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Mangosteen
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This item was last sold on : 12/21/22
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Mangosteen is a tropical fruit about the size of a tangerine, averaging five to seven centimeters in diameter. It has a thick, smooth, leathery, burgundy-colored shell with about four to eight flat and woody lobes arranged in a rosette at the apex. Encased in the thick skin are an average of five or six triangular floral-scented segments of white, juicy, soft flesh, which is either seedless or contains just a few flat seeds. The number of lobes at the outer apex of the fruit actually correlates to the number of segments inside. Mangosteens offer a sweet-tart tropical flavor with notes of lychee, peach, strawberry, pineapple, and caramel or butter.
Mangosteens are available early summer through early winter.
The Mangosteen, botanically named Garcinia magostana, is also nicknamed the “Queen of Fruits”. The trees are cultivated primarily on small-scale farms and sold at local markets throughout Southeast Asia. Thailand is the largest producer and exporter, responsible for about half of the world’s supply, with cultivation also occurring in southern Vietnam, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the Philippines. Outside of Southeast Asia, they have thrived especially well in southern India and northeastern Australia. They also grow on a small commercial scale in about 15 or so countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean. The United States does not grow Mangosteen commercially, but they are sometimes found at local markets in Hawaii, thanks to local growers who have nurtured this challenging tree. Until 2007, importation of Mangosteen was actually illegal in the United States over fears of introducing the Asian fruit fly to domestic crops. Today, imported Mangosteens from Southeast Asia must first be irradiated to eliminate the pest. Most Mangosteens in the US come from Thailand, where they are available year-round, and from Mexico and Guatemala, which have a peak season in the summer.
Mangosteen offers a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and has been used to treat an array of health concerns, from blood sugar control, to weight loss, to maintaining healthy skin, though more studies on the fruit’s health benefits are needed to support certain correlations. Mangosteen also contains a unique type of plant compound called xanthones, which have shown remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may lower the risk of certain diseases. Xanthones have even been praised as having anticancer activities, and in traditional medicine, Mangosteen has been promoted as an alternative cancer treatment, thanks to its potential ability to combat free radicals and improve the immune system.
Mangosteens are most commonly used is raw applications, and are eaten fresh or juiced. Ripe fruits will be soft, yielding to pressure, and can be scored around the middle and then peeled fairly easily, despite the thick skin. Use a sharp knife to cut through the shell all the way around the middle, and lift off the top half. Be careful when removing the flesh from the other side, as the shell contains a purple juice that will stain. Mangosteens can also be canned or frozen, though some say that these methods compromise the delicate flavor and texture. Mangosteens are most often used for sweet applications like baked goods, beverages, and sorbet or ice cream, but are also used in curry dishes in parts of Thailand and Goa. Companion ingredients include, citrus, apple, pineapple, banana, kiwi, watermelon, pomegranate, butter, and vanilla. Mangosteens can bruise easily, which causes the inner flesh to harden, and they do not ripen any further once they are picked, so the fruit will start to degrade after it is harvested. Fresh fruits stored at room temperature should be consumed within a couple of days, while fruits kept in storage around 10 degrees Celsius (note that this is slightly warmer than the standard refrigerator setting of 4 degrees Celsius) may last up to a few weeks.
European colonists stumbled upon the Mangosteen in Southeast Asia, and because the fruit spoiled so quickly, a rumor spread that Queen Victoria would reward anyone who could bring her the fresh fruit. Whether that were true or not, it was enough to inspire the Mangosteen’s widely-accepted title as the “Queen of Fruits." Her King? Another beloved Southeast Asian fruit called durian, also known as the “King of Fruits.” According to Chinese philosophy, the primary forces that influence the body’s health are elements of cold and hot, or yin and yang. Following this concept of dualism, Mangosteens supply the cool element to offset the heat of durian, and so this royal pair is often eaten together in Asia.
Mangosteen has been growing wild since ancient times, and is native to select regions of Southeast Asia, presumably originating in Malaysia and the Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Some evidence suggests that the tree may have been first domesticated in Thailand or Burma. It was being grown in expertly controlled English greenhouses in the mid 1800s, and its culture was later introduced into the Western Hemisphere, where it became established in many West Indian islands, notably Jamaica, and later on in the mainland of Central America in countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Ecuador. The United States Department of Agriculture received seeds from Java in 1906 from food explorer, David Fairchild. However, cultivation proved to be difficult, and small-scale attempts made in California and Florida have not faired well. Mangosteen grows on ultra-tropical, slow-growing evergreen trees that require high humidity and heavy rainfall, are picky about elevation, and can’t withstand temperature below 4.5 degrees Celsius. Hence, Mangosteen generally does not prosper outside the tropics.
