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on time, the quick last-minute dessert that you MADHURI’S MUSINGS
can whip up in a breeze, is Mango Mousse.
This easy to create treat can be made year- Pashmina shawls too have beautiful mango
round with mango pulp and whipped cream. motifs woven in different colors. Traditional
Eating mangoes do not need to be a guilty south Indian temple jewelry is known for its
pleasure. This national fruit of India, (also mango designs embellished in gold and
considered by some as the king of fruits) is inlaid with rubies. Mango motifs are versatile
a good source of fiber and anti-oxidants. symbols and very popular in mehendi and
For sugar watchers and calorie counters, it’s henna tatoos too.
good to know that this mouthwatering fruit is Not surprisingly, India is the world’s largest
not only a delight to taste but also gives an producer of mangoes accounting for more
instant boost of Vitamin C. Who knew that as than 40% of the global mango production.
a natural body scrub, mango can revitalize
the skin for a glowing, flawless look! Even the
leaves of mango trees are considered sacred
and placed on the water pot (kalash) as an
essential ingredient for rituals. The entrance
to Indian homes are decorated with mango
leaves to mark auspicious occasions. The
bright green beautiful color and the soft scent
of the leaves bring warmth to the entryways,
also warding off negative energy.
Outside of the Indian mango, I’ve enjoyed
fresh mangoes in Mexico sprinkled with spicy
tajine powder, Mango Salsa spiced with
jalapenos and flavorful Mango Margaritas. May 2022 marked the return of mangoes to
But there is nothing in the world quite like America for the first time since the pandemic.
Indian mangoes. Once you’ve had a taste Indian ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu
of this luscious Indian fruit, there is no other said the return of Indian mangoes to the US
substitute for it. This summer visit to India, was a reflection of the strength and robustness
I tried Starbucks’ limited-edition Mango in the India-US partnership. The US agreed to
Frappuccino but certainly preferred our give market access to Indian mangoes and
authentic mango delicacies. What is your pomegranates; in exchange for India giving
favorite mango memoir? Do you like your market access to cherries, hay and pork from
mangoes raw and green or ripe and yellow? the US. Hard to tell if that is a fair enough
Do your prefer the flavor of Alphonso’s ( exchange, but glad that our delicious golden
the king of mangoes) or the juiciness of fruits are making their way back to our US
Banganpallis ( Pride of Andhra’s)? homes and shop shelves after a long gap.
Mangoes symbolize abundance and Whether its mango magic or mango-mania,
prosperity. Beyond the fruit itself, the mango mango memories are special. After all the
motif/ symbol is timeless in Indian history and scent of mangoes is a whiff of the scent of
tradition. Kanjeevaram silk sarees are woven Indian summers, a flavor of childhood, a
with mango motifs, including mango buttas taste of home!
on the pallus and body of the saree. Kashmiri
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