Facts about Mangosteen Fruit
The mangosteen, which carries a botanical name of Garcinia mangostana is a tropical plant indigenous to Southeast Asian countries and the Malay Archipelago. Many believed that the unique and exquisite flavor of mangosteen fruit had delighted the Queen of England that she called it "Queen of Fruits".
The mangosteen tree can grow to between 20 and 82 feet tall, featuring dark-brown, flaking bark. The leaves of the mangosteen are elliptic, thick and leathery, deep-green, fairly glossy on top and yellowish-green beneath. The flowers of the mangosteen are 1 1/2 to 2 inch wide. The pericarp of ripe mangosteen is dark reddish purple in color. The aromatic flesh is creamy and sweet, with a little peach-like flavor. It is tightly related to some other edible exotic fruits like lemon drop mangosteen and button mangosteen.
Health Benefits of Eating Mangosteens
- As the pericarp of mangosteen consists of numerous compounds, it is regarded as an antioxidant. In clinical studies, mangosteen has xanthones, which have anti-cancer effects. Some other health benefits include its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal properties.
- Succulent, juicy mangosteen is among the well-known fruit that have a remarkable amount of essential nutrients important for regular development and growth as well as general dietary well-being.
- The fruit is extremely low in calories, has no cholesterol or saturated fats, but full of fibers (13% of RDA in each 100 g) which is often essential for those who are worried about gaining excess weight.
- Mangosteens are rich in vitamin C; supplies around 12% of RDA in each 100 g. Ascorbic Acid is a strong water soluble antioxidant. Intake of fruits full of vitamin C aids your body build resistance to combat flu-like infectious agents and eliminate damaging, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
- Fresh mangosteens are an extremely excellent source of B-complex vitamins like thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin (vitamin B3) and folates (vitamin B9). All these vitamins functions as cofactors, which usually useful to help our body system to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- Mangosteens have a great amount of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and manganese. Potassium in an essential component that helps manage heartbeat and blood pressure; thereby provides protection against coronary heart disease and stroke.
How to Choose and Buy Mangosteens?
- Check mangosteens for bruising. When selecting the fruit, pick ones that appear to be good on the exterior. Examine for bruising to ascertain if the fruit remains fresh.
- Press the pericarp of the mangosteen using your finger. If you find the skin too soft, the fruit are probably not fresh.
- Try to find mangosteen that is firm but not too tough.
- Check out the number of pieces in the mangosteen. There is a simple trick to find this out. Turn the mangosteen upside down. You are going to come across a flower-like spot at the center of the mangosteen. Count the number of the petals on the flower. The amount is equal to the amount of pieces in the fruit.
How to Store Mangosteens?
- Store mangosteens at normal room temperature and consume in a couple of days. Also, you need to keep in mind that unlike mangos, mangosteens must not be frozen.
Related Fruit Articles:
|