Mangosteens are a less popularly known fruit because of their exotic nature. They are found in various tropical regions all around the world and are sometimes called purple mangosteen as their skin is a unique deep purple color.
History Of Mangosteen
Mangosteen is believed to have originated in Malaysia or the Sunda Islands of Indonesia. It was first seen to be domesticated in Thailand where around 9700 acres were devoted to it. The fruit was so exotic in 19th century Europe that a rumor floated around that contended that Queen Victoria would grant knighthood to anyone who brought her a mangosteen. Europeans came across this fruit in Southwest Asia.
Growing this fruit is a big task in itself as it doesn’t grow in all types of climates and soils, hence due to its uniqueness it is also referred to as the “Queen of fruits”.
Appearance Of Mangosteen
Mangosteen has a purple skin color, with white interior pulp. The pulp appears white with multiple lobes, similar to oranges.
Flavor Of Mangosteen
Mangosteen tastes like a combination of lychee, pineapple, peach, and strawberries. The flesh is juicy and sweet. It also has a very subtle citrus and tangy taste to it.
Health Benefits Of Mangosteen
Mangosteens are a great source of antioxidants, thus protecting your body from free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. This in turn reduces your risk of cancer. It also regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels thus keeping your heart healthy.
Mangosteen also boosts immunity and fights infections. It is used by Indonesian women to regulate their menstrual cycles too. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties repairs cell damage, prevents acne, and reduces signs of aging.
Culinary Benefits Of Mangosteen
You can prepare mangosteen panna cotta, a fun dessert that consists of greek yogurt, lime, and skimmed milk. The creaminess and sweetness of this dessert will is the perfect end to any meal.
If you are looking for something on-the-go and quick, a mangosteen smoothie with walnuts, bananas, fruit yogurt, mangosteens, skimmed milk, and fruit yogurt is a perfectly healthy drink for you! It will refresh you and boost your energy to perform daily activities more efficiently.
Mangosteens are also used in ice creams and sorbets. When making Thai tapioca pudding, mangosteens are often added for garnish. You can also add mangosteens to your regular fruit salad. It will enhance the dish and cause an explosion of flavors in your mouth! Feel free to follow this recipe with mangosteen!
Try out this recipe with some mangosteen for a nice flavor profile!
If it’s a hot sunny day, try making some mangosteen popsicles with mangosteen juice, coconut milk, coconut butter, and dates. This is a perfect dairy-free and extremely healthy dessert you can enjoy on hot days.
Another dessert dish you can prepare is a meringue pie with mangosteen cream which is made with coconut milk, egg yolks, eggs, butter, and rice flour. After putting it in a broiler you can garnish this delicious pie with some more tropical fruits like dragon fruit, starfruit, and papaya.
You can use mangosteen with all the dessert recipes listed here!
Storage Of Mangosteens
You can keep mangosteens at room temperature, but they are quite ephemeral and don’t last for a very long time.. If you’re desperate, you can also refrigerate mangosteens for a few days although refrigerating isn’t recommended as they lose the flavor.
