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Alphonso mangoes are the sweetest mangoes with rich flavour and buttery texture. The best variety of these is grown in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The moment you take a whiff of an original Alphonso mango, you will experience its intense aroma and floral undertones that will be irresistible for you to not cut and have a slice of it.
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Many mango-based beverage brands also claim that they use Alphonso mangoes to prepare the drinks because of their rich and juicy pulp. Apart from sweet, this variety of mangoes also boasts a subtle tangy flavour and citrus notes. In the summer season, you must get these mangoes home and enjoy every bite of them. Here are foolproof ways to identify 100% original Alphonso mangoes.
Check Ripeness
When buying an Alphonso mango, you must always ensure that it must be ripe. However, Alphonso mangoes are not overly soft. Press the mango and see if it's hard and at the same time splurt out a little bit of juice. It means the fruit is ready to be eaten. Get a bunch of these, wash them, and store them in the refrigerator.
Check Origin
You must know that the best quality of Alphonso mangoes is grown in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. Ask the vendor about the region from where they got the fruit. Many e-commerce platforms sell the fruit with a label displaying the origin of it. You can verify it and only then purchase mangoes for the asked price.
Check Aroma
As mentioned above, a ripe Alphonso mango has a sweet floral fragrance. Bring it closer to your nose and inhale. If you have a practice of buying fruits from the farmer’s market, you would be easily able to identify a ripe one. If you get no smell or the mango has no scent, you should not buy it.
Check Shape
Most Alphonso mangoes are oval-shaped like human kidneys. But unlike the human organ, they have a pointed end. Except for a few, most of these fruits have a definite shape with broad shoulders. If the mango has an irregular shape or blemishes, it is not worth the price quoted by the vendor. You should move over to the next stall and run the checks.
Check Certification
Many farmers selling Alphonso mangoes now add a certification on the label like the GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Quality assurance labels are pasted on the skin of the fruit to tell customers about credible sources. These mangoes also undergo a few standard-specific checks to ensure they are of high quality and have been grown without chemicals.
Check Colour
If you are out to buy Alphonso mangoes, do a search on the internet for their colour. An original fruit has a golden-yellow hue with a hint of oranges in some places. If the mango has a green colour or patches of it, there is a high probability that it is unripe.
Check Texture And Skin
The texture of the mango should be neither too firm nor too tight. You should be able to press it without putting too much pressure and leave a slight dent on the surface. Its skin should be tight and smooth instead of blemished and wrinkled. If the mango’s surface is wrinkled, you must avoid purchasing it.
