Indian Mangoes Are Here!?

The news services and national food blogs have been all over the removal of restrictions on imports of Indian mangoes. Supposedly, they are prized for their flavor and quality, and have just started hitting NY and LA and are all the rage with foodie early-adopters. How about here in Tampa?

No Indian fever, here. Cooseman's Produce doesn't see how they'll compete with mangoes grown in this hemisphere — most of our mangoes come from Mexico at about $2 for 10 (wholesale), while Indian mangoes will likely be air-shipped for a while at exorbitant prices ($35 a box in LA). Most of the places I called didn't even know that they were available, or even that mangoes grew in India. A produce buyer at out local Sysco affiliate said "if anyone starts asking for them, I'll look into it."

Woohoo!? Indian mangoes are here?!

This article appears in May 23-29, 2007.