well, i have finally been given the opportunity to try the so-called "king of mangoes" (aka alphonso mangoes) imported direct from india. (nytimes article here, boston globe here).. i have to say, having eaten a couple the past few days to run the gamut of ripeness, these are decidedly very uniquely flavored mangoes.. i cannot say for certain that i dislike them, but my preference still lies with the mexican/filipino style mangoes.. there is a sharpness to the flavor that is unexpected but not terrible, there are ZERO sinews, and it is surprisingly juicy... while some fruits are just sour when they are not entirely ripe, these mangoes have a very unusual flavor even within a single fruit when there is any lack of ripeness..

try one for yourself and see what you think.. the ban on indian mangoes has only recently been lifted so you may have to call a local indian grocer and ask for "the indian mangoes" in order to find them.. no joke, they sell out faster than wiis.. also, indian grocers may very well be liars so you would be wise to get a hindi-speaking spy to secure them for you..

mango in my hand