Heat and mangoes

Summer is almost upon us. And that means only one thing: Mangoes!

The early alphonsos hit the streets of Mumbai mid-February and in Gujarat in the last week of February. This year, because of the extended winter, the harvest has been delayed; expect the fruit to be available freely starting April—a good two-week delay. Down South, matters are not much better with Cyclone Thane playing its part. On the whole, prices will be high this year.

A dozen mangoes last year cost Rs 800 in Gujarat; this year they'll be around Rs 1,200. Alphonsos will also be at least 50 percent more expensive in Mumbai than last year (Rs 1,200).