Mangosteens are a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, common in the street markets of Indonesia, Thailand, and Malasia. The scientific name for the mangosteen tree is Garcinia mangostana. The fruit is small, round, and has a thick, leathery purple rind. Inside, the fruit has a soft, juicy, and aromatic white flesh that is divided into segments similar to an orange. Mangosteens are known for their sweet and slightly tangy taste. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
To eat a mangosteen, wash it well and and refrigerate until it is cold. Once it’s chilled, score the skin lightly around the circumference of the fruit. Twist the two halves to reveal the white fleshy segments inside. Discard the rind and eat the white pulp. The seeds are edible but you may prefer to remove them.
