Goa's Mango Mania
It’s not an unknown fact that mangoes have ruled the subcontinent for over 4000 years! But in Goa, it is a whole another story, as Goa's culture has a distinct fondness for exquisite mango varietals found nowhere else.
From understanding the many types of Goan mangoes to the list of local bazaars where you can purchase the best Goan mangoes, here's all you need to know about the lip-smacking mango season in Goa. Not many people are aware that mangoes were not as popular in this beach state before the arrival of the Portuguese (despite having been cultivated in India for roughly 4000 years). Vasco Da Gama’s discovery of the sea passage to India (along with Afonso de Albuquerque’s attack and capture of Goa) can be attributed to making the state the hub of all Portuguese colonial operations in the Orient. The increasing demand for mangoes from Europe made it highly lucrative to import and cultivate mangoes in Goa, which happens to offer the best weather and soil conditions for producing mango trees. It was back then that the love tale between Goans and mangoes began.
In Goa, mango season means major business. Residents of India's smallest state begin nervously scanning cherished trees, particularly those belonging to their neighbours, at the start of the season. By March, tell-tales blossoms serve as an indicator of what's to come, and the wait comes to an end. The anticipation grows with each degree of rising in temperature, all the way into the peak of the summer season.
Come April, the markets across the state are teeming with local farmers, who are eager to get the full picture of projected supplies, sizes, and prices. Families work together to precisely determine the best time to enter the market. By this time, the rest of the country is ecstatic about the advent of the sought after Alphonso from the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts.
In Goa, the waiting game isn't for a poor imitation of the genuine Alphonso, which is reserved for tourists and other ignorants. It's all about the local produce here. Goa's mango-mania is laser-focused on the Fernandin, Xavier Monserrate, Hilario and most especially, the indescribably sublime Mankurad. A tiny sliver of a state, Goa, nevertheless has an outsized appetite for the prized Mankurad. There are so many various flavours, textures, sizes, and names that most of us have never heard of (let alone taste them). Nonetheless, here is our top selection of Goa's greatest and most popular mango varieties.
Mankurad
"The real king is here, and the others are merely runners-
up," are the kinds of comments invited by the beloved Mankurad mango variety. Mankad evokes strong emotions among Goans, and disputes regarding its supremacy over Alphonso boil incessantly. The most distinguishing feature of Mankurad is its signature scent. They say if a Mancurad was kept in the kitchen, the entire house (and we are talking about the massive Indo-Portuguese mansions) would be flooded with its perfume. The flavour of Mankurad is the second reason for its appeal. It has a distinct sweet and sour flavour. Unlike other mangoes, Mankurad is pulpy and less fibrous. It’s bright yellow and has a crimson tint to it. According to legends, it was a Goddess’ kiss that denoted the red on the mango.
Alfonso
Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese duke, introduced this type to Goa, and we today can't fathom mangoes without it. These Goan Alfonso, also known as Goa Appus or Goa Alfonso, are fibre-less, juicy, sweet, pulpy and large. It is widely available across the state. It has an unmistakably sweet flavour!
Fernandin
The Fernandin, variety is most likely of Portuguese Goa origin, and it has spread to other locations due to its outstanding appeal. The fruit is oblong and tiny, weighing an average of 9 ounces and containing a big seed. The full fruit is sulphur-yellow tinged with blood red, and the sun-exposed shoulders are typically bleached to bright pink. The meat is boldly sweet and tart, with deep fruity aromas and a wonderfully superb aftertaste.
Xavier
This one is Goa’s flavourful contribution to the world of mangoes. The Xavier mango is a sweet and sour mango type with a rich taste. Every Goan's pride, the Xavier mango is always preferred over the usual Ratnagiri Alfonso. The Goan mango mania begins in April with the anticipation of Xavier mangoes which are relished by the end of May. It is planted throughout the state and is marketed both in North and South Goa. Both fibrous and non-fibrous forms exist.
Monserrat
Popularly cultivated in North Goa, Mussarat or Monserrate de Bardez is named after the Bardez taluka where it originated. The immature fruits of this variety exhibit an intense red colour. This variety is mostly used in the preparations of jams, sweet pickles and processed mango products.
Hilario
Hilario, also known as Mangilar, Mangilal and Mang Hilario, enjoys a similar position in Goa as Mankurad, specifically in North Goa. It got its name from a story about a tree in Hilario Fernandes' yard in Siolim, Bardez taluka. It is a late variety that arrives on the market towards the end of summer. As a result, Hilario aamo (mango) is in high demand on the market, since no other good mango varieties are available in July.
Now that you know all about what they are, you're probably eager to get your hands on some of the season's juiciest, freshest mangoes, right? You may get it in local markets, supermarkets, and so forth. But we're still going to mention some locations where you can get the best deal!
It's not surprising that most Goan homes have at least one mango tree in their courtyard, so the families enjoy an abundance of the season's joys. And Goans being Goans, love to share it with the rest of the world. During the season, you'll notice many locals selling heaps of these mangoes outside their homes everywhere you walk in Goa. They welcome you with cheers and warm smiles and assure you return with a smile on your face. The other places where you can find these bundles of joy are the Panjim Market, Mapusa Market and other weekly farmers' markets!