The Alphonso variety of mangoes–the famous delicious fruits from India–will hit US stores starting this month. The mangoes were granted access to the US 17 years after negotiations started between the two countries, the Washington Post’s Walter Nicholls reported early last month.

            The report said the mangoes were denied entry before because of concerns they carry pests, including weevils, and added the mangoes approved for importation in the US are the first fruits irradiated overseas. India produces half of the world’s mango output.

            In its website, the U.S.-India Business Council, based in the nation’s capital, carried the information about hosting a "Mango Celebration" on May 1, with guests treated to the taste of the coveted fruit. Guests were led by US Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and Indian Ambassador to the US Ronen Sen.          

The Post story noted importer and distributor Savani Farms of Chalfont, Pennsylvania was talking to Costco, Giant Food and Super Fresh, with company co-owner Niranjan Savani saying the whole thing was in an experimental phase, with shipment of the mangoes expected last month.