By Hemant Sharma Mango, the “King of Fruits,” holds a special place in Indian hearts. Among its many varieties, the Alphonso mango, locally called Hapus, is regarded as the finest. Famous for its rich taste, golden color, and unique aroma, Alphonso is grown mainly in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad, and some parts of Gujarat. Due to its popularity and high price, Alphonso is often imitated or replaced by other mangoes in the market. To enjoy the true flavor of Hapus, it is important to know how to identify the original Alphonso mango.
1. Shape and Size
- Alphonso mangoes are oval to oblong in shape, with smooth, firm skin.
- They are medium-sized, usually weighing between 150 to 300 grams.
- The shoulders (upper portion near the stem) are slightly round and not flat.
- Fake or duplicate varieties often appear larger, flatter, or irregular in shape.
2. Skin and Color
The skin color of Hapus is one of its most distinguishing features:
- When ripe, Alphonso turns golden yellow with a tinge of saffron or orange blush near the stem end.
- The skin is thin and smooth, without any fibrous texture.
- Beware of artificially ripened mangoes – they may look bright yellow but lack natural shine and often show green patches.
3. Aroma
One of the strongest indicators of a true Alphonso mango is its fragrance:
- Original Hapus has a naturally sweet, strong, and fruity aroma, noticeable even from a distance.
- If the mango smells like chemicals or has no fragrance, it is either artificially ripened or not Alphonso.
4. Taste and Pulp
The pulp is where Alphonso stands apart:
- The flesh is saffron-yellow to deep orange, smooth, and completely fiberless.
- The taste is a perfect balance of sweetness and mild tanginess, with a rich, creamy flavor.
- Duplicate varieties may taste watery, sour, or overly sweet without depth of flavor.
5. Seed (Guthli)
- The seed of Alphonso is flat and thin, occupying less space compared to other mango varieties.
- This means the fruit has more edible pulp, another reason why it is considered premium.
6. Ripening Process
- Naturally ripened Alphonso mangoes mature slowly and evenly.
- They develop a uniform golden color with a slight red blush.
- Artificially ripened mangoes (using chemicals like calcium carbide) may look patchy and ripen unevenly – yellow outside but raw inside.
7. Geographical Origin
Authentic Alphonso mangoes are primarily grown in:
- Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Devgad, and Raigad districts of Maharashtra.
- These regions have the perfect soil and coastal climate, giving Hapus its unique aroma and flavor.
- Always check for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on Alphonso mangoes to ensure authenticity.
8. Price Factor
Since Alphonso is a premium variety, it is generally costlier than other mangoes. If you find mangoes sold as Hapus at very low prices, there is a strong chance they are not genuine.
9. Packaging and Labels
- Many authentic Alphonso exporters and sellers use branded boxes with details of the region (Ratnagiri or Devgad).
- Look for certifications, GI tag labels, and seller reputation before purchasing in bulk.
Quick Comparison: Alphonso (Hapus) vs Duplicate Varieties
| Feature | Original Alphonso (Hapus) | Duplicate/Fake Varieties |
| Skin Color | Golden yellow with orange blush | Bright yellow, uneven patches |
| Aroma | Strong, fruity, sweet fragrance | No aroma or chemical smell |
| Pulp | Saffron-yellow, fiberless | Pale yellow, fibrous |
| Taste | Sweet with mild tang, creamy | Overly sweet, bland, or watery |
| Seed | Flat and thin | Thick and bulky |
Final Thoughts
Alphonso mango, or Hapus, is truly a treasure of Indian agriculture, admired globally for its exceptional taste and fragrance. To identify the original, pay attention to its shape, aroma, pulp, and origin. Always buy from trusted sellers, look for GI tag certification, and remember — true Alphonso is not just a fruit, but an experience.