The story of the Alphonso mango in India is a tale of colonial influence, regional pride, and horticultural excellence. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the Alphonso mango owes its name to Afonso de Albuquerque, a prominent Portuguese general who helped establish Portugal’s colonial foothold in Goa and the Konkan coast. Along with their rule, the Portuguese brought with them advanced horticultural practices such as grafting, which allowed them to cultivate superior mango varieties. One such result of this experimentation was the Alphonso mango, which would go on to become the undisputed king of mangoes in India.

It found an ideal home in the Konkan belt of Maharashtra, especially in the districts of Ratnagiri, Devgad, Sindhudurg, and Alibag. The region's unique combination of laterite-rich soil and humid coastal climate provided the perfect conditions for Alphonso cultivation. Over generations, local farmers refined the growing techniques to bring out the mango’s signature qualities: its saffron-colored flesh, smooth texture, rich aroma, and exceptional sweetness. As word spread, Alphonso developed a reputation for its superior taste and became a premium variety, often gifted and exported to countries in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

Five other popular mango varieties in India

Dasheri: From Uttar Pradesh (Malihabad region); sweet and fragrant.

Langra: Another mango from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; known for its strong flavor and greenish skin even when ripe.

Kesar: Grown in Gujarat, especially Junagadh; known for its saffron hue and strong aroma.

Banganapalli (also called Benishan):  Native to Andhra Pradesh; large, juicy, and golden yellow.

Totapuri: Found in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu; has a unique pointed shape and is less sweet, often used in pickles or pulp-based products.

Together, these varieties showcase the diversity and depth of India's mango heritage, with Alphonso reigning supreme but sharing the limelight with other regional favorites.