Ingredient of the Day - Mangosteen 

Along with durian, mangosteen is one of the two most popular Asian fruits.   However, unlike Durian, which is a yang or hot food, mangosteen is thought to have cooling, yin properties. The fruit of an evergreen tree native to Malaysia and Indonesia, the mangosteen is often available in Asian markets when in season. The ripe mangosteen is roughly the same size as a mandarin orange, with a reddish-purple rind.  An interesting fact about this fruit is that there is always a type of scar at one end.   This is a remnant of the flower, and the number of remnant flower parts contained in the scar will tell you precisely how many segments of fruit are inside. Besides containing more fruit, those with the most segments will have fewer seeds. The fruit itself is sweet, with a texture that has been likened to a ripe plum. The flavor is sweet with a hint of acidity.

When purchasing mangosteen fruit, look for ones that are dark purple or reddish purple but not blue-black in color. At home, store mangos at room temperature and eat within a few days.  Also, it's important to remember that unlike mangos, the mangosteen can't be frozen. Mangosteens are commonly eaten raw as a dessert.