Mangosteen

Description

According to legend, Buddha was the first to taste mangosteen. He liked the refreshing taste of a tropical fruit, so he gave it to people. For this reason, and also because of the many useful components, it is sometimes called the Fruit of the Gods. In this article, we will tell you where this exotic delicacy grows, what it tastes like, and how it is useful.

The average height of the tree is about 25 meters. The bark is dark, almost black, the deciduous part forms a pyramidal crown. The leaves are long, oval, dark green above, yellow below. Young leaves are distinguished by a beautiful pink color.

Southeast Asia is considered the birthplace of mangosteen (or, as it is also called mangosteen or garcinia), but today it is cultivated in the countries of Central America and Africa. It also grows in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and you can buy mangosteen on our website.

Interestingly, this tree is a natural hybrid of two related species, and does not occur in the wild. It begins to bear fruit quite late – in the ninth year of life.

How does mangosteen taste

The fragrant, sweetish pulp has a pleasant sourness, thanks to which mangosteen perfectly tones and quenches thirst. Everyone describes its taste differently. For some, it resembles a mix of grapes and strawberries, for others – a combination of pineapple and peach and apricot. Experts say it is closest to rambutan and lychee.

In structure, the white pulp slices are juicy, jelly-like. They literally melt in your mouth, leaving a citrus aftertaste, and the desire to immediately peel another fruit.

The seeds of the fruit are small and taste like acorns.

Composition and calorie content

The calorie content of mangosteen is 62 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Mangosteen is rich in vitamins such as E and C, thiamine, riboflamin and trace elements: calcium, potassium, magnesium, nitrogen, zinc and sodium.

Daily use of this fruit helps to strengthen the immune system. Mangosteen helps to get rid of many skin diseases, has a wound-healing effect. A decoction of leaves and bark is used for dysentery, diarrhea and to reduce fever. The bark contains antioxidants.

• Calories, kcal: 62
• Proteins, g: 0.6
• Fat, g: 0.3
• Carbohydrates, g: 14.0

Useful properties of mangosteen

This seemingly strange, nondescript fruit is a source of important micro and macro elements, therefore it is widely used in pharmacology. The pulp contains:

• vitamins B, C, E;
• thiamine;
• nitrogen;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• phosphorus;
• sodium;
• potassium;
• riboflavin.

But the most beneficial component of these fruits is xanthones – recently discovered chemicals with powerful antioxidant effects. Interestingly, xanthones are found in the inner pulp, but also in the rind. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of this fruit, scientists recommend eating not only the soft part of the fruit, but making puree from the pulp and skin.

Regular consumption of mangosteen contributes to:

• strengthening the immune system;
• improving protein metabolism and blood composition;
• liver regeneration;
• slowing down aging;
• preventing the development of cancer cells;
• better digestion, normalization of metabolism;
• improving mental performance.
• This exotic fruit has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. Due to its composition, it is recommended to be included in the diet for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, skin diseases, and all types of cancer.

In some countries, a medicinal tea is made from mangosteen to help with diarrhea.

Contraindications to the use of mangosteen

Scientists have not yet fully studied the effect of xanthones, which this fruit is rich in. Therefore, it is better for pregnant women to refrain from this delicacy. It is also not recommended for people taking heart medications and blood thinners. Otherwise, there are no contraindications, apart from personal intolerance.

How to choose good quality mangosteen fruit

To choose a good quality mangosteen fruit, you must definitely touch it. If the fruit is firm, firm and slightly bouncy when pressed softly, this is what you need (calorizator). It is not recommended to take small fruits, since the amount of pulp in them is small. The size of a medium tangerine is considered optimal. If the fruit is dry and hard to the touch, while the peel is cracked, then this fruit is already overripe and should not be taken.

In the refrigerator, mangosteen can be stored for up to two weeks.