Ingredient Wed Apr 23 2008

They're here! They're here!

Last year I wrote about the heavenly Alphonso mangoes that I was lucky enough to purchase. Well, if you waited too long to get them last year, you'll be delighted to know that they are once again available at Patel Brothers, (two locations on Devon Avenue, the smaller store is east of Rockwell by a block, the other is one block west of Rockwell.)

Whereas last year I was lucky to stumble across five boxes of mangoes the day after they arrived, this year the shipments to the US seem much larger. The stack at Patel Brothers was taller than I was and several columns deep. While I stood in front of the display marveling at the quantity I saw before me, a young Indian woman came in talking on her cellphone. "They're here! They're here!" were the only words she said in English, and I agreed with her enthusiasm.

I purchased a case of 12 mangoes for $30.66 (including tax) and asked if they would be getting more varieties. "The Kesar will come next week, or maybe the week after." Due to cold weather and rain the Kesar mangoes haven't ripened as quickly, nor are the crops as large. But I'll be keeping my eyes open and as soon as they arrive, I'll let you know.

— Cinnamon Cooper / Comments (2)