The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical evergreen tree. The tree grows from 7 to 25 meters tall. The rind (pericarp) of the edible fruit is deep reddish purple when ripe. The fragrant flesh is sweet and creamy, citrusy with a touch of peach flavor. In Asia, the mangosteen fruit is known as the "Queen of Fruits."
The outer shell of the fruit is firm (softens during ripening), typically 4-6 cm in diameter, and contains astringent phytochemicals which discourage infestation by insects, fungi, plant viruses and bacteria. T
Cutting through the shell, one finds edible flesh, shaped like a peeled tangerine but bright white, about 3-5 cm in diameter, nested in a deep red outer pod. Depending on the fruit size and ripeness, there might be seeds in the aril segments. The seeds, however, are not palatable unless roasted.
Without fumigation or irradiation as whole fruit, mangosteens are illegal for importation in commercial volumes into the United States due to fears that they harbor the Asian fruit fly which would endanger US crops. Private small volume orders from fruits grown on Puerto Rico, however, are being filled for American gourmet restaurants who serve the aril pieces as a delicacy dessert.
Products derived from the mangosteen are legally imported into the United States, such as juices, freeze-dried fruit and nutritional supplements. The fresh fruit is also available in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinatowns of Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia.
