When it comes to mangoes, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from; Alphonso, badaami, daseri, langda, chausa, fazli…the list is endless. But nothing quenches my thirst for mangoes other than Bengal’s famed Himsagar. I grew up binging on these. And I would come up with weird combinations; mango with luchi (puri), mango with muri (puffed rice), mango mixed with milk and softened flat rice or poha; summer evenings would be all about mangoes; dessert would be all about mango; party specials would be all about mango; and Himsagar all the while; no other variety was allowed. So when I left home nineteen years back, it was the Himsagar that I craved for every summer. The alphonsos and daseris could never satisfy me fully. This time when I went, it was the season of the Himsagar, mid-May to mid-June. And I binged and binged and binged till my belly screamed, STOP!!! And of course I brought one full carton with me as well. After distributing some of these golden gems amongst my friends, I kept the rest all for myself, relishing one after every afternoon meal. And these are sadly the last two left. As I dig into the pulpy goodness, savouring the zesty sweetness, I tell myself, good things don’t last; but they surely come again. Until next summer, here’s to my beloved Himsagar; one of those few precious gems that bind me in a tender embrace with the city of my birth, Calcutta 🙂
Himsagar Mangoes
