Photo credit: Neha Thirani Bagri. Arvind Morde, a mango retailer and exporter, at the Crawford market in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Europe’s loss may be the gain for those of us who find ourselves living in India. That includes 1.2 billion locals and a few more of us who now have a few more of the most amazing edibles on this planet (thanks to India Ink for the story):

Alphonso Mangoes Flood Indian Market After E.U. Ban

By NEHA THIRANI BAGRI

MUMBAI, India — The Indian mango, and in particular the Alphonso, is a much-coveted and much-fetishized fruit by Indians, loved as much for its flavor as for its scarcity. Because of its rarity the fruit has achieved near-mythical importance in India, where access to mangoes early in the season is a sign of prestige.

Arshi Krishnachar was beaming Saturday after he had just purchased his first box of Alphonso mangoes this season at Crawford Market, this city’s historic marketplace.

“I absolutely love mangoes, and Alphonso mangoes from Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri region are the best in the world,” said Mr. Krishnachar, 39, who works at the India office of Philips, the Dutch technology conglomerate. “Mangoes are special because they are not always available, but come to the market only in the season. And secondly, they have a beautiful taste. In summer, you eat mangoes and you get good sleep.”…

Read the whole story here.