The mango season is still in full force in India and now is the best time to taste this delicious fruit. The three day 2012 Delhi Mango Festival drew in huge crowds and showcased over 500 varieties of the much loved mango.

Don’t despair if you missed the event though, there are still plenty of mango tasting opportunities. Here is our list of where to find Delhi’s best mangos.

DELHI’S BEST MANGOES ARE AT….
Bengali Market – a market otherwise known for its chaat and chhole bhature stalls also has a decent selection of fruit vendors. Go there for the alphonso.

Azadpur Mandi – one of Asia’s largest fruits and vegetable wholesale markets, this is the typical Indian bazaar; noisy, messy, crowded but the prices are the most reasonable in town.

INA Market - opposite the original Dilli Haat; prices here are on the steeper side, but the variety is one of the best you will find in Delhi.

MANGO FOR ALL SEASONS
Not in Delhi for the Mango Festival? Don’t lose heart… be it any season, you can still enjoy the flavour of the fruit. To experience the diversity of the tasty mango we suggest you buy and taste the following:

• Aam papad
• Aam ka murabba
• Teekha aam ka achaar
• Aam ras
• Mango mousse
• Mango kulfi

If you are staying in a homestay your host will be happy to be your local guide and tell you where you can access the best mango tasting locally!

MANGO LASSI RECIPE
This delicious recipe is a great way to enjoy mangos! It is quick and easy to prepare.
Preparation time: 7-10 minutes
Servings: 5

INGREDIENTS
2 cups plain yogurt
2 cups of mango pulp (use alphonso, Bengal Malda or langda)
2 teaspoons of sugar
A cup of crushed ice (optional)
Dry fruits and nuts for garnishing

METHOD
Combine the ingredients (except the garnish) in a blender and puree until smooth. Cover and refrigerate before serving.
To make it look more authentic, serve in earthen tumblers (the kind you will find in dhabas in Punjab) and add some chopped cashewnuts, almonds, raisins and crushed cardamom seeds on the top.

Related articles and links:
Delhi destination guide
Delhi Mango Festival
Mango Mania in Maharashtra: Mango Sreekhand Recipe