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Indian Mangoes Arrive in Seattle Stores After Year-Long Push

Indian mangoes are making a fresh push into the US Pacific Northwest, with Seattle-area stores stocking varieties like Kesar and Alphonso. The effort follows a year-long outreach by India's Consul General in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, involving retailers, distributors, and local consumers. Gupta linked the availability to "mango diplomacy," recalling George W. Bush's 2006 remark about Alphonso mangoes. The fruit is expected at Indian grocery stores and Costco outlets in Seattle, Kirkland, and Redmond.

Key Points: Indian Mangoes Hit Seattle Stores After Year-Long Push

  • Indian mangoes now available in Seattle stores
  • Year-long outreach by consulate
  • Varieties include Kesar and Alphonso
  • "Mango diplomacy" traced to George W. Bush's 2006 visit
2 min read

Indian mangoes arrive in Seattle stores

Indian mangoes arrive in Seattle-area stores, including Costco, after a year-long outreach. Consul General Prakash Gupta highlights "mango diplomacy."

"That started that wave of mangoes coming into the US. - Prakash Gupta"

Washington, May 16

Indian mangoes are making a fresh push into the US Pacific Northwest, with Seattle-area stores beginning to stock the prized fruit after what Indian officials described as a year-long outreach effort involving retailers, distributors and local consumers.

The renewed spotlight on Indian mangoes came after a special segment aired on Fox 13 News' "Good Day Seattle", where India's Consul General in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, spoke about the arrival of varieties including Kesar and Alphonso mangoes in the region.

"Indian mangoes are special for a variety of reasons," Gupta said during the programme. "It typically represents the onset of the summer season. And our growing up memories are associated with this fruit. Families bond over mangoes."

Fox 13 anchor Sean Chien introduced the segment by noting that India is "the world's largest producer of mangoes", while adding that the fruit had been "hard to secure here in western Washington".

Gupta linked the growing availability of Indian mangoes in the United States to what he described as "mango diplomacy" between the two countries. He recalled that during then-President George W. Bush's 2006 visit to India, the American leader tasted an Alphonso mango and remarked, "what a hell of a fruit."

"That started that wave of mangoes coming into the US," Gupta said.

According to Gupta, the Seattle consulate hosted a mango promotion event last year where local residents and distributors sampled four Indian mango varieties. The outreach later expanded to grocery chains, delivery platforms and "big US retailers" to test consumer response in the Seattle market.

"I'm very happy to say that after efforts of one year, we are now going to have all kinds of Indian mangoes beginning this weekend," he said.

The diplomat said Indian mangoes were expected to be available at Indian grocery stores as well as Costco outlets in Seattle, Kirkland and Redmond from Sunday onwards.

The television segment also turned into an informal lesson on how different Indian mango varieties are eaten. Gupta explained that some varieties are best "sucked", while others such as Kesar and Alphonso are better scooped with a spoon.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As someone who grew up in Mumbai and now lives in Seattle, this is a game-changer! Kesar and Alphonso are the king of mangoes. I remember my grandmother telling me stories about how she would preserve mango pulp for the whole year. Now I can get them fresh at Costco? Incredible!
J
James A
I tried an Alphonso mango for the first time at a friend's Diwali party last year. It was unlike any mango I've ever had - so sweet and creamy. I'm glad they'll be more available now. The anchor's surprise at how to eat them was pretty funny though! 😄
R
Rohit L
Great to see Indian mangoes getting this recognition! But I hope they don't become too expensive. Back home, a good Alphonso costs about Rs 100-150 per kilo. Here they'll probably be $5-10 each. Still, for the taste and nostalgia, it might be worth it. Also, the "suck vs scoop" debate is very real - my family is team scoop all the way! 🥄
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Emma D
I've never had an Indian mango before but now I'm curious! The segment on Fox 13 sounded lovely - I'll have to check my local Costco. The Consul General seems really passionate about this. Mango diplomacy indeed! 🥭
K
Kavya N
This is amazing! My parents still talk about the mangoes from their village in Ratnagiri. I hope the quality is maintained when exporting - sometimes they pick them too early and they don't ripen properly. Also, please tell me they're not irradiated like some other imported fruits?

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