India feasts on royal mangoes after European Union banned imports of fruit from India
Mumbai: Indians are feasting on some of the world’s most succulent mangoes after the European Union banned imports of the fruit from India this month, producing a glut and rock-bottom prices for local consumers. Starting May 1, the EU banned imports of Indian mangoes including the Alphonso, considered the king of all the mango varieties grown in South Asia, because a large number of shipments were contaminated with fruit flies. The pests are considered a threat to crops grown locally in Europe.
For years, the Alphonso mangoes had been out of the reach of most Indians as the best of the fruit was shipped to the supermarkets of Europe and other parts of the world where it commanded a premium price. In Mumbai, the capital of the main Alphonso growing region, the fruit is now selling for Rs 150-550 ($2.50-$9) a kilogram, about $2-3 below prices last week. And sellers say they expect the prices to fall even further. Mangoes start arriving in Indian markets in April, providing a juicy, delicious respite from summer temperatures and humidity as they start climbing to oppressive levels.
Piles of mangoes are cooled in refrigerators or buckets of ice-cold water or pureed to create refreshing drinks that cut through the scorching heat. The Alphonso, with its golden yellow flesh and distinct aroma, is a favorite and is especially prized because the best varieties are either exported or prohibitively expensive. This year, however, the stores in Mumbai’s Crawford market are piled high with crates and baskets of perfectly ripe Alphonso.
Deepak Kanulkar and his family are now gorging on the delicious fruit. “There is difference in the size and texture. The moment you touch it, you feel the difference. When you cut it, you get this aroma, which fills the room. The taste is definitely superior,” he said. “I have had these mangoes while living abroad and now I am seeing the same quality here.” But the EU ban is likely to disappoint legions of Indian mango fans in Britain.
