Mangosteen, despite its name, is not related to mango.
Mangosteen is native to the most tropical countries of South East Asia, such as Indonesia and Thailand. If exposed to temperatures below 40F, the tree will die. Therefore the North American climate does not favor this fruit’s growing conditions. So small quantities of fresh mangosteen are imported into the U.S. and may be found in select grocery stores or in higher-end restaurants as a delicacy. In its native countries, though, mangosteen is considered a very common fruit.
What does a Mangosteen look like?
A fresh unpeeled mangosteen has a dark deep purple/maroon color, with a green stem and “cap” consisting of a few green lobes. The peel or rind of the fruit is traditionally used to treat diarrhea, skin infections, and wounds. The fruit is white and comes in segments like those of an orange or tangerine. It has a sweet yet tangy taste with a texture similar to that of a peach.
Mangosteen’s Health Benefits
A January 2009 review in the journal Phytotherapy Research pointed to a group of chemicals collectively called the xanthones that seem to exhibit the most biological activity. Most of the xanthones in mangosteen exist in the dark-colored peel. Various studies examining the xanthones have demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects.
