Hapus, in plain English.
Hapus is the Marathi word for Alphonso. The real article comes from a 60-km strip of Konkan coast — Devgad and Ratnagiri. Most "Hapus" sold online doesn't.
The naming trick
"Hapus" is a Marathi name; in Hindi the same fruit is sold as "Alphonso" or simply "Aam ka raja". Outside India, export markets call it Alphonso. They are all one variety.
What real Hapus looks like
- Oval shape with a pointed tip — not round.
- Saffron-orange skin with a faint pink blush near the shoulder.
- Fibreless saffron-yellow flesh.
- A clear woody-floral aroma you can smell through cardboard.
- 200–340g per piece depending on grade.
What gets sold as Hapus and isn't
Karnataka Badami is the biggest impostor — it ripens earlier (March onwards), travels well, and looks superficially similar. Look for the rounder shape, lighter yellow flesh, more fibre near the stone, and a milder aroma. It is a fine fruit on its own merits — just not Hapus.
How to make sure you're buying real Hapus
- Insist on GI-tagged origin: Devgad or Ratnagiri specifically.
- Look for the orchard or farmer name on the box.
- Ask if the fruit is naturally ripened (straw chamber) or carbide-induced.
- Check the price — under ₹400/dozen is almost certainly Badami.
- Buy in season: Devgad Hapus is May 5–June 20 most years.
Ready to taste the season?
Pre-book a box. Carbide-free. Doorstep across Mumbai by 9 AM.