The wait is finally over! As the summer heat begins to roll in, so does the craving for the “King of Fruits.” But in a market flooded with options, how do you ensure you’re getting the real deal?
Access GI-Certified Fruit: Ensure your mangoes come from the authentic orchards of Ratnagiri or Devgad.
Direct-from-Farm Traceability: When you buy from a specialized portal, you bypass the 4-5 layers of wholesalers. You know exactly which orchard in the Konkan belt your fruit was plucked.
Natural Ripening: Local vendors often use calcium carbide to “flash-ripen” green fruit for quick sales. Reputable online sellers use natural ripening in haystacks, which preserves the nutritional value and the authentic flavor profile
How to Spot a Quality Online Seller
Not all websites are created equal. When you search for Alphonso mangoes online, look for these “Green Flags”:
GI Tag Certification
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a must. It’s a legal assurance that the mangoes are grown in the specific regions of Maharashtra (Ratnagiri, Devgad, Sindhudurg) that produce the world’s best Alphonso.
Weight vs. Count
Beware of sellers who only list “One Dozen.” A premium Alphonso should weigh between 225g and 275g. A transparent seller will list the approximate weight of the box, ensuring you aren’t paying premium prices for small, “B-grade” fruit.
Packaging Standards
Because the Alphonso is delicate, the packaging should be “breathable.” Look for:
- Individual foam sleeves for each fruit.
- Ventilated corrugated boxes.
- Clearly marked “This Side Up” instructions.
