The king of fruits is well-known in India and throughout the world for its delicious taste. Mangoes are especially popular in the Ratnagiri district. More than 65,000 acres of land are dedicated to mango cultivation, with Ratnagiri producing the most Alphonso mangoes in India.
Ratnagiri has many mango processing units, and several mango products are delivered throughout India and exported to Europe and other countries. When summer arrives, everyone, including Konkan residents, is eager to taste the delicious Alphonso mangoes. Mango cultivation thrives in Ratnagiri’s hot and humid climate, as well as its red soil. The green mango orchards on the mountain slopes and in various locations are visually appealing. During the summer, one can visit these orchards and enjoy the delicious taste of mangoes while resting under the cool shade of the trees.
Mangoes are grown on a large scale in Ratnagiri, Guhagar, Lanja, and Rajapur, where the annual ‘Mango Festival’ is held. You must visit Ratnagiri in the summer to enjoy the delicious mangoes that are available during the season, which lasts from March to May.
As you may be aware, Alphonso mango is grown not only in the Konkan region, but also in Valsad, Pune, and other places. If the Alphonso mango is designated as a GI only for the Konkan region, other mango growers’ exports will suffer,” expressed Suraj Savalia, secretary of the South Gujarat Food Processors’ Association, Navsari, to F&B News. “The Alphonso mango is grown throughout India” (not only in Konkan). As a result, all Indian farmers must benefit. As a result, I disagree with the GI of Alphonso mango for the Konkan region only.”
“Finally, after ten years of hard work beginning in 2008, the government has taken some action and designated Alphonso mangoes as a GI crop.” However, we are dissatisfied because the GI tag has only been granted to ‘Alphonso’ from the region.” Devgad Taluka Amba Utpadak Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit board member Omkar Sapre said in a statement. “Instead, we had been pushing for GI tags for ‘Devgad Alphonso’ and ‘Ratnagiri Alphonso,’ which the GI authority had actually approved earlier this year.” However, they chose to ignore this and make Alphonso generic for five districts: Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindudurg, and Palghar.
Alphonso Ratnagiri/Devgad Ratnagiri
If Alphonso is the “King of Mangoes,” then Alphonso grown in Ratnagiri and Devgad (on India’s west coast) is unquestionably the “King of Kings.” Devgad is located slightly north of Goa, and Ratnagiri is approximately 100 kilometers north of Devgad. Both regions compete for the best Alphonso mango on the planet!!
What makes Ratnagiri and Devgad so unique?
They are distinguished by their location, soil, topography, weather, and, of course, generations of mango knowledge. While scientists investigate what makes these mangoes so unique, mango enthusiasts already know: they are the best tasting alphonso mangoes available. The mangoes grown in Ratnagiri and Devgad are GI (Geographical Indication) protected, which means that no other Alphonso can legally masquerade as the alphonso grown here.
Who crowned Alphonso King of Mangoes?
Probably the customers- this is the most popular mango variety every summer!! People grow Alphonso in other parts of India (and now also abroad) and claim that their Alphonso is no less than the best. The mango grown in Ratnagiri and Devgad, on the other hand, has a distinct taste and flavor. It has a complex flavor and is high in trace elements that define mango taste. It becomes the gold standard for comparison once consumed. This Alphonso mango, in our opinion, exhibits the full mango flavor profile like no other. Another reason Alphonso is king is that it throws tantrums like no other if it is not treated well—in this regard, the Alphonso from Ratnagiri and Devgad is far superior!! It is extremely sensitive in nature and spoils quickly. Ratnagiri/Devgad Alphonso mango is undoubtedly the most popular in terms of sales.
When is this mango in season?
The first flowering of mangoes is usually ready in February. A lot depends on the weather—recently, warmer weather has resulted in earlier flowering. We get our fruit from the second flowering, which begins in early April and lasts until mid-May in Ratnagiri. Fruit matures in Devgad by mid-May and is gone in a matter of weeks. This is a 6- to 8-week season.
What is the difference between Ratnagiri and Devgad alphonso?
In our experience, the Ratnagiri alphonso is smaller in size and has a more delicate skin that shrivels more when ripe. The Devgad alphonso is larger in size and has thicker skin that does not wrinkle easily (though it does shrivel uniformly when ripe)- this also gives it a better appearance. The flavor of the Ratnagiri alphonso develops early in the ripening process and then fine-tunes as it ripens. So a slightly underripe Ratnagiri alphonso will still taste good. The Devgad alphonso comes into its element later in the ripening cycle, so if you eat it unripe, it will likely taste sour.
No other fruit inspires such awe and wonders when it is at its peak! It has the power to permanently alter your consciousness. During mango season, Indians achieve nirvana on a daily basis by eating this mango!! They also shared their experience with others by gifting this mango. They openly broadcast this secret—you wouldn’t know unless you tried!!