Recipes that include Mangosteen. One
is easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Mangosteen using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Mangosteen | |
| Food Fable: Mangosteen |
Description/Taste
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit about the size of a tangerine, averaging five to seven centimeters in diameter. It has a thick, smooth, leathery, burgundy-colored shell with about four to eight flat and woody lobes arranged in a rosette at the apex. Encased in the thick skin are an average of five or six triangular floral-scented segments of white, juicy, soft flesh, which is either seedless or contains just a few flat seeds. The number of lobes at the outer apex of the fruit actually correlates to the number of segments inside. Mangosteens offer a sweet-tart tropical flavor with notes of lychee, peach, strawberry, pineapple, and caramel or butter.
Seasons/Availability
Mangosteens are available early summer through early winter.
Current Facts
The Mangosteen, botanically named Garcinia magostana, is also nicknamed the “Queen of Fruits”. The trees are cultivated primarily on small-scale farms and sold at local markets throughout Southeast Asia. Thailand is the largest producer and exporter, responsible for about half of the world’s supply, with cultivation also occurring in southern Vietnam, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the Philippines. Outside of Southeast Asia, they have thrived especially well in southern India and northeastern Australia. They also grow on a small commercial scale in about 15 or so countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean. The United States does not grow Mangosteen commercially, but they are sometimes found at local markets in Hawaii, thanks to local growers who have nurtured this challenging tree. Until 2007, importation of Mangosteen was actually illegal in the United States over fears of introducing the Asian fruit fly to domestic crops. Today, imported Mangosteens from Southeast Asia must first be irradiated to eliminate the pest. Most Mangosteens in the US come from Thailand, where they are available year-round, and from Mexico and Guatemala, which have a peak season in the summer.
Nutritional Value
Mangosteen offers a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and has been used to treat an array of health concerns, from blood sugar control, to weight loss, to maintaining healthy skin, though more studies on the fruit’s health benefits are needed to support certain correlations. Mangosteen also contains a unique type of plant compound called xanthones, which have shown remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may lower the risk of certain diseases. Xanthones have even been praised as having anticancer activities, and in traditional medicine, Mangosteen has been promoted as an alternative cancer treatment, thanks to its potential ability to combat free radicals and improve the immune system.
Applications
Mangosteens are most commonly used is raw applications, and are eaten fresh or juiced. Ripe fruits will be soft, yielding to pressure, and can be scored around the middle and then peeled fairly easily, despite the thick skin. Use a sharp knife to cut through the shell all the way around the middle, and lift off the top half. Be careful when removing the flesh from the other side, as the shell contains a purple juice that will stain. Mangosteens can also be canned or frozen, though some say that these methods compromise the delicate flavor and texture. Mangosteens are most often used for sweet applications like baked goods, beverages, and sorbet or ice cream, but are also used in curry dishes in parts of Thailand and Goa. Companion ingredients include, citrus, apple, pineapple, banana, kiwi, watermelon, pomegranate, butter, and vanilla. Mangosteens can bruise easily, which causes the inner flesh to harden, and they do not ripen any further once they are picked, so the fruit will start to degrade after it is harvested. Fresh fruits stored at room temperature should be consumed within a couple of days, while fruits kept in storage around 10 degrees Celsius (note that this is slightly warmer than the standard refrigerator setting of 4 degrees Celsius) may last up to a few weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
European colonists stumbled upon the Mangosteen in Southeast Asia, and because the fruit spoiled so quickly, a rumor spread that Queen Victoria would reward anyone who could bring her the fresh fruit. Whether that were true or not, it was enough to inspire the Mangosteen’s widely-accepted title as the “Queen of Fruits." Her King? Another beloved Southeast Asian fruit called durian, also known as the “King of Fruits.” According to Chinese philosophy, the primary forces that influence the body’s health are elements of cold and hot, or yin and yang. Following this concept of dualism, Mangosteens supply the cool element to offset the heat of durian, and so this royal pair is often eaten together in Asia.
