The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical evergreen tree, believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. The tree grows from 7 to 25 meters tall. The edible fruit is deep reddish purple when ripe. In Asia, the mangosteen fruit is known as the “Queen of Fruits.” for its indescribably delicious flavor. It is closely related to other edible tropical fruits such as button mangosteen and lemondrop mangosteen.
Mangosteen is so easily available here. When I was small, I used to have a few mangosteen trees around the house. We just need to pluck them from the trees. Those over-ripened fruit will drop and I picked them from the grounds in the morning. It is fun to walk through the wet grass to search for mangosteen. (the fruits that had dropped cannot be stored and should be eaten immediately)
The price of mangosteen varies according to supply. Sometimes a fruit costs a mere 10 sen and it can be as high as 50 sen too.
Overhere, it is eaten as fruit. However, I read on the internet that it has medicinal value. I am not sure about that but the old folks always remind us children to eat some mangosteen after taking durians to counter the ‘heat’ of the durians.
I don’t really like mangosteen because of the sap and red juices from its skin. However, it is a very tasty fruit, unique in its own taste.
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