Why We Use Alphonso Mangos in Our Gourmet Popcorn

Only the sweetest Alphonso mangos for PopCornaa!

Often hailed as the “king of fruits,” mangos are not only delicious, but also pack a punch when it comes to their health benefits. At Pop Cornaa, we pride ourselves on using only the best ingredients, especially when it comes to our mango popcorn! In this article, we want to delve further into the world of mangos and more specifically, the Alphonso mango for its undeniably sweet flavour and cultural symbol. 

The Alphonso mango, also commonly known as Hapus in western India, is easily distinguishable for its bright yellow skin and soft, buttery texture. Its unique flavour profile makes it a perfect addition for so many culinary uses. The specific geographic and climate conditions in which the Alphonso mango is grown, in the Konkan region of India, is the ideal environment for this type of mango tree to thrive! The abundant rainfall and soil composition all play a crucial role in supporting the development of the fruit.

The sweetness of the Alphonso mango also comes from its genetic composition. This type of mango is known for its high sugar content, due to the specific genetic traits that have been selectively bred over generations of cultivation. Compared to other types of mangoes, the Alphonso mango goes through a higher activity of sucrose synthase (the process which is responsible for the sweetness of fruit), making it the best loved of all mango varieties. 

Another reason why we prefer Alphonso mangos to other variants is down to the fascinating cultivation practices used by the farmers in the Konkan region. Passed down through generations, farming families learn specialised techniques for nurturing mango trees, which include selecting the best quality grafts, maintaining proper tree spacing and employing organic farming methods. The careful timing of irrigation makes all the difference. Farmers withhold water during the flowering stage of the mango to cause slight stress to the trees. This controlled water stage causes the stressed trees to produce fruits with a higher concentration of sugars, leading to much sweeter mangos.

Probably the most important process in the life of an Alphonso mango is the ripening process. Unlike many other fruits, a mango will continue to ripen long after being harvested. This ripening process needs to be cared for to ensure that the entire fruit develops a uniform sweetness without any unripe patches. However, in the case of Alphonso mangos, they’re widely known for their ability to ripen evenly thanks to their genetic composition. And in traditional practice, the fruit would often ripen in straw or hay to avoid any unnecessary bruising. 

When consumers purchase Alphonso mangos, they expect a premium product, and this expectation is what upholds the consistency and quality of the practices that go into creating our favourite fruit! A true testament to the art of mango cultivation, and the incomparable flavour that goes into our award-winning mango popcorn!! So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try some today by ordering from our website! 

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