Geography/History
Mangosteen has been growing wild since ancient times, and is native to select regions of Southeast Asia, presumably originating in Malaysia and the Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Some evidence suggests that the tree may have been first domesticated in Thailand or Burma. It was being grown in expertly controlled English greenhouses in the mid 1800s, and its culture was later introduced into the Western Hemisphere, where it became established in many West Indian islands, notably Jamaica, and later on in the mainland of Central America in countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Ecuador. The United States Department of Agriculture received seeds from Java in 1906 from food explorer, David Fairchild. However, cultivation proved to be difficult, and small-scale attempts made in California and Florida have not faired well. Mangosteen grows on ultra-tropical, slow-growing evergreen trees that require high humidity and heavy rainfall, are picky about elevation, and can’t withstand temperature below 4.5 degrees Celsius. Hence, Mangosteen generally does not prosper outside the tropics.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Mangosteen. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Mangosteen using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Chapel Fruit & Veg
Chapel Fruit & Veg
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom72 Chapel Market, London N1 9ER, United Kingdom About 32 days ago, 1/04/23 
Pasar Chow Kit
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaAbout 49 days ago, 12/17/22 Sharer's comments : Mangosteen fresh from the rain forest Chow Kit market Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia 
AJ's Fine Foods
Near Fountain Hills, Arizona, United StatesAbout 56 days ago, 12/11/22 
Isetan Scotts Supermarket
Near Singapore, SingaporeAbout 57 days ago, 12/09/22 Sharer's comments : Mangosteen from Thailand can be purchased at the Isetan basement grocery store Singapore 
AJ's Fine Foods
Near Fountain Hills, Arizona, United StatesAbout 65 days ago, 12/02/22 
Pasar Besar Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 68 days ago, 11/29/22 
Jalan ss 2/62, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
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TTDI Wet Market Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 109 days ago, 10/19/22 
TTDI Wet Market Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 109 days ago, 10/19/22 
SS2 Morning Market, Jalan SS 2/62, Petaling Jaya M
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 129 days ago, 9/28/22 
TURNIPS
Turnips Borough Market
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 About 135 days ago, 9/23/22 
Or Tor Kor Market (ตลาด อ.ต.ก.)
Near Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi, ThailandAbout 149 days ago, 9/08/22 
Big C Super Center Bangkok Thailand
Near Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Bangkok, ThailandAbout 151 days ago, 9/06/22 
Or Tor Kor Market (ตลาด อ.ต.ก.)
Near Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi, ThailandAbout 154 days ago, 9/03/22 
RAYA GROCERY
Raya Grocery
Near London, England, United Kingdom442074075556 About 206 days ago, 7/14/22 
Borough Market
Turnips
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 About 208 days ago, 7/11/22 
CHOW KIT MARKET
Chow Kit Market
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaLot 2257, Japan Raja Alang 50300 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia About 229 days ago, 6/20/22 
JLN ALOR NIGHT MARKET
Jln Alor Night Market
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaJln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia About 230 days ago, 6/20/22 
CHINATOWN WET MARKET
Chinatown Wet Market
Near Singapore, Singapore335 Smith Street 050335 About 233 days ago, 6/16/22 
Chinatown Wet Market
Chinatown Wet Market
Near Singapore, Singapore335 Smith Street 050335 About 233 days ago, 6/16/22 
Medellín, Colombia
Legumbrería La Frescura
Near Itagui, Antioquia, ColombiaPlaza La America Medellin 479-6915 About 235 days ago, 6/15/22 Sharer's comments : Temporada de langostinos 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 260 days ago, 5/21/22 
Itc fatmawati jakarta selatan
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout 261 days ago, 5/19/22 Sharer's comments : manggis 
pasar minggu
Near Jakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout 327 days ago, 3/14/22 Sharer's comments : manggis 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 329 days ago, 3/13/22 Sharer's comments : Mangosteen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 332 days ago, 3/10/22 
Esentai Gourmet
California, United Statesпроспект Aль-Фараби 77/8, Алматы 050060 About 334 days ago, 3/08/22 Sharer's comments : Indonesian mangosteen 
Durian 36
Near Marina Ctr Ter, SingaporeAbout 347 days ago, 2/22/22 
Chinatown Street Market
Near Singapore, SingaporeAbout 349 days ago, 2/20/22 
aneka buana pondok labu
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 493 days ago, 9/29/21 Sharer's comments : manggis 
Borough Market
Turnips, Borough Market
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 https://turnipsboroughmarket.com About 505 days ago, 9/18/21 
Turnips Borough Market
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 562 days ago, 7/23/21 Sharer's comments : Fresh! 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 569 days ago, 7/16/21 Sharer's comments : Mangosteen 🌵 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 703 days ago, 3/04/21 Sharer's comments : Mangosteen from Miami Fruit 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 710 days ago, 2/25/21 
Super Indo Depok Town Center
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 712 days ago, 2/22/21 Sharer's comments : manggis |
