Definition: The fruit of an evergreen tree native to Malaysia and Indonesia, mangosteen is one of the two most popular Asian fruits. Mangosteen is thought to have cooling, yin properties, while Asia's other most popular fruit, durian, is considered to be a yang or hot food.
Ripened 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.
When is season, mangosteen is available in Asian markets, and sometimes, in supermarkets and grocery stores.
Return to the Glossary of Chinese Ingredients and Cooking Terms Written by Rhonda Parkinson
Ripened 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.
When is season, mangosteen is available in Asian markets, and sometimes, in supermarkets and grocery stores.
Return to the Glossary of Chinese Ingredients and Cooking Terms Written by Rhonda Parkinson
