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Comment by ArtWomb | Hacker News Reader

Not sure the official varietal designation, but many latino-operated grocers in Metro NY area carry the "little banana" bunches common to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. They are memorably terrific when ripe. Tarter than the Cavendish. With a softer fruit inside.

I feel we could grow more varietals of everything as American palettes expand. I've seen many types of chili peppers in farmer's markets. And I'd put the taste test to Haitian mangos arriving here in early May with the best Alphonses the Indian Subcontinent has to offer ;)

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There are many great varieties besides the Alphonso, that are popular in different parts of India. Examples include the Langda, the Malda and the Raspuri varieties. Quite different from one another and each with its own devoted following.

I found Mexican mangoes to be a pale imitation of the Indian varieties. Surprisingly, the best mangoes I have tasted in America were from two huge trees in the backyard of a place we were renting in Hawaii. The trees had shed hundreds of mangoes with hundreds more on the trees themselves, and then caretakers were only too happy to see us enjoy them. Made my Hawaii trip memorable!

Malda and Langda (my fav) are quite similar. Other popular varieties are Daseri, Totapuri, Safeda, Chausa

> I found Mexican mangoes to be a pale imitation of the Indian varieties.

Do you mean produce you bought fresh in tropical regions in Mexico e.g. at a local market stall, or produce you bought in a US supermarket, imported from Mexico by a large-scale distributor?

There are great fresh mangoes available in markets in southern Mexico, tastier than the ones easily found in the US. Similar story for other tropical fruits, including bananas. The demands of long-distance shipping and wide distribution force significant compromises in most types of fresh produce.

Disclaimer: I have never been to India.

> best mangoes I have tasted in America were from two huge trees in the backyard ... in Hawaii

Yeah now try to grow those at commercial scale and keep them as tasty weeks later after shipping them hundreds of miles across several layers of supply chain.

Yes! I noticed that latino grocery stores have some common varieties that are available in my home country, which is in south asia. Those 'little banana' that you are referring to is one of them, but they taste slightly different from what's available in my country (close, but not exactly the same). :)

Also, for those who have never tried this before: try to make refreshing juice out of Tamarind (available in latino grocery shops) and maybe a spoon of sugar. Super delicious in the summer.

Also check any local Asian markets. Here in DC, we have a mix of latino, asian, and mid-eastern markets. The variety of fruits, vegetables, and seafood is great. Usually far less expensive than chain grocers too, even for "normal" items.

There's a pretty good Asian market in Austin if anyone's looking for one in that area.

Before Covid we'd drive up to Austin every few month's and resupply on curry paste and a couple other things.

Alphonsos are a marketing success but far from the best mangoes the Indian subcontinent has to offer. Bland and tending to sourness. This battle plays out every summer on Indian Twitter.

We call that group of small bananas "lady finger" bananas in my country. There are dozens, maybe hundreds worldwide. Some popular ones are Nam Wah, Blue Java, Ice Cream, etc

the 'elaichi' banana is popular in india. https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/ever-heard-of-elaichi-bana...

Southern India, it is not available in the North. Most North Indians who haven't travelled have no idea it exists.

+1 If any of you get a chance, try the "Najangud rasbaLe" variety often found in Mysore. It's my absolutely favorite kind of banana

Edit 1: typos Edit 2: More details on what's ailing the rasbaLe and how fickle crops can be here: https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-cultivation-karnat...

Thanks, noted!

That link says its available in Bihar.

Oh, I’ve never seen it in Punjab though. I’ve carried bunches to Punjab (where my parents live) and it’s always a novelty there.

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