Ripe mangoes and mango cakes or amsatta

From raw mangoes, let us now have a look at the ripe ones. Ripe mangoes lend themselves to take different forms in both liquids as well as semi-solid states – the first means the mango lassi or sherbet or plain juice while the second one is the transformation to ice creams or kulfis. I remember when I was in Kanpur, the mango ice cream vendors would go around the neighborhood in the evenings with their products. The vessel containing the delicious ice cream would be placed on the hand cart and the mouth licking ice-cream would be scooped up in specially designed spoons and served in metal ‘glasses’.

There is another delicious lip smacking product that requires ripe mangoes, not just ripe mangoes but, those that are loaded with plenty of juice. Yes, I mean the amsatta or mango-cake. These mangoes are usually of the fibrous variety. The skin is first removed and then the juice is squeezed out into suitable vessels. After that, a clean piece of cloth is taken and placed on a mat like surface and the juice is poured onto the cloth. The juice hardens as it dries and, once it is hard enough, a second layer is applied. And the wonderful cake is built up layer by layer.
The final product can be stored for the whole year and can be used to impart wonderful tastes to various other dishes apart from being a snack by itself.
The process of making pickles at home involve plenty of hard work and patience among others and, in view of the terribly tight daily schedules of modern day womenfolk, they prefer to lift these bottles off the shelf of the local shops. But the charm of preparing these in one’s house is un-paralleled.
In families where elder members live with the family, they try to keep up the tradition but, what with limited space in apartments, there is very little opportunity for exposing the products to direct sun rays – and, sunlight is important for the seasoning.
Each of these types of mango products, whether sweet or hot, has a distinct flavor and end use. During the pickle-making season, vendors who sell large glass or ceramic containers do a roaring business. But, that trade is also gradually drying up – the shelves in malls and departmental stores are stocked with umpteen plus one varieties and one can have one’s choice.
In Kolkata, there are shops on the crossing of Gariahat Road where the heady smell of pickles on offer is enough to drive one crazy and the pickles are not only of mangoes but also of olives, chilies and other items. (to be continued …)

(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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