Named as the “queen of fruits”, mangosteen is a beautiful and delicious tropical fruit. But the only problem with this exotic fruit is, it is very rare in the US.
Due to this reason, not many people know the right way to eat it. Mangosteen seeds take up a lot of space in the fruit, so you may wonder if they’re edible.
Today we’re going to talk about that, and what you can do with the seeds.
Are mangosteen seeds edible ?
Mangosteen seeds are edible, but they can be bitter. We advise not eating mangosteen seeds, unless you’re feeling adventurous.
Aged or ripe mangosteen may have very hard seeds, so in those cases it’s best to discard them. If you plan to remove the seeds, you can plant and grow your own mangosteen.
It’s a very difficult task, but if you’re an experienced gardener you may have a shot.
Grow your own mangosteen
Keep in mind that mangosteen seeds are very fragile and need to be soaked immediately after you remove them. They will germinate within 20-22 days.
Mangosteen roots are very thin and delicate, so transplanting is a big hassle. Do your best to plant it somewhere permanent.
It takes a lot of time for mangosteen trees to produce fruit, anywhere from 10 to 20.
Overall this is a very picky tree, and needs very specific care. The best option you have is to follow a thorough guide on growing your own mangosteen tree, such as this one.
Are mangosteen seeds poisonous?
Mangosteen seeds are not poisonous at all. However, you may not like eating them. Although there is no harm in eating the soft seeds, the hard ones are bitter and will ruin the taste of the fruit.
Read Also:How To Store Mangosteen So It Lasts Longer
What if I swallow a mangosteen seed?
Despite mangosteen seeds being weird to eat and bitter, they are not toxic. Nothing will happen to you if you eat mangosteen seeds.
The seeds are non-toxic and will pass through your intestine and will finally get discharged. But be careful with small children, they might choke if the seeds are bigger in size.
In fact, to make sure you don’t get any accidental mangosteen seeds it may be best to cut the pulp of the fruit and place it in a serving bowl separately.
What is a mangosteen?
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that is mainly found in tropical regions of Asia. It is deep purple in color and looks very shiny and beautiful. When cut, it has a juicy white centre that is enjoyed by the locals.
For a local, mangosteen is no less than a prized delicacy. The sad thing is, mangosteens are not very common in the US. They do grow in Florida, so you can look for some there.
No, mangosteen and mango are very different fruits. They are both very delicious but the mangosteen takes the cake.
What does mangosteen taste like?
Mangosteen has a delicious white flesh which tastes sweet and tangy. It has a very delicious flavor that is something like a mix between strawberries, peaches, mango, and lychee.
It’s probably the most tropical fruit possible, and its flavor is the epitome of a fruit salad.
Talking about the texture, it resembles the texture of an orange. The fruit is juicy, fibrous and absolutely delicious. Basically, when you cut a mangosteen, you’ll find white pods of flesh just like oranges.
They have seeds inside them which you need to spit out while enjoying the fruit.
How to pick the right mangosteen
Choosing the right fruit is very important, especially when you’re buying it for the first time. Otherwise, you’ll end up picking the wrong mangosteen and will blame it for its bad taste forever.
So, the first thing to keep in mind is to always get this exotic fruit from a trusted seller. This will make sure you’re getting a good quality mangosteen.
Next, inspect the mangosteens and look for the ones with very shiny and glossy, deep purple skin. They also have a light green cap on the top. Pick the ones that don’t have any spots or holes in them. Also, there should be no juice oozing out of the fruits.
Further, if you find a thick and sticky yellow substance on some fruit, put it back down. It is resin seepage which is very bitter in taste.
Read Also:Why Is Mangosteen So Expensive ?
How to prepare mangosteen for eating
Eating a mangosteen for the first time is no less than an art. After that, you’ll become a pro at it. Just like any other fruit, you’ve to cut a mangosteen in order to eat it.
To cut it, use a sharp knife and make a ¼-inch deep horizontal slit in the middle of the fruit. Now, simply twist the fruit and you’ll find a white juicy flesh inside it.
You can further twist and crush the purple shell to remove it. It’s kind of messy but totally worth the amazing taste you’re going to get.
Generally, mangosteens are served in their half shell, so that people can pick the flesh using a fork without getting their hands messy.
As soon as you’re exposed to the white juicy center, enjoy it and don’t forget to spit out the seeds you get into your mouth along with the flesh.
The best way to enjoy a delicious mangosteen is eating it fresh and raw. But you can also add it to your salads, smoothies, fruits juices etc. to have a more enhanced flavor.
Some people also enjoy it in their ice-creams, sorbets and even in their mocktails.
Whatever you decide to do with it, please make sure to remove the seeds.
