Ecstasy of mangoes

The mango season is in full swing these days. Every meal or every day sees a delicious mango on our plates. It could be the celebrated Alphonso mango from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra in India or a Dasheri from Malhibad in Uttar Pradesh state or a Benarsi Langra variety.

The Alphonso mango’s sweet and delicious pulp has conquered the world. Even the residents of UAE, UK and USA love these mangoes. So, the large, high grade Alphonso mangoes are exported to these countries. They fetch better prices abroad, than in India. In India, we eat smaller mangoes, at high prices, since the best varieties get exported. Even though India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, Mexico is the largest global exporter. India has a large consumption market, so exports are limited.

In Dubai mangoes are available, literally throughout the year, I had observed. Dubai is a cosmopolitan town. So, mangoes are available from India, Pakistan, Philippines and even from Africa, in most months. The UAE is really a mango-lovers paradise.

If you want to make anybody joyful, present him with a basket of mangoes. With a few mangoes, you will have mastered Dale Carnegie’s book of how to make friends and influence people.

Rajendra Aneja,
Mumbai, India