Mango Madness and Other Tasty Treats

Nearly 70% of the mangoes produced in the world come from India, the world's largest producer of that juicy fruit. By some accounts, India has about 1500 varieties of mangos, including 1000 commercial ones. The names that surface most frequently are Langada, Neelam, Chausa, Rajapuri, Bainganpally, Daseri, Mallika, Ritual, Langra, Kesar, Bangarapalli and Lalbaug. But the legendary one seems to be the Alphonso, described in poetic terms by one writer as: “the tubby golden ones (which) arrive in late May.” I am lucky to be in India at this time of year, so I can slurp the nectar of this succulent fruit, the best I have tasted anywhere.


Vegetables are excellent here as well, with a wide variety and an abundant supply. While not as beautiful as they are in other parts of the world, such as Italy, the taste of everything I have eaten has been terrific. I can barely carry home my purchases from a trip to the local market.


It ‘s filled with several types of gourds (bitter, ridge gourd and just plan gourd) cucumbers and pumpkin. Root vegetables include beets, turnips, and carrots. Green peas, green beans, long beans, Brussels sprouts, sweet corn, cabbage, mushrooms, and cauliflower (India is one of the world’s biggest producers) make for a colorful array.


Flavor is enhanced in many Indian recipes with ginger, onions, garlic, shallots, tomatoes, and several types of green and red chilies. The potato is found in many popular dishes as are eggplant (called brinjal) and okra (called lady’s fingers.) Indian cooks use greens that look limp and unrecognizable to us for taste as well as nutrition.


For those on Western salaries, the prices are incredibly reasonable. I am sure it is difficult for many Indians to buy enough rice, lentils and veggies (mainstays of the Indian vegetarian diet) to feed families on what they earn with the current inflation rate of approximately 7%.


But 10 rupees (25 cents) for a kilo of bright red, tree ripened, locally-grown tomatoes is a dream come true for a Slow Food advocate like me. Here are some more images from a recent trip to my local street market.