Mango Home

“We think Chicago is the mango capital of the world.”

It’s a bold argument from Jaidev “Jai” Sharma, owner of MangoZZ, but surprisingly, it has its merits.

Sharma operates a warehouse in Romeoville, where, for a few brief summer weeks, premium mangoes from all over the Indian subcontinent mingle together. The door is locked and unlabelled. I thought I was in the wrong place until the scent of about 1,000 mangoes stacked high on pallets reached my nose.

As we walked around, Sharma opened boxes, examined individual fruit and explained the various varieties. It wasn’t my first time visiting. Every time, I’ve witnessed Sharma shuffling mangoes between boxes. Darkening or overly soft fruit comes out, ripening fruit goes in.

Sharma constantly speaks of his mangoes as if they’re people, each variety like a finicky cousin or aunt visiting from the homeland. A Kesar is compared to a daughter, consistently sweet. An Alphonso is compared to a son, only good when they’re really good.

“Mango is not a product,” he said. “It’s a living thing.” ….

… Read full article on Chicago Tribune …