Mangosteen: The Tasty and Mysterious Fruit
If you have never tried mangosteen, you are missing out on a delicious and exotic fruit. The mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The fruit is highly prized for its sweet and tangy flavour, as well as its numerous health benefits. Here’s what you need to know about mangosteens:
Where are they from?
Mangosteens are native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. They are also grown in other tropical regions, including some parts of South America, but they are less widely available than in Southeast Asia.
What do they taste like?
Mangosteens have a delicate, sweet, and tangy flavour that is hard to describe. The fruit has a thick, leathery outer skin that is inedible, but the inside is filled with juicy white flesh that is sweet and slightly tart. The flesh has a texture similar to lychee, but it is not as fibrous. The flavour of mangosteen is often compared to a mix of peach, strawberry, and grape.
Fun Facts about Mangosteens
- The mangosteen is often called the “Queen of Fruits” because of its delicious taste and numerous health benefits.
- The fruit is highly valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Mangosteens are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, as well as fibre and antioxidants.
- The fruit is difficult to cultivate and transport, which is why it is relatively expensive and not widely available in many parts of the world.
- In some countries, it is believed that the number of segments inside mangosteen is related to the number of good fortunes that will come to the person who eats it.
How to Eat a Mangosteen
Eating mangosteen may seem intimidating at first, but it is actually quite simple. First, use a knife to cut around the center of the fruit, being careful not to cut through the flesh. Then, twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them. Use your fingers to gently pry the white segments out of the shell and enjoy! It is important to note that the fruit has a bitter yellow seed inside each segment, so be sure to avoid biting into it.
In conclusion, mangosteens are a unique and delicious fruit that is worth trying if you have the opportunity. With its delicate flavour and numerous health benefits, it is no wonder that the fruit has been prized in Southeast Asia for centuries. So the next time you see mangosteen at your local market or grocery store, don’t hesitate to give it a try!
