Alphonso, the ‘King of Mangoes’, set to storm the US market after two years   (2024)

FAQs

Why is Alphonso Mango banned in the US? ›

India's Alphonso mangoes were banned for 18 years in the United States from 1989 until 2007. They were banned to do “pest concerns” but mostly due to competition from the South American mango industry.

If mango is the king of fruits, then Alphonso might be the king of mangoes. Large in size and flavor, Alphonso displays bright yellow skin with creamy orange undertones.

In our experience, we find that the Ratnagiri alphonso is smaller in size, and has a more delicate skin which shrivels more when the fruit is ripe. The Devgad alphonso is larger in size and has a thicker skin which does not wrinkle easily (although that also shrivels uniformly when ripe)- this also gives a better look.

Food Items Banned Entry into the U.S.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables from other countries such as mangoes, sweet limes, oranges, pomegranates might carry insects or pests that can harm the local crop in the United States, and hence, travellers are advised not to carry them.

An import ban imposed in 1989 by the United States on Indian mangoes, including the Alphonso, was lifted only in April 2007.

Mangoes are healthy, but it's not the only fruit powerhouse out there, Vadiveloo said. Federal dietary guidelines recommend eating two cups of fruits daily. Experts recommend people "consume varieties of fruits and vegetables because they each have a slightly different nutritional profile," she said.

India grows and consumes more mangos than any other country in the world! In the U.S., mangos come from Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, Haiti and Nicaragua.

The Alphonso is prized in domestic and international markets for its taste, fragrance and vibrant color. It is exported to various countries, including Japan, Korea and Europe.

Comparing Premium Indian Varieties – Alphonso vs Kesar mango pulp. After Alphonso mango pulp, Kesar is the premium variety because of its balanced sweetness. Kesar mango is cultivated predominantly in Gujarat and processed in smaller quantities.

Mango skin is edible and packed with nutrients like vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Though it may offer health benefits, it has an unpleasant taste, may preserve pesticide residues and contains compounds that may cause allergic reactions. While eating mango skin is safe for most people, it's unnecessary.

Are Alphonso mangoes expensive? ›

Due to their limited geographical availability, Alphonso is costlier compared to other mango cultivars grown in other widely distributed regions. Another reason for their scarcity is the limited duration of Alphonso mango season, which typically lasts from March to June.

In the Ratnagiri area, these mangoes are harvested by hand, so there is no risk of fruit injuries and people can enjoy the original taste. Mostly, the authorities are exporting the hand-harvested mangoes, so their price is high as compared to the mechanically harvested mangoes.

Smooth and creamy with a soft skin of deep marigold, Alphonso mangoes are considered to be the pinnacle of mangoes, with a superior taste, flavour, texture and sensation to all others.

Due to their limited geographical availability, Alphonso is costlier compared to other mango cultivars grown in other widely distributed regions. Another reason for their scarcity is the limited duration of Alphonso mango season, which typically lasts from March to June.

In 1911, the federal government banned the cultivation, sale, and transport of blackcurrants to protect the white pine. Government programs systematically destroyed blackcurrant plants by chemical spraying. The federal ban was lifted in 1966, though many states maintained their own bans.

Ackee. This unusual fruit is native to West Africa and is also the national fruit of Jamaica, but it's illegal to import it into the U.S. If it's not ripened correctly, its toxins could release a surplus of glucose and dangerously drop the consumer's blood sugar, which could end up being fatal.

Growing your own Alphonso Mango Tree brings this unique flavor to your home. Bred to be more pest and disease resistant, these trees effortlessly produce an abundance of our nation's most flavorful mangoes, even in colder regions.

Alphonso is also one of the most expensive varieties of mango, and is grown mainly in the Konkan region of western India. and also grown in the Valsad and Navsari districts of South Gujarat.