Mangosteen

What Is Mangosteen?

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, with a thick, dark purple-brown rind. It is also known as the “queen of fruits.” Inside the rind is juicy white flesh divided into segments resembling mandarin slices.

The flesh tastes sweet and mildly tart, with an aroma somewhere between peach and pineapple. Some segments may contain small, inedible seeds.

Mangosteen Nutrition Facts

No official USDA data for fresh mangosteen has been published; 100 grams of the fruit canned in syrup contains about 73 kcal of energy and 17.9 g of carbohydrates. It also contains small amounts of folate and vitamin C.

What Are the Benefits of Mangosteen?

Various studies are underway on some compounds in mangosteen rind; however, this research has not yet led to general health recommendations. The fruit’s flesh is a sweet option that can be part of a balanced diet.

This is general information; mangosteen is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Supplements containing rind extract are not a substitute for medical treatment, and people should consult a qualified professional before using them.

How to Choose Mangosteen

Fresh mangosteen should yield slightly when gently squeezed and have a shiny, dark purple rind.

• The rind should give slightly under gentle pressure; a rock-hard rind indicates that the fruit is dried out and stale.
• The color should be an even dark purple-brown, with no mold or soft spots.
• The number of leaf-like lobes (the crown) on the bottom generally matches the number of inner segments.

How to Store Mangosteen

Mangosteen can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks. As the rind hardens and dries over time, the flesh also loses freshness, so consume it as soon as possible.

Using Mangosteen in the Kitchen

Mangosteen is most often eaten fresh by cracking open the rind by hand and eating the flesh raw. It is also added to fruit salads, smoothies, and some Southeast Asian desserts.

How to Open Mangosteen

Lightly score around the middle of the rind with a knife or squeeze it by hand to crack it; remove the top half to reveal the white flesh, divided into mandarin-like segments.

How to Make a Mangosteen Smoothie

Blend the white segments removed from the rind with banana and a little milk or plant-based milk for a sweet, tropical smoothie.

What Recipes Use Mangosteen?

Mangosteen is used in tropical fruit salads, smoothies, and some Southeast Asian desserts. It is also used as a garnish for ice cream and sorbet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you eat mangosteen?

Split the thick purple rind down the middle by hand or with a knife, then eat the white segments inside raw. The small seeds between the segments are generally not swallowed and are set aside.

Can you eat mangosteen rind?

No, the purple rind is very hard and bitter and is not eaten. Only the white flesh inside is eaten.

What does mangosteen taste like?

It has a balanced sweet and mildly tart flavor, with an aroma said to be somewhere between peach, pineapple, and grape. Its texture is soft and juicy, similar to lychee.

Where does mangosteen grow?

Mangosteen is grown in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. In Türkiye, it is sold as an imported fresh fruit.

How do you store mangosteen?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks. A hardening rind is a sign that the fruit is starting to go stale, so consume it soon after buying it fresh.