What is Mangosteen?
Mangosteen is an actual fruit that has been around for thousands of years, even if you haven't heard of it. It is mostly grown in Southeast Asia, but because of its numerous health benefits, has become a fast growing import to other countries. The fruit itself needs very tropical (hot, humid, and wet) conditions to grow; therefore, attempts to grow mangosteen fruit in other areas have been unsuccessful. The fruit is mainly grown in China, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines. This is because it needs the climate of these areas to thrive.
Mangosteen fruit grows on a tree, but not just an ordinary tree. Mangosteen trees grow in deep rich soils, and grow 20 to 80 feet tall. The tree has thick evergreen leaves, and blooms reaching upwards of a foot in width. The bark of the tree is nearly black. So, just because the name mangosteen fruit sounds similar to the popular mango, they are nothing alike. Fruits are harvested by ladder or cutting pole, but are never allowed to touch the ground. This would damage the fruit.
The mangosteen tree takes 7 to 9 years to begin producing fruit, and can even take up to 20 years before it yields a harvest. Once it does, the tree can produce up to 500 mangosteens in its first yield, eventually yielding up in the thousands. The trees are also capable of producing fruits up to 100 years after planting. Mangosteen fruit has a deep purple rind and soft, sweet, white pulp on the inside. To grow from such a large tree, the mangosteen fruit is actually small, about the size of a tangerine. The taste of the mangosteen fruit has been described as being "out of this world."
Mangosteen fruit is known for its various health benefits. It is loaded with xanthones (promotes healthy body function), and a serving of mangosteen fruit contains up to a whopping 5 grams of fiber.  Consuming mangosteen can boost the body’s immune system, increase libido, and increase energy levels. Mangosteen fruit has also been linked to promoting prostate health in men and bone and joint health in women. The mangosteen can also help maintain intestinal health.
Not to be confused with the mango, mangosteen fruit is a tropical fruit that not only tastes great, but has numerous health benefits. Grown from a tree that is super tall, and taking almost a decade to produce fruit, the mangosteen from Southeast Asia is growing in popularity. This is because of its unique flavor and properties for promoting healthy body function. The consumption of mangosteen fruit should become part of everyone’s diet, not only for its flavor, but for its nutritional value and health benefits.
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