Mangosteen – The Fruit From The Tropics

The mangosteen, also called mangosteen, is considered one of the most delicious tropical fruits. The tomato-sized, purple-red fruits with four green sepals hide a vanilla-colored flesh under their leathery, 6-10 mm thick and hard skin. The interior is divided into 5-6 segments containing 1-2 inedible seeds. The aromatic, sour taste is slightly reminiscent of pineapple, oranges, and grapes.

Origin

The mangosteen is grown in Indonesia, Thailand, and Colombia.

Use

Mangosteens should be eaten fresh as they are harvested just before they are fully ripe. It is best to cut the dark, leather-hard skin with a knife and fan out the fruit parts, like a tangerine. They can be removed individually with a fork. The white, aromatic pulp can be eaten on its own or added to fruit salads, desserts, or ice cream.

Shelf Life/Storage

Refrigerated at 6 °C, the mangosteen can be kept for a few weeks. If the fruit is hard, it is overripe and no longer edible.