Mango Madness...

After a gap of 18 years Mangoes are back in America. The U.S government, under a new trade agreement with India, has agreed to resume the import of mangoes. This lifting of the ban on mango imports or as some people are calling it, mango diplomacy, is being seen as another step forward in improving India-U.S relations.

May 2007 ended the ban on mango imports and ushered in mango madness, they going at a rate of $35 for a crate of 12 mangoes as of now. The reason why they were not allowed for so long into America was that certain unapproved pesticides were being used by Indian farmers. But now, mangoes are being irradiated and this makes them fit for consumption.

With a 4000 yr old history, mangoes are believed to have originated in the north eastern belt of India and are now grown throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Growing up in India, mangoes were an inherent part of life and integral part of culture. Mangoes have a considerable presence in religion, history, art, handicrafts, jewelry and very commonly in cuisine across India. Apart from Hindus, Buddhists also consider them sacred as Lord Buddha is believed to have lived under a mango tree. They are also associated with abundance and joy. Many of us must have seen mango leaves being tied at the entrance to bring in good luck. Down south perhaps Banana and coconuts are close contenders.

They are also known to have political uses. In Pakistan, if you receive a crate of mangoes from your enemy, it means they want to reconcile with you and rejecting a gift is considered bad according to tribal traditions. The idea is to replace embarrassing apologies by sending mangoes. Also the mangoes sent to a rival must be from your own farm and not from some market. This form of diplomacy was introduced sometime in the 19th century during the British reign in the Sindh region.

In India Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were known to carry baskets of the choicest of Mangoes on their foreign trips. On one such trip to Moscow, when the mangoes were served during a banquet, they created a sensation with many of the dignitaries taking the mangoes back home to their families.

Whatever their use, they are one of the most enjoyable fruits ever and perhaps “the most waited for”, fruit in India. For me, mangoes are the reason to wait for summer.