Mangosteen
Get to know mangosteen — the queen of fruits, rich in xanthone antioxidants. Nutritional content, health benefits, and how to pick sweet, fresh mangosteen.
What Is Mangosteen?
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia with a thick, deep purple outer rind and white, segmented flesh that tastes sweet with a hint of fresh tartness. Mangosteen is often nicknamed the "queen of fruits" because of its soft, elegant flavor, in contrast to durian, which is nicknamed the "king of fruits." Indonesia itself is one of the best mangosteen producers in the world.
Besides its delicious flesh, mangosteen rind is also well known for its xanthone content, a group of antioxidant compounds traditionally processed into tea or herbal (jamu) extracts.
Mangosteen Nutritional Content
Per 100 grams of fresh mangosteen flesh:
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| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~73 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~18 g |
| Fiber | ~1.8 g |
| Vitamin C | ~2-12 mg |
| Manganese | ~0.1 mg |
Mangosteen rind (not the part typically eaten) contains far more xanthone than the flesh, which is why mangosteen rind extract is often sold separately as a supplement or herbal remedy.
Health Benefits
- Source of xanthone antioxidants — especially in the rind, believed to help fight free radicals in the body.
- Supports immune function — the vitamin C content in the flesh plays a role in maintaining immune function.
- Aids digestion — the fiber in mangosteen flesh supports smooth digestive function.
- Serves as a source of manganese — a mineral believed to help maintain bone health and body metabolism.
How to Eat Mangosteen
- Eaten fresh — split the thick rind with your hands or a knife, then enjoy the soft flesh segments.
- Boiled mangosteen rind — traditionally processed into tea or herbal remedy (jamu), believed to be rich in antioxidants.
- Mixed into es buah (fruit ice) or fruit salad — mangosteen segments add a distinctive fresh sweetness.
- Mangosteen juice or extract — widely sold in packaged form as a health drink.
How to Choose & Store
- press the rind gently — fresh mangosteen feels slightly springy and soft, not hard and stiff
- count the number of small "petals" at the bottom of the fruit, as it usually indicates the number of flesh segments inside
- avoid mangosteens with rind that is already dry, brittle, or has excessive yellowish sap
- fresh mangosteen can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days
- store in the refrigerator to extend freshness for more than a week
- peeled flesh should be eaten right away or stored tightly sealed in the refrigerator
Practical Tips
- Open with a circular score — use a knife to score the thick rind around its middle in a circle, then open it by hand so the purple stain doesn't get on your clothes.
- Choose mangosteen with fresh green petals at the bottom as a sign the fruit was recently picked.
- Avoid mangosteen with rind that is already hard and brittle — the flesh is usually already dry and no longer juicy.
- Save the leftover rind to boil into a traditional herbal drink (jamu), instead of throwing it away right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is mangosteen called the "queen of fruits"?
Is it true that mangosteen rind can be made into tea?
Why is there sometimes yellow sap in mangosteen flesh?
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