Salty Lemons

turmeric root
Flushing, NY from my 2011 archive

April 20, 2011

Alphonsos

My quest this past weekend included Dim Sum and mangoes. Years ago, 2004 to be exact, my friend invited me to her parents' house in an area in Sweden known as Dalarna, home of the wooden horse statuette. Her father frequently traveled on business to India and brought back a case of mangoes whenever they were in season. They were served as dessert. Hands down, the best mango I had ever eaten, very few fibers and a sweet concentrated flavor.

I immediately inquired about them, made a sketch of their case sitting on the balcony under the moonlight, and captioned it, "Alphonsos." Once back home, I set out to find where to buy them. In my research, I found stores did not carry them. In fact, they were banned! How was this possible? The King of the "King of Mangoes," I would never have them again unless I went to India (which would be fine by me). But a change of luck a few years later, the U.S. lifted the ban on Indian mangoes in 2007. Every year since then, I have tried to get my hands on a case and have failed. I have either missed the season (April and May only), or stores were sold out.

After stuffing ourselves with Dim Sum, a group of friends joined The Swede and I on a short trek, with fingers crossed, to an Indian grocery store that carries the Alphonso variety. No luck, they did not have them. The cashier told me, "Check next week." I bravely got over it, not wanting to cry in front of my friends over mangoes. It was a great opportunity however to look around the store. I am one of those people who loves grocery shopping. I like to discover something unfamiliar, and then research its origin, uses, variations, and prices.

I recently ran out of Madras curry powder and Patel Brothers stocks it. I also bought yellow and black mustard seeds, all for $4.27. In the produce section they sell turmeric, in fresh root form. Previously, I have only seen it as a powder. Turmeric is believed to be a preventative herb in fighting cancer. It has a slightly musty taste and a vibrant yellow, orange color. I think I will buy a piece of it when I go back for the mangoes and put in the garden to see what happens. It will probably look gorgeous grated over some white basmati rice.

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