Mangoes are the zucchini of Mexico!!!

I love mangoes. I'm fairly addicted to them. That's a foregone conclusion. In Washington, they were an expensive treat. But they are grown here by the zillions commercially for export and in nearly everyone's yard. The growing season is very long considering the climate and the many varieties that come on at different times. It didn't take long for the word to get out in the neighborhood that the American lady loves mangoes. Over the last several weeks this luscious fruit has arrived by the bag and bucketful!! Our two neighbors across the street have trees, plus our neighbor behind and all three families have been quite generous.



Two other ladies several blocks away that we have a nodding acquaintance with also arrived on our doorstep with grocery sacks full. Then Eloy, Jacobo's handyman, arrived for a job here with guess what?? A bucket full of mangoes for me. Have I had my fill yet? NO. Not sure I ever will. I never turn them down, partly because I enjoy them so much I could and do eat them every day. Partly because it would be rude to turn them down. But I haven't been totally greedy either. I've shared the wealth with the Lumppios and have stockpiled some frozen chunks and pureed mango in the freezer for the future.

To say life is sweet here is an understatement!

It finally dawned on me though, mangoes are the zucchini of Mexico. Why you ask? Have you ever heard the joke about zucchini season? Can't leave your car windows down or your sunroof open regardless of how hot it is because you'll come back and find a "gift" of zucchini in your car.
I never grew zucchini in Washington because I knew so many others who did who were thrilled to unload them once they started coming on. If you ignored them for a day or two they'd be the size of a small dog. You had to be constantly vigilant and get them out of your garden. People would bring them to work and church to share. They were everywhere. But, I loved them too…made tons of zucchini bread, a great zucchini casserole (thanks Ginny) and even a killer zucchini chocolate chip cake from a recipe from Ralph's Aunt Donna. Froze them in batches for these treats later in the year when the harvest was over. God is good to provide such a variety of things from his bounty. Could have just been all Brussels sprouts!!