- By Bornika Das
- Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:32 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Real vs Fake Alphonso Mangoes: As the summer season heats up, Indians have geared up to indulge in their favourite fruit treat, that is, mangoes. Although they are obsessed with the ‘King Of Fruits’ throughout the year, summer seems to be incomplete without Indians stacking up their homes and eating mangoes every now and then. There are more than 40 types of mango varieties around the world, but people can’t really move over the rich, golden Alphonso mangoes. Alphonso mangoes garner attention every year and for all the right reasons. However, with the rising demand and limited supply, fruit markets are brimming with counterfeit mangoes. It is important to identify the real and fake Alphonso mangoes to enjoy its true taste and value and to guard themselves from serious health risks.
What Is Alphonso Mango?
Often referred to as the king of mango, Alphonso mangoes are the creation of the Portuguese that bear a sweet smell once the mangoes ripen. Unlike the other varieties, Alphonso mangoes have a strong aroma and are loved for their flavour and texture. Besides, the vibrant skin with a golden yellow colour with a hint of red blush and smooth texture is widely valued. Alphonso mangoes are mainly available in the market in late spring or early summer, between April and June.
Owing to the high demand for Alphonso mangoes in the summer season, sellers often dupe their customers by giving fake Alphonso mangoes instead of the real ones. However, not to worry any more! Here’s a list of six ways to identify authentic Alphonso mangoes in the summer season.
Real vs Fake Alphonso Mangoes: Tips To Spot The Difference
Aroma
The real Alphonso mangoes have a very sweet smell, unlike the other varieties. As they ripen, a strong and lovely fragrance is released. This scent is a sign that you’re eating real Alphonso mangoes. The special aroma comes from the natural flavours and compounds inside the Alphonso mangoes.
Colour
The real Alphonso mangoes have a gradient of yellow, green and red shades. This is different from the fake ones that are artificially ripened using chemicals and usually show a uniform colour. The natural colour of the mangoes comes as the fruit slowly ripens on the tree. The changing colour reflects the organic, gradual maturation process from the unripe to perfectly ripe.
Look
Alphonso mangoes have different shapes from other mango varieties. It has a roundish shape with a small stem area with a little dent. The round shapes allow you to identify the authentication of Alphonso mangoes.
Tips To Identify Authentic Alphonso Mangoes (Image Credits: Canva)
Taste And Texture
As and when you bite, you’ll experience the smooth, soft texture of the Alphonso mangoes. There is no fibrous or stringy feeling. These mangoes melt in the mouth, providing a sweet, fruity flavour and no fibrous strands that get stuck in the teeth. The smooth, creamy, fibre-free texture shows signs of high-quality Alphonso mangoes that are perfectly ripened. Moreover, the skin of real Alphonso mangoes is soft and delicate to the touch. Fake Alphonos mangoes often have a thicker, tougher skin that feels rough. This shows that they have probably ripened quickly using chemicals. The natural texture of real Alphonso mangoes is soft and velvety.
Skin Texture
The skin of real Alphonso mangoes is soft and delicate to the touch. Fake Alphonos mangoes often have a thicker, tougher skin that feels rough. This shows that they have probably been ripened quickly using chemicals instead of being allowed to ripen slowly and naturally on the tree. The natural texture of real Alphonso mangoes is soft and velvety.
Weight
Even though they look small, Alphonso mangoes feel heavy when you hold them. This is because this variety of mangoes is packed with sweet juice. Unlike other mangoes that have stringy fibre inside, Alphonso mangoes are smooth and dense. The thick, smooth flesh melts in the mouth, providing a rich, sweet flavour. This is what makes the real Alphonso mangoes authentic.