Mangostin

Mangostin is a rather exotic fruit for our country, however, if you set a goal, you can buy it, since its price is relatively low. An evergreen tree with almost black bark and a pyramidal crown, on which this unusual fruit grows, sometimes reaches a height of 25 meters. Mangosteen flowers have fleshy green petals with red speckles. Mangosteen fruit reaches 7 centimeters in diameter. Interestingly, it is covered with a thick burgundy peel on top, which is completely unsuitable for food, but inside there is a juicy white flesh consisting of 5-8 segments. When eating, the peel should not be thrown away, since almost all the beneficial properties of the mangosteen fruit are concentrated in it. Therefore, it is used to prepare juice from these fruits. By the way, in order for the tree to begin to bear fruit, it takes about 10-20 years.

Mangosteen fruit tastes very pleasant, but it is difficult to describe it, since it simply cannot be compared. But it is safe to say that the fine taste and excellent nutritional properties of the mangosteen fruit are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. In addition, the pulp of this fruit is appreciated for its high xanthone content, and its burgundy pigment is used as a natural dye.

In order to choose a good quality mangosteen fruit, it must be touched. If the fruit is dense, elastic and slightly springy when pressed gently, do not doubt - this is what you need. It is not advised to take small fruits, since the amount of pulp in them is small. The size of the average mandarin is considered optimal. If the mangostin fruit is dry and hard to the touch, while the peel has cracked, then this fruit has already overriped and should not be taken. In the refrigerator, mangosteen fruit can be stored for up to two weeks.

Well, you chose mangosteen fruit, bought it, but you don't know how it is. Everything is very simple: we cut the peel from the fruit in a circular motion from above so as not to affect the flesh. After such simple manipulations, you can start using exotic mangosteen. . . Stop! After all, it is not interesting to just eat such an unusual fruit - what would you cook from it?

In Thailand, for example, mangosteen fruit is eaten raw, with a very original serve. The fact is that it is customary to enjoy the juicy pulp of this exotic fruit from a "crib" of ice pieces. This fruit is remarkably suitable for the role of filling in pies. It is added to various fruit and vegetable salads, and milkshakes with mangostin are made. A particularly gourmet dish is the combination of this fruit with seafood - the refreshing fruity flavour favourably highlights the rich scent of squid or shrimp.

The beneficial properties of mangosteen fruit are due to the presence of natural vitamins and minerals. This fruit is rich in dietary fibers, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron, and therefore the benefits of mangostin for the human body are simply obvious.