15 Fascinating Facts About the Exotic Mangosteen Fruit
The mangosteen is one of the most delicious and intriguing fruits found in the tropics. With its deep reddish-purple rind and soft, sweet white arils, it’s easy to see why the mangosteen is referred to as the “Queen of Fruits.”
This exotic fruit has a captivating backstory spanning centuries. The mangosteen has long been revered for its exquisite taste and medicinal properties across Southeast Asia. Even today, the mangosteen retains an air of mystery and royal privilege.
Ready to learn more about this fascinating fruit? Keep reading for 15 interesting facts about the exotic mangosteen!
1. Mangosteens Earned the Nickname “Queen of Fruits”
The mangosteen is known as the “Queen of Fruits” in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. This regal nickname comes from the fruit’s exquisite taste and delicate appearance that requires special handling. Its sweet, juicy flesh is considered one of the most delicious of all tropical fruits.
2. Native to Tropical Southeast Asia
Mangosteens are native to tropical Southeast Asian countries like:
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Myanmar
The warm, humid climate and ample rainfall provide perfect growing conditions for mangosteen trees.
3. A Unique Flavor Profile
The edible white aril or flesh of the mangosteen has a unique sweet and sour flavor profile. It tastes like:
- Sweet grapes
- Peaches
- Vanilla ice cream
The delicate flesh melts in your mouth with a sweet, slightly tangy taste and creamy texture.
4. Packed With Nutrients and Antioxidants
Mangosteens are low in calories but packed with nutrients like:
| Nutrient | Nutrient Value | Percent of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 73 Kcal | 3.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 17.91 g | 14% |
| Protein | 0.41 g | 1% |
| Total Fat | 0.58 g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 4.5% |
| Vitamins | ||
| – Folates | 31 µg | 8% |
| – Niacin | 0.286 mg | 2% |
| – Pantothenic acid | 0.032 mg | <1% |
| – Pyridoxine | 0.041 mg | 3% |
| – Riboflavin | 0.054 mg | 4% |
| – Thiamin | 0.054 mg | 4.5% |
| – Vitamin A | 35 IU | 1% |
| – Vitamin C | 2.9 mg | 5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| – Sodium | 7 mg | 0.5% |
| – Potassium | 48 mg | 1% |
| Minerals | ||
| – Calcium | 12 mg | 1.2% |
| – Copper | 0.069 mg | 7% |
| – Iron | 0.30 mg | 4% |
| – Magnesium | 13 mg | 3% |
| – Manganese | 0.10 mg | 4% |
| – Phosphorus | 9.21 mg | 1% |
| – Zinc | 0.21 mg | 2% |
Please note that the percentages of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) are approximate values and can vary based on individual dietary needs.
The fruit owes its deep purple color to beneficial plant compounds called xanthones, which act as antioxidants.
5. Touted for Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The xanthones in mangosteen have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some research shows mangosteen extracts can help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Fight bacteria
- Slow cancer cell growth
More studies are needed to confirm specific benefits.
6. A Tropical Treat with Many Uses
There are numerous ways to enjoy mangosteens:
- Eat fresh arils as a snack
- Make juices and smoothies
- Craft mangosteen jam
- Use in salads, desserts, drinks
Don’t let the rind go to waste – it can be used to make tea!
7. Harvesting is Done By Hand
Mangosteens for commercial use are always handpicked. Workers carefully twist the fruit off the branch when it’s fully mature.
This minimizes damage to the delicate pericarp or rind. Proper harvesting is key for flavor and extending shelf life.
8. Precious Cargo: Needs Careful Handling
A mangosteen’s rind may look tough but it’s easily damaged. Bruising and leaking juice leads to rotting. Extra care is taken when packing mangosteens for export.
Cushioning materials are used to prevent crushing. Storage at cool temperatures also helps preserve freshness.
9. Highly Perishable and Seasonal
Mangosteens have a very short shelf life of only 1-3 weeks after harvesting. Exposing the flesh to air quickly causes oxidation and decay.
The trees also yield fruit only once a year, during the rainy season. Production is limited to a few months compared to year-round for other fruits.
10. Formerly Banned in the United States
Imports of mangosteen were once banned in the U.S. due to fear of introducing the Asian fruit fly, a destructive pest.
The ban was lifted in 2007, finally allowing the masses to enjoy this queenly fruit. Irradiation treatment on all imports effectively kills any potential pests.
11. Mangosteen Rind Tea is Popular
Don’t throw away the leathery purple rind! It’s used to make tea and other drinks in parts of Southeast Asia.
To reduce bitterness, the rind is boiled in water before drinking. The tea is higher in xanthones than the fruit itself.
12. The Trees are Slow Growing
Mangosteen trees are slow-growing and take 8 to 15 years to reach fruiting maturity. Some trees bear fruit for over 100 years!
The trees thrive in tropical climates with hot, humid conditions. They cannot tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
13. Mangosteens Command High Prices
Demand for the Queen of Fruits far outstrips supply, especially in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. Import prices are regularly $60 or more per kilogram.
Consumers eagerly pay top dollar for a chance to enjoy this exotic delicacy. The high value makes mangosteens an important commercial crop.
14. Production is Expanding Globally
Mangosteens are now grown commercially in parts of Central America, Africa, and Australia. However, 95% of production still comes from Asia.
Thailand remains the world’s largest producer and exporter. But Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines are also major hub
15. Mangosteens Have Cultural Significance
In Southeast Asian culture, the mangosteen symbolizes hospitality, friendship, and respect.
Offering mangosteens to visitors is considered good etiquette. The fruit also features in local folklore and traditional medicine.
Conclusion
After reading these mangosteen facts, you can see why it has earned such prestige in tropical regions. From its delicate flavors to purported health benefits, the mangosteen stands out among exotic fruits. While supplies are still limited outside of Asia, global cultivation is expanding.
The next time you spot mangosteens at a specialty market, consider treating yourself to this Queen of Fruits. Savor its sweet-tart flesh and think about the long journey it made from jungle origins to your table. The mangosteen’s unique taste and pedigree make it a fruit really fit for royalty.
