All You Need to Know about Alphonso: Nutrition, Health Benefits & Much More

Fast Facts about Alphonso: 

- “Alphonso”originated from a Portuguese general’s name“Afonso de Albuquerque”. 

- Upon his first visit to India in 2006, president of the United States, George. W. Bush claimed that he never tasted a fruit better than Alphonso mango. 

- US and India got into a deal to import Alphonso mangoes into the USA in exchange for Harley bikes.  

- Alphonso is the most costly variety of mango in the world. 

- Britain got its first Alphonso export back in 1953, on the crowing day of the queen. 

- Alphonso is very healthy and contains vitamins like Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Carotene etc. 

Intro: 

Well-known among the varieties of mango is “Alphonso”. It is the taste and aroma of Alphonso that the world desires so much. More than 50% of the total produced mangoes in the country are exported to other countries. Most of the cultivation is done in Maharashtra, however few more can be found in the state of Gujarat and Karnataka as well.  

Origin: 

Alphonso arrived in India along with the Portuguese in the fifteenth century. Colombian Food Exchange, is where Alphonso was first introduced as part of a presentation of brandnew fruits and vegetables for the rest of the world. “Alphonso” was named after the Portuguese general’s name; “Afonso de Albuquerque”, who subjugated Goa and established the Portuguese colonies in India.  

Taste 

Alphonso has a sweet creamy taste to it along with its smooth texture and juicy pulp. Also the aroma is nothing like its rivals. It has got a unique scent due to the presence of myrcene, a chemical found in plants.  

Alphonso Season 

Alphonso mangoes are available during the summers. Mostly between the months of April and May. The time period of availability ranges between 6 and 8 weeks. 

Alphonso Nutrition 

Alphonso mangoes are highly nutritious and contain vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K etc. along with minerals such as Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus etc. Shed your extra fat and improve your digestion by including Alphonso to your diet. 

Applications

Best eaten raw and fresh, be it puree or juice or sliced, any of them is fine. Mangoes can be dried as well and used later as part of salads. Pureed mango can be used for desserts as well. 

Uniqueness of Ratnagiri and Devgad:  

Both of the locations are from Maharashtra and are well-known for the cultivation of Alphonso Mangoes. The overall topographic conditions of the places make them unique. The mangoes cultivated here cannot be compared to the rest of India. Alphonso mangoes from Ratnagiri are comparatively smaller and thin skinned to that of Devgad’s big size and thick skin. Also the flavor of the mango cultivated in Ratnagiri attains its taste early in the ripening process. Whereas in the case of Devgad, the taste develops in the later part of the ripening process. Mangoes from both the places are top notch and best in its class. 

Health Benefits of Alphonso

- Reduces your weight: 

Studies have shown results that the phytochemicals present in Alphonso mango, can reduce fat cells in the body and also lower the fat related genes. 

- Reduces the chances of developing cancer: 

The nutrients in a mango can help in fighting cancer related cells in the body. One of the studies done on animals shows that reduction of tumor. Another study proved that mango can be beneficial in curing breast cancer in its early stages. 

- Boosts digestion: 

People with constipation issues can add Alphonso to their regime. The fiber in mangoes helps in the digestion process and helps you pass your stool without any discomfort.  

- Boosts your overall health: 

Alphonso mangoes are rich in vitamin A and C and many other minerals and antioxidants. Consuming mangoes boosts your bone health along with your muscles, immunity, skin and eyes . 

Bottom Line: 

If you wanna have a mango, have an Alphonso..