Summer time in India is synonymous with two things - paralyzing heat, and one special nectar oozing fruit of the Gods, the mango. If mango is the king of fruits, then Alfonso is the king of mangoes. Also called Hapus or Haapoos, these one of a kind mangoes arrive during the very early part of mango season in April. I am not sure whether it is because they the one of the first mangoes to arrive or because their taste is indeed so unique, but the Alphonsoes are one special mango.
To celebrate Ayza'a arrival (congrats Tarim and Mahj), I decided to bring home a box. I realize that a box of twelve is a lot of mangoes for one person, but these mangoes are not sold any other way. It was clear to the shopkeeper that I was a first time Alphonso buyer when I asked him, "Bhaiya, how much for a kilo?" He smiled and replied softly in a Yoda like voice, "The measure of an Alphonso is not in its weight babuji, but the unique experience that each and every piece provides. Kilos and grams, these are concepts for your average mangoes like Langra, or Dashehri. This is an Alphonso."
Alphonsoes only travel first class. They come in their own box of 12, packed with ample padding and leg room to make sure they don't face any discomfort as they travel to their destination. The mangoes were duly washed, individually dried, and kept in the refrigerator for a little over two hours before my patience ran out and I sank my teeth into the first batch. All I have to say is, I can now die in peace.
1 comment:
Yes - you cna die in peace and the rest of us can die from jealousy !!! They are $4.00 a piece here....and all I've been doing is "sniffing" my one tiny purchase since I bought it this weekend....waiting for it to ripen. Then once its ripe and I've eaten it....I too can die in peace :)
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