By Indira Kannan, CNBC-TV18

India is the world's largest producer of mangoes and the US is the world's largest importer of the fruit. But until last year, no bilateral trade had been allowed in mangoes for nearly two decades. Now that the curbs are gone, India is stepping up its effort to show American consumers what they've been missing

Indian mangoes returned to the United States last summer, after the US administration lifted an 18-year ban on imports in time for the mango season. It is that time of the year again, and at this mango tasting event organized by the Indian consulate in the big apple this week, New Yorkers slurped their approval.

 At stake here is the American mango market, of around 250,000 tons a year, which is now dominated by imports from Central and South American countries. India, the world's largest mango producer, could grab a big share or even expand this market, with its heady offerings of alfonso, kesar, banganapalli, malgova and various other varieties.

Most Americans are not yet familiar with Indian mangoes. But officials here are betting that with one whiff and a taste of this fruit, they will be hooked for life.