Real or Fake? How to Identify Authentic Alphonso Mangoes This Summer

As the sun turns up the heat, it's not just the temperatures that rise—so does our craving for the ‘king of fruits’, the mighty mango! Summer in India is incomplete without indulging in this golden delight, and leading the pack of mango varieties is the much-loved Alphonso. But with its fame comes a catch—fake Alphonsos are flooding markets, making it tricky for mango lovers to enjoy the real deal.

What Makes Alphonso the King?
The Alphonso mango , often fondly called ‘Hapus’, is no ordinary fruit. Brought to India by the Portuguese, this mango is known for its intoxicating aroma, buttery texture, and rich, vibrant flavor. When ripe, Alphonso fills the room with its natural perfume—a sign that you’re dealing with the real thing. Its smooth, non-fibrous flesh and sun-kissed golden skin with a hint of red blush make it a treat for the senses.

But here’s the problem—its popularity has led to an influx of imitations that look similar but taste nothing like the original. So how do you tell the real Alphonso from its impostors?

Spotting the Fakes: Simple Tips

Not all that glitters is Alphonso. Here’s how to avoid getting duped:

Aroma Over Appearance: Real Alphonsos have a strong, sweet aroma that announces their presence. If your mangoes look great but don’t smell like anything—chances are they’re fake.

Look Closer: Fake Alphonsos often have unnaturally uniform shapes or oddly bright skin tones. Some may show a pinkish-red hue that’s too artificial. Real ones usually have a golden-yellow skin with a mild blush and a slightly uneven shape.

Texture Tells a Tale: When you slice open a real Alphonso, the flesh is smooth, silky, and richly colored. Fakes may have a mushy or stringy texture and a dull orange or pale yellow color that lacks the luster of the original.

Flavor Check: This is the ultimate test. Alphonsos are celebrated for their complex, fruity sweetness with a touch of citrusy zest. If the mango tastes bland, sour, or overly watery, it’s not the real thing.

Why Authentic Alphonsos Matter
Eating a real Alphonso mango is not just about taste—it’s about experiencing a legacy of flavor and quality. These mangoes are cultivated with care in the Konkan belt of Maharashtra, where the soil and climate work in harmony to produce this world-renowned fruit. When you choose authentic Alphonsos, you’re not just getting a better mango—you’re supporting farmers who preserve this heritage variety.

So this mango season, don’t just settle for any golden fruit that claims to be an Alphonso. Use your senses—smell it, touch it, taste it—and trust your instincts. Because when you finally bite into a real Alphonso, you’ll know it was worth the wait.