No mango can claim more passionate devotees than the Alphonso. Considered the most superior variety of the fruit in terms of sweetness, richness and flavour, it is India’s most exported variety, with 60 per cent bound for the Middle East.
The Alphonso is believed to have been named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a nobleman and military expert who helped establish Portuguese colonies in India. Grown most famously in the Ratnagiri region of Maharashtra, along the Konkan belt, it is also found along the western parts of Gujarat and Karnataka, and is usually available from the end of March until the end of May, or when the monsoons arrive. The fruit is famous for its thin skin, sweet aroma and rich saffron-coloured flesh. The Alphonso is also praised for its versatility in recipes as it can be used in both savoury dishes and desserts.
French chef François Leo, executive pastry chef at the Rosewood Hotel in Abu Dhabi, uses the mangoes in two of his signature desserts: the So Fresh Cheesecake and the Passionata Donatella.
“I love mangoes and one of my favourites is the Indian Alphonso mango,” says Leo. “I choose it because, when the product comes, I am always satisfied with the quality compared with others, which can turn out to be sour and not ripe at all.”
Sous chef Paul Richard at Dubai’s Markette agrees that the Alphonso rules.
“Alphonso is my favourite, too, like most chefs, because it has all the quality that a chef needs for his dish, such as taste, colour and texture, plus it yields more flesh.”
Vishal Rane, head chef at La Porte des Indes in Dubai, says he spent his childhood picking and eating Alphonso mangoes. “Alphonso mangoes have a lot going in their favour,” he says. “You won’t find a variety that comes anywhere close to it. When in season, I ensure that I make the most out of it.”
But are Alphonsos really the best variety of the fruit? For Australian Andrew Morrow, corporate executive chef at Leopold’s of London, it is all about preference.
“I prefer Thai mangoes,” he says.
“They have smaller seeds and much more flesh-to-seed ratio plus they are sweeter and of high[er] quality.”
The%20specs
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
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Company%20profile
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
FIVE%20TRENDS%20THAT%20WILL%20SHAPE%20UAE%20BANKING
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
EXPATS
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.