Mango Wars

 Who would think that a fruit as tasty and beautiful as the mango could start the war? Yet it's true, especially in New Jersey where Indian mangoes vie with Mexican bread ones and where mango sellers butt heads with each other. Why the to do over this delicious fruit?

Regular contributor Priya Krishna explains it in today's New York Times Wednesday Food section. Indian mangoes are much in demand by Indians because of the flavor and texture. It reminds many of what they ate as children, thanks to many parents and grandparents growing them in their gardens.Indian mangos have a buttery texture - not unlike avocados and a slight;y tangy favor.Mexican ones have a brighter - almost Candy like flavor.  They're both fragile and the window to sell them is always short.It gets worst when they arrive from India unrefrigerated. The boxes soaked in condensation from the fruit and some fo the mangoes have been crushed.This doesn't bode well for local mango sellers. They're ruthless because the profit margin is slim. The competition is aso ruthless, especially in New Jersey where there is the largest Indian population outside India. These are the customers. who willingly pay a lot for a couple of mangoes.Mangoes are not a rational buy according to Kahushal Khakkar who runs Kat Bee exports in Mumbai. This is a memeory buy where there is a deep connection to the taste and texture

Boxes of imported mangoes are sold to customers and businesses alike. The fruit can be used in such savory dishes as curry and dal along with condiments like chutney . It's also good in lassi,a creamy drink made with yogurt, milk and spices. One would think that this need for the fruit would make  them desirable to Indian food store owners. Yet many proprietors  show no loyalty to any importer according to Bhavik Mehta, an IT specialist who actually sells them out his garage in Edison New Jersey.Many pit one owner against the other in the effort to lower prices. also most stores allow customers to return boxes if they're not satisfied, This even includes f only one fruit is spoiled.No store wants this so mangoes are not offered in many Indian grocery stores. The grocery chain Patel Brothers terms them as loss leaders draws to get customers in the store to buy more expensive goods.The stores absorb the loss of them, instead of charging the importers for the return . This id due to customers returning them on a daily basis.some importers try to sell them as cheaply as possible but that hurts the farmers who need the money to survive. Some store owners want to work together to sell the mangoes.

THis is a mango war. Will it ever end? That's up to importers and sellers alike who sell this beautiful fruit.