Mangosteen Mangosteen can refer to both the plant Mangosteen and the fruit of this plant. Mangosteen, formerly known as mangosteen, is native to Southeast Asia. It usually takes 10 years to grow before it begins to bear fruit. It has very strict environmental requirements. Therefore, it is a veritable green fruit. It is very valuable. It has a refreshing fragrance, smooth but not greasy, and is as famous as durian. Known as the "Queen of Fruits". Other names: Mangosteen, mangosteen, phoenix fruit English name Mangosteen, Mangostan, Manggis Plant mangosteen〖scientific name〗Garcinia mangostana. Peninsula and Malay Archipelago, it is cultivated more in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Myanmar. It is an evergreen tree of the Garciniaceae family, with a tree height of up to 15 meters, and a fruit tree with a lifespan of more than seventy years. The leaves are oval, the flowers are like hollyhocks, the petals are red and the stamens are yellow, and most of them are spring flowers and autumn fruits. Although the planting cost of mangosteen is not high, it takes many years to harvest. Generally, the fruits can only be harvested 10 years after planting. Because the output is not high, it is rare and expensive, and the price is often one or two times higher than the "five-legged apple" in the United States. The winter temperature in Taiwan is lower than that in Southeast Asia, and the terroir has not been able to adapt to it. Therefore, although introduction experiments began in the early 20th century, they were unsuccessful. Currently, Taiwan has not yet practiced economic cultivation. The key is that high temperature is one of the important growth factors. If the temperature is lower than 4°C, death from cold will occur. Fruit Mangosteen 〖Shape〗 Mangosteen fruit is as big as a persimmon, oblate in shape, with a thick, hard shell that is dark purple in color, and is capped by four pedicles, resembling a persimmon. The shell is very thick, making it less likely to damage the pulp. The peel is hard and solid, and makes a "bang bang" sound when struck with chopsticks. When the shell is peeled off, seven or eight petals of white, crystal-clear flesh can be seen, which resemble peeled garlic cloves, surrounding each other. The flesh of mangosteen is white and tender, with a sweet and fragrant taste, slightly acidic and cool, smooth and delicious, which can quench thirst. It is a treasure among tropical fruit trees and is known as the queen of fruits. 〖Buying and eating tips〗 When buying mangosteen, be sure to choose fresh fruits with green stems and soft fruits, otherwise you will buy "dead bamboo". You can use your fingers to press the case lightly. If the skin is very hard, the skin will not be dented even if you use your fingers hard. It means that the mangosteen is too old and not suitable for eating. If the outer shell is soft, it means that it is still fresh and edible. The method of consumption is generally to crush and break open the fruit. You must be careful when peeling the fruit shell and pay special attention. Be careful not to stain the purple fruit shell juice on the meat flap, because it will affect the taste and is extremely difficult to wash off if it gets on clothes. Eat the white pulp inside, but not the rest. 〖Nutrition effect〗 Mangosteen pulp contains 16.8% soluble solids, 0.63% citric acid, and other vitamins B1, B2, C4 and minerals. It has the effect of reducing dryness, cooling and antipyretic. Therefore, mangosteen is not only delicious, but also has The effect of reducing fire can overcome the dryness and heat of durian. In Thailand, people regard durian and mangosteen as the "husband and wife fruit". If you get angry after eating too much durian, eating a few mangosteens will relieve the symptoms. In addition, mangosteen is rich in protein and lipids, which has a good nourishing effect on the body, and has a good nursing effect on the weak, malnourished, and after illness. 〖Applicable people〗 It can be consumed by ordinary people. It is more suitable for people who are weak or sick. Although most people can eat mangosteen, eating 3 pieces a day is enough. Because of its high sugar content, obese people should eat less, and people with diabetes should avoid it. It also contains high potassium, so people with kidney disease and heart disease should eat less. 〖Contraindications during consumption〗 Mangosteen is rich in fiber, which absorbs water and swells in the intestines and stomach. Excessive consumption may cause constipation. In addition, mangosteen is a cold fruit, so people with weak constitutions can eat less but not more. Do not eat it with cold foods such as watermelon, soy milk, beer, cabbage, mustard greens, bitter melon, winter melon and lotus leaf soup. Be careful of overeating. You can use brown sugar to make ginger tea to relieve the problem. 〖Medicinal and other values〗 In the tropics, fresh fruits are abundant all year round, but mangosteen, known as the "Queen of Fruits", only occurs once every six months. In North America and Europe, where the climate is mild, people have almost never heard of mangosteen. However, in tropical rainforest areas, mangosteen is well-known, and people call it the ‘Queen of Fruits’ and ‘God’s Fruit’. The reason why mangosteen is called 'Fruit Queen' is not only because of its sweet taste, but also because of its role in ancient Southeast Asian medicine. Traditionally, mangosteen has been used to control fever and prevent various skin infections. . Studies have shown that the peel or outer skin of mangosteen is rich in Xanthone, which not only has antioxidant capabilities, but also helps improve the health of the immune system and makes people feel comfortable. The whole mangosteen is useful, so it is highly praised by people.
At present, drinks made from mangosteen fruits have also been launched in Hong Kong, which is in line with the trend of Hong Kong's young generation favoring fruit drinks.