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India is home to over 1500 varieties of juicy, delicious mangoes. Needless to say, I grew up around mango trees and as a matter of course, I became an expert tree climber as a kid so I could scramble up and pluck the plump ripening fruits any time I wanted. 😁
Many people don't realize that the sap of the mango tree is acidic. It's possible to be burned by the spray of the sap, as the fruit is picked from the branch. When picking by hand, we break off a piece of the stem along with the fruit and turn it downwards to avoid touching the sap.
Also, you always want to pick mango fruits from the tree when they are about 90% ripe, before they fall to the ground. Once they hit the ground, the tender fruits become bruised and the bruise will blacken, becoming inedible.
This year, I timed my trip to India so I could participate in the Alphonso mango harvest. I rented a motorcycle and drove out to the Alphonso mango farm. The first thing that hits you as you approach the grove of trees is the smell of the fruits hanging in the air. Alphonso Mango is nicknamed the "King of Mangoes" for good reason. At their peak ripeness, they are one of the richest, most buttery and luscious mangoes you could ever taste. Most people who have the pleasure of tasting them fresh say that Alphonso Mangoes are the essence of what a mango should be.
I don't think I could have picked a more perfect day. There is something magical about a mango grove at harvest time with the sun shining on all those beautiful mangos. The taste was incredible! It doesn't get any fresher than that! And knowing they are packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene makes these mangos the ultimate guilt free treat!😁
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