We grade our Alphonso on the basis of weight! Yes, only on weight. There is
no difference in
the quality, taste, color, etc of our Alphonso across the grades. Normally, the market would
do it on the base of size, but size is subjective and it is impossible to have a
standardization on the base of size.
This is how the grading is done. A specially calibrated weighing
machine shows the grade of
each mango, which then goes into their dedicated baskets. From there, it is sent for
packing. An important point to note is that the weights mentioned are the weights of the
fruit while grading. The fruits are graded while they are green as you can see from the
picture above and packed while they are still green or semi-ripe. The weight does reduce by
the time the fruits ripen, during transit, and also due to moisture loss if the weather is
dry. There is no formula to ascertain by how much quantity the weight will reduce. If the
weathers are cooler, the loss will be less, if they are hotter, the loss will be more. But
you can factor in a loss of around 50 to 60 grams per fruit, in case of hotter weather, and
around 15 to 30 grams in cooler weather.
Prior to coming to the grading stage, each mango passes through a manual check, where it is
checked for wounds, spots, sap marks, etc.
Ideally, you should not try to weigh the fruits when they come home. We are not selling
raddi, that you need to weigh and pay! The weight will anyway be less. You should focus on
the mangoes that come to you ethically ripened without calcium carbide, not mixed with
cheaper inferior mangoes.
