Alphonso

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A variety of mango known for its sweet, rich flavor and smooth texture, often regarded as one of the best among mango types
2. An esteemed cultivar of mango celebrated for its unique taste and distinguishing aroma, popular in tropical regions
3. A favored type of mango characterized by its juicy flesh and sweetness, commonly enjoyed both fresh and in culinary dishes

Etymology: The Alphonso mango takes its name from a Portuguese-era nobleman's given name, though the link runs through Europe rather than India. The name is a version of "Alfonso," a Spanish or Italian personal name, and the fruit is known in English by that anglicized form. Mangoes of this variety are grown mainly in western India, where the name has become attached to the fruit so firmly that many buyers never connect it to the European name at all. The chain of borrowing is the surprising part: an Iberian or Italian personal name, carried into English, ended up labelling a tropical fruit. Nothing in the word itself describes the mango's flavor or texture, so the name is purely a label that travelled with the trade rather than a description of the fruit.