Late spring in the UK brings more than just longer days and warmer evenings, it brings the unmistakable scent of aam season. For British South Asians, this time of year is not just about fruit; it’s about feeling. It’s about opening a crate of mangoes and being instantly transported to a courtyard in Lahore, a veranda in Mumbai, or a family gathering in Karachi.
From May through July, millions of mangoes make their way from the orchards of India and Pakistan to the homes of families across Britain. And when those boxes arrive, wrapped in hay, slightly green, waiting to ripen on the kitchen counter, it’s not just mangoes we’re unpacking. Its memories.
Aam ka Rishta: Why Mangoes Matter So Much
For many of us, mangoes are more than just a seasonal treat; they are a ritual. The first bite of perfectly ripe Sindhri or Alphoso isn’t just sweet, it’s emotional. It reminds us of nani ke hath se kata huwa aam, of course, fighting over the last slice, of sticky fingers and sun-drenched afternoons.
British Pakistanis and Indians alike share this deep-rooted connection. Whether it’s the silky smoothness of Chaunsa or the saffron-hued richness of Kesar, each variety carries its own story, its own nostalgia.
How We Enjoy Them: From Simplicity to Celebration
There’s no wrong way to eat a mango, but there are so many right ones. Some of us still eat them the old-school way: biting straight into the skin, juice dripping down our wrists. Others prefer them sliced neatly, and sprinkled with namak and mirch.
Then there’s the mango milkshake, thanda, meeta, aur dil se bana huwa, a staple in many South Asian homes. And let’s not forget mango lassi, mango kulfi, and mango cheesecake, and even mango-infused cocktails now popping up in trendy cafes across London and Birmingham.
It’s a fruit that adapts, evolves, and yet never loses its roots.
The Mango Trail: From Orchard to UK Crate
Every year, mangoes from India and Pakistan are carefully harvested, packed semi-ripe, and flown to the UK to preserve their freshness. Popular varieties like Alphonso, Kesar, Sindhri, Chaunsa, and Anwar Ratol dominate the market.
India’s Alphonso and Kesar mangoes are known for their fragrance and vibrant color, while Pakistan’s chaunsa and Sindhri are prized for their sweetness and juiciness. In fact, 32% of mangoes imported into the UK come from Pakistan, making it one of the largest contributors to Britain’s mango obsession.
These mangoes are available in local South Asian grocery stores, bustling markets like Southall and Green Street, and increasingly in mainstream supermarkets like Tesco and Asda during peak season. Online platforms also deliver farm-fresh mangoes straight to your doorstep.
The Cost of Nostalgia
Let’s be honest, mangoes in the UK aren’t cheap. A box of 12 Alphonso or Sindhri mangoes can cost anywhere from £15 to £25, depending on the variety and seller but for many families, its a seasonal indulgence worth every penny.
Some even gift mango boxes to relatives, just like they would with mithai during Eid or Diwali. Because when you hand someone a box of mangoes, you’re not just giving fruit, you’re sharing a piece of home.
Aam, Yaadien, Aur Hum
At Desi Adda, we believe mangoes are more than just a summer fruit; they’re a feeling. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and the joy of sharing something sweet with the people we love.
So, whether you’re team Alphonso or team Chaunsa, whether you are eating your mangoes with a spoon or straight from the skin, one thing is certain: every crate carries more than mangoes. It carries memories.
