jars of mango on Nostrand Avenue

I've been sampling some of the mango slices sold from tables on Nostrand Avenue. The spicy kind with pepper is particularly good. Does anyone know how this stuff is made? I started to wonder if it can go bad, sitting outside all day. But I think its pickled?

Also, it seems like most people are selling the same stuff - has anyone noticed that some stands are better than others?

You are SO brave. I generally like to eat weird or strange items, at least sample them, and I am afraid to try the things in those jars. Not sanitary enough for me...but I am glad to hear your not doubled over with food poisoning.

I have had pickled mango at the West Indian Day parade, and it was excellent.

I just got a bag of dried, heavily spiced mango from Trader Joe's, conveniently sealed in plastic, and that's pretty good, too.

Definitely no food poisoning. I've given some to friends and they are ok too!

I can also recommend the tamarind balls sold at the same tables - especially the ones with pepper! They are amazing - tart and sour and a little sweet and spicy all at once.

Have you seen the boxes of fresh tamarind available now? Must be the season. They are strange, but of course I tried one. You eat the jam-like substance surrounding the big seeds inside.

I have always wondered about that. Is that some carribean delicacy.
I myself just like my mango plain or in a fruit salad..no hot sauce!!!

Not a delicacy....Tamarind is common....in jamaica, from whence I hail.....its great as 'tamarind ball'. Use to get in trouble growing up because its basically tamarind and sugar....my grandma would soak it in jamaican rum as part of the preparation....would that be considered illegal in this country???lol....