Mangosteens

Vietnam's Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a well-known tropical fruit in Southeast Asian countries, celebrated for its delightful taste and wealth of vitamins. It continues to enjoy immense popularity in Vietnam.

Photo: baodansinh.vn

When ripe, the thick outer shell boasts a deep purple hue, encasing ivory-white, juicy pulp within. The pulp is divided into several segments, some of which contain inedible seeds, while others do not. The flavor profile combines both sweet and sour elements, with sweetness prevailing over acidity.

How to Eat Mangosteen

Mangosteen is best enjoyed raw as a refreshing fruit dessert. The tough skin is inedible, so it must be removed before consumption. To prepare the fruit, use a sharp knife to cut it horizontally just until reaching the membrane, leaving the pulp intact. Hold the fruit in your hand and gently twist the top half away to reveal one portion of the skin. A slight pressure on the bottom half will release the fruit flesh entirely.

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Where is Mangosteen Grown in Vietnam

In discussions about mangosteen, three prominent regions in Vietnam are frequently mentioned: Bao Loc in Lam Dong, Cai Mon in Ben Tre, and Lai Thieu in Binh Duong.

• Bao Loc: Known for its cooler climate, Bao Loc produces mangosteen that is round, has a relatively thin and glossy shell, and features thick, sweet flesh.
• Cai Mon: The mangosteen from Ben Tre province is smaller and turns a dark red when ripe, possessing a mild flavor that is favored due to its few, small seeds, making it easy to eat.
• Lai Thieu: Harvested from May to August, this variety is celebrated for its super sweet taste and subtle aroma. For those looking to purchase mangosteen, local markets and specialty fruit shops sell them at prices ranging from 40,000 to 80,000 VND per kilogram, depending on the source.

What Are the Benefits of Mangosteen

Mangosteen is renowned for its numerous health benefits, containing an array of proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants found in both its pulp and skin. Consuming a moderate amount of mangosteen daily can help ward off cancer, regulate heart health, slow down the aging process, and boost mood. The skin of the mangosteen is recognized for its ability to reduce body odor and its anti-inflammatory properties may aid in skin disease management. However, individuals with allergies, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, or blood clotting disorders should limit their intake of mangosteen.

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Food Made from Mangosteen

Mangosteen can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes, including mixed salads with chicken or shrimp, refreshing mangosteen smoothies, and unique mangosteen tea.