JB’s Bites: Mangoes in the Motor City

FUN FACT: Faygo is likely the reason that many Michiganders call soda “pop.”

Hey, it’s JB!

I recently shared an article written by a metro Detroiter about a semi-illicit, highly secretive network to secure some of the best mangoes you can get in America. 

Some JB’s Bites subscribers read the article and organized a mango order, direct from Pakistan. 

Angela Chi of Chi Fan Le led the charge, coordinating through WhatsApp to place the order. I joined in, and together we drove to Canton to pick up the mangoes from Abdu Market. 

A box comes with 13 Anwar Ratol mangoes, a small yellow variety. After trying the mangoes, here’s what Angela had to say: 

“These mangoes were really unique. The texture was really nice, it was almost buttery. The fragrance on it was almost…herbaceous and floral at the same time.” 

Upon pickup, the quality of the mangoes varied, but what stood out to me was how incredibly fragrant they were. 

The order minimum is $128, which comes out to 52 mangoes for $2.46 per mango. 

Or, without having to pre order, you can stop by Abdu Market and purchase a box of more common varieties from the produce section for $34.99. Angela also tried this option, but said the mangoes were  less unique than the Anwar Ratol we pre-ordered, tasting more like the Honey mangoes from Mexico commonly found in grocery stores. 

We both agreed buying these mangoes was a fun experience and worth it to do once if you’re into mangoes. Shoutout to Angela for leading the mango charge!

And, speaking of tropical fruit in Detroit…

Look at what Brother Nature Produce has got going on at their Corktown farm. They are growing mandarin oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and other sub-tropical items.

Dig In, 
JB

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• Chef Matty Matheson of Hulu TV show ‘The Bear’ is partnering with Detroit’s Standby.
• The Black Food & Wine Experience will make its Detroit debut Sept. 12-14 to highlight Black culinary excellence.
• Today is the last day to purchase tickets to Griffin Garden’s annual garden tea party.

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Thurs., July 18: 
Hightowers Catering at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval. 
Big Girl Burgers at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 6-9 p.m. 
Pink Flamingo, 2746 Vermont St. 6-10 p.m. 
Fri., July 19: 
Khana at Third Street Bar, 4626 3rd Ave. 5 p.m. 
Savor Red at Rosa, 19180 Grand River Ave. 3-9 p.m. 
Kintomi at Nourish Ramen. 11 a.m. 
Konjo Me at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.  
Food Truck Fridays at E. Warren Farmers Market, 16835 E. Warren. 12-8 p.m. 
Randos Sandos at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 5-8 p.m. 
Sat., July 20: 
Val’s Pizza at Beaverland Farms, 15078 Beaverland St. 4-9 p.m. 
Sir Duck BBQ at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 4-8 p.m. 
Savor Red at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval. 
Khana at Third Street Bar, 4626 3rd Ave. 11 a.m. 
Tacos Hernandez at Concert of Colors, 3711 Woodward Ave. 1-6 p.m. 
Sun., July 21: 
The Egg Hunt at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.  
Dawat in the garden. 6-9 p.m. 
Mon., July 22: 
Homegirl Kitchen at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval. 6-10 p.m. 
Kusina at Motor City Wine, 1949 Michigan Ave.  
Tues., July 23: 
Martes Market at The Congregation, 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd. 4-8 p.m. 
Wed., July 24: 
Nepantla at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 5-9 p.m.