Known as the undisputed king of fruits, the mango holds a special place in the hearts of millions. But among the many varieties, the mention of Hapus—also known as Alphonso—evokes a special sense of delight. Cultivated primarily in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, this premium mango variety enjoys a high demand both across India and internationally.
Renowned for its bright golden-yellow skin, irresistibly sweet aroma, juicy flesh, and rich flavor, the Hapus mango stands apart. But have you ever wondered why this beloved fruit is called Hapus or Alphonso?
A recently released video sheds light on the fascinating history behind the name.
The story dates back to the era of Portuguese colonization in India. A key figure in this tale is Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general and nobleman. Upon arriving in Goa, he played a significant role not just in military affairs, but also in agriculture. It is believed that he experimented with various local mango varieties, eventually cultivating a unique hybrid.
This new, superior variety of mango came to be known by his name—Alphonso.
Over time, the Portuguese name Alphonso underwent a linguistic transformation. Locals in Goa and nearby regions began pronouncing it as Afus. As this mango variety spread to the neighboring Konkan belt of Maharashtra, the pronunciation evolved further to become Hapus—a name now synonymous with quality and flavor.
Maharashtra, particularly the Konkan region, is one of the largest mango-producing areas in the country. While Hapus remains the star attraction, the state also cultivates a wide range of mango varieties including Pyari, Dasheri, Langda, Kesar, Suvarnarekha, Neelam, Totapuri, Goa Mankur, Banganapalli, Himsagar, Baneshan, and Olur.
The legacy of the Alphonso mango is thus not just a tale of taste, but also one of cultural exchange, linguistic evolution, and regional pride.