Portuguese General Alfonso de Albuquerque sowed the seeds for a new variant of mangoes, which were then exported to Europe.
By Evita Roche
One of the most awaited things about summer in India is the sweet, luscious and juicy mangoes. And if we’re talking about mangoes, we can’t not talk about the Alphonso. Right from refreshing mango smoothies, to the refreshing aam panna to tart mango curries, this fruit is enjoyed in abundance in almost every state across the country. Everyone has their favorites. Be it Dasheri, Badami, Chaunsa, Himsagar or even the more local variants, they are all loved and relished across India. But if mangoes were influencers, the Alphonso mango would arguably have the most number of followers. While we’ve all undoubtedly enjoyed the Alphonso, the fruit has an origin story almost as rich and interesting as its flavor. The fruit was named after a Portuguese general, Alfonso de Albuquerque.
So, who was Alfonso de Albuquerque?
Portuguese general Alfonso de Albuquerque is known for establishing Portuguese colonies across Asia in the fifteenth century. Albuquerque was also given the title of Conqueror of Goa, for this reason. During his reign, it is believed India was first introduced to new varieties of red chilies, maize, tomatoes and potatoes from across the world.
General Alfonso, quite literally sowed the seeds for a new variant of mangoes as a part of this practice, which were then exported to Europe. India’s local variants were soft and pulpy. The flesh of the fruit could be sucked out so these came to be called the ‘sucking type’ of mango. However, what Albuquerque wanted was mangoes that were sweet and firm to the touch, something that could be cut and served at the table in Europe, where they were to be exported. And so for this purpose, the Portuguese began grafting mango plants to create a new variant. The literal fruits of their labor is what we enjoy today as the Alphonso mango, named after Alfonso de Albuquerque for his efforts.
In the small state of Goa, the Portuguese began tirelessly grafting on mango plants until they eventually came up with a single mango cultivar that impressed Albuquerque. These mangoes are now grown all along the Konkan coast and from there, they are exported to various different parts of the country and the world at large. Famous among these are Alphonso mangoes that come from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.
We have been enjoying the sweet, rich and pulpy goodness of the Alphonso mangoes for years now. And it is thanks to a Portuguese general and his relentless efforts.
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Courtesy: Conde Nest Travellor
