Alphonso Mango

Mangifera indica ‘Alphonso’ | Hapus | King of Mangoes | Ratnagiri Mango

The Alphonso mango, known as Hapus in Maharashtra, is widely regarded as the finest mango variety in the world. With its deep golden-orange flesh, intoxicatingly sweet and rich aroma, and smooth, fibre-free texture, it is a true seasonal luxury. Grown primarily in the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, each fruit is a masterpiece of natural sweetness.

Health Benefits

Extraordinarily rich in vitamin C and vitamin A — supports immunity and skin health
Packed with beta-carotene and other antioxidants
Contains digestive enzymes (amylase) — aids digestion naturally
Good source of potassium and B6 — supports heart and nervous system health
Natural source of energy — ideal during summer

Nutrition: Calories: 60 kcal | Vitamin C: high | Vitamin A: very high | Carbs: 15g (per 100g)

Culinary Uses: Best enjoyed fresh. Used in aamras (mango pulp), mango lassi, ice cream, sorbets, cakes, and chutneys. The pulp is also tinned and exported worldwide.

Category: Indian Vegetables and Fruits

Description

Description

Related products

Indian Onion
Allium cepa | Desi Onion | Red Onion | Pyaaz | Vengayam

The Indian red onion is the backbone of South Asian cooking. Smaller and more pungent than Western varieties, with deep purplish-red layers and a sharp, intense flavour that mellows beautifully when cooked. Its high sugar content caramelises well, lending rich depth to curries and gravies.

Health Benefits

Rich in quercetin — a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties

Contains allicin — supports heart health and has antibacterial properties

Good source of vitamin C and B vitamins

Prebiotic properties — feeds beneficial gut bacteria

Traditionally used to support immunity and reduce blood sugar

Nutrition: Calories: 40 kcal | Water: 89% | Fibre: 1.7g | Carbs: 9.3g (per 100g)

Culinary Uses: The foundation of virtually every Indian curry, biryani, and gravy. Eaten raw in salads and raitas, pickled, fried into crispy onions, or caramelised as a base.
Read more
Vellari — India
Cucumis melo var. utilissimus | Indian Cucumber | Vellarikka | Dosakai | Yellow Cucumber

Vellari, known as vellarikka in Kerala, is a traditional Indian cucumber variety with a light yellow to pale green exterior and crisp, mildly sweet flesh. Less watery than regular cucumbers, it has a pleasant, slightly tangy flavour and is a staple in South Indian cooking and raw consumption.

Health Benefits

Highly hydrating — excellent water content for a cooling, refreshing effect

Very low in calories — ideal for weight management

Contains silica — beneficial for skin and joint health

Supports kidney health and natural detoxification

Rich in vitamins K and C, and a good source of magnesium

Nutrition: Calories: 14 kcal | Water: 95% | Vitamin K: good | Carbs: 3.6g (per 100g)

Culinary Uses: Eaten raw with salt and chilli. Used in South Indian pachadi (yoghurt-based side dish), raitas, and chutneys. Also prepared as a simple stir-fry or in dal.
Read more
Pomegranate
Punica granatum | Anar | Mathalam | Dalim

The pomegranate is an ancient, jewel-like fruit with a tough red skin encasing hundreds of ruby-red arils — seed-filled juicy sacs with a bold, sweet-tart flavour. One of the oldest cultivated fruits in human history, it holds a revered place in Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and cuisine across South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.

Health Benefits

Exceptionally rich in punicalagins and punicic acid — among the most powerful antioxidants found in nature

Strong anti-inflammatory properties — beneficial for arthritis and heart disease

Supports cardiovascular health — reduces blood pressure and LDL oxidation

Contains vitamins C and K, folate, and potassium

Studies suggest benefits for memory, gut health, and cancer prevention

Nutrition: Calories: 83 kcal | Fibre: 4g | Vitamin C: good | Carbs: 18.7g (per 100g)

Culinary Uses: Arils eaten fresh as a snack or garnish. Juiced for pomegranate juice and molasses. Used in raitas, salads, chaats, smoothies, and cocktails. Adds colour and flavour to biryanis.
Read more
G4 Chilli — India
Capsicum annuum (G4 variety) | Green Chilli | Hari Mirch | Pachamilagai

The G4 is a popular Indian variety of green chilli known for its medium-to-high heat, bright green colour, and aromatic pungency. Slender and firm, it is a daily staple across Indian households and a fundamental ingredient in curries, chutneys, and street food.

Health Benefits

Rich in vitamin C — one chilli can provide a significant portion of the daily requirement

Contains capsaicin — known for anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties

Supports immunity and has natural antibacterial properties

Low in calories — virtually zero fat

Good source of vitamins A, K, and B6

Nutrition: Calories: 40 kcal | Vitamin C: high | Capsaicin: present | Carbs: 9g (per 100g)

Culinary Uses: Used extensively in Indian cooking — in tadkas, curries, chutneys, pickles, and as a raw accompaniment. Can be stuffed and fried as mirchi bhaji.
Read more