The Indian Mangoes Have Landed at Patel Brothers
Photograph by Kathryn Yu
They’re sticky, they’re sweet, they’re incredibly fragrant—and they’re pricey as hell. But, apparently, getting less so. The much-ballyhooed Indian mangoes have landed in the United States for the first time this season, with confirmed sightings at Patel Brothers, the Indian supermarket, in Chicago, New York’s Jackson Heights, and Decatur, Georgia.
For seventeen years, Indian mangoes (such as Alphonso, Kesar and Banganpa) were barred from the United States. But that ban was lifted in 2007, and each spring since then, the arrival of the mangoes has been a major event. From the look of this April’s first boxes, prices are easing up. A case of twelve Alphonso mangoes is selling for $25 per box in Chicago, down from $36 two years ago. In Atlanta, they’re still going for $35. Have you spotted them anywhere else?
Patel Brothers
2610 West Devon Avenue, Chicago IL 60659 (map)
773-764-1857
1711 Church Street, Decatur GA 30033 (map)
404-296-2696
3727 74th Street, Jackson Heights NY 11372 (map)
718-898-3445
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14 Comments:
I'm sorry, but Manila mangoes are the best.
wickedcoco at 2:18PM on 04/23/09
Imo the best mangoes are the ones growing on the six trees right outside my window.
redfish at 2:27PM on 04/23/09
That photo makes me want to weep. I have been burned by many flavorless, hairy mangoes as of late.
caroliiine at 2:41PM on 04/23/09
These are the most delicious mangoes I have ever had. Even better eaten fresh in India.
rchip123 at 2:53PM on 04/23/09
I've had mangoes in Manila, Costa Rica, Mexico, Thailand, etc. However, the Alfonso mango from just south of Bombay available only for a brief 6 weeks in the Indian summer is the best. There really is no comparison.
jsdc007 at 3:22PM on 04/23/09
I am adding produce shopping to my list of things of things to do when I visit Chicago next month. Thanks!
pearvana at 3:52PM on 04/23/09
I'll have to check these out- fortunately, I live just minutes from the Patel Brothers store in Decatur. (And FYI, Georgians... any of the Indian restaurants in that immediate area are pretty damn good. Luqma has the best naan within the perimeter).
unpocojmoney at 3:59PM on 04/23/09
think i'll grab a few from the mango-carving women who hang out on cadman plaza here in brooklyn tomorrow.
mr guy at 4:05PM on 04/23/09
hm -- looking for a good excuse to visit jackson heights this weekend!
cybercita at 10:33PM on 04/23/09
woah y'all are unlucky. in london it's abt £6-7 for a box!
just saying at 7:26AM on 04/24/09
If you live in Los Angeles, you can drive on down to Cerritos/Artesia and find them on Pioneer Blvd.
kosha at 1:23PM on 04/24/09
I don't really have any more info on these (mouthwatering deeelicious) mangoes, but when I read it the little voice in my head shouted "I LOVE PATEL BROTHERSSSSSS! MANGGGOOOOO SEASONNNN!"
Ya'll should go out and get yourself a case. A case. You'll go through surprisingly quickly.
i_like_food at 4:13PM on 04/24/09
Patel Bros in Queens has Mangos as of last week. $30 per case! 12 in a case. Got them anyway, pretty fantastic.
2 slices at 11:52AM on 04/27/09
I have bought a case of alphonsos from Patel Brothers in Schaumburg,IL over this weekend. I have to say I am very disappointed with the quality and size of the mangoes. So far all the mangoes have rotten spots inside. I dont know if my experience is an isolated one
rk747 at 2:19PM on 04/28/09