Mangosteen
Garcinia mangostana
Description
Known as the "Queen of Fruits". Round purple fruit with a thick rind. Inside, snow-white juicy segments offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Benefits
The rind contains xanthones, powerful antioxidants studied for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The pulp is rich in fiber and Vitamin C.
History and Origins
Mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia (Indonesia/Malaysia). It is strictly tropical and notoriously difficult to grow. It arrived in Brazil in the 20th century, adapting well to the humid climate of Bahia and Pará.
Fun Facts
Legend says Queen Victoria offered a knighthood to anyone who could bring her a fresh Mangosteen! Also: many hotels in Asia ban the fruit because the purple sap from the rind stains sheets permanently.
What are the varieties of Mangosteen?
Mostly grown from seeds (apomictic), so varieties are genetically uniform. Differences are mainly regional (e.g., Thai vs. Indonesian types).
Nutritional Values per 100g of Mangosteen
| Calories | 63 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 15.6 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Vitamin C | 2.9 mg |
Harvest Months
Harvest months listed here correspond to the Southern Hemisphere.
