Ratnagiri, the natural conditions differ in these regions. Even in Ratnagiri and Devgad the finest fruit comes from a patch of 20 Kms from the seashore. After crossing the NH17 which runs north south climatic changes occur which result in difference in the produce quality. This is particularly seen as the Lanja taluka in Ratnagiri district is situated in between the Ratnagiri and Rajapur talukas but it lacks seashore and hence there is little mango culivation in the taluka as the produce does not yield good market price.

The variety grown in Devgad region in Kokan region in Maharashtra state is supposed to be the best. Its also the most expensive amongst the sub-breeds of Alphonso.

The Alphonso is generally referred to as 'hapoos' throughout South Asia.

Starting 2007 or soon thereafter, the ban on import of Indian mangoes, including the Alphonso, into the US, is expected to be lifted, as part of a deal struck by US President George W. Bush during his trip to India in March, 2006.

The ban on imports has also been lifted by other major countries like Japan and China.

Haapus is used to make sweets, candies and smoothies - Mango Milkshake, Mango Lassi (both smoothies), Aamba-Wadi (a mango brownie), Aam-Ras (Mango pulp which is eaten with puris - an Indian Bread), Sakhar Amba (Marathi word for a home-made mango jelly/jam), Mango barfi (a type of Aamba-Wadi), etc. Non aerated Mango drinks like Frooti(Parle Products) , Jumpin(Godrej), Maaza(Coca Cola), Dukes Mangola and Slice(Pepsi) are very popular in India. Many other local brands are also available.