Discovering Mangosteen, the Queen of Fruits

Interestingly, it is often difficult to import the actual mangosteen fruit, and this has hindered the opportunity for people to sample, discover and catch on to the mangosteen. For those who have not been fortunate enough to try it, it is still remains important to discover mangosteen.

A type of tropical evergreen tree, the mangosteen tree is said to have origins in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. On average, the mangosteen tree will grow from about seven to twenty-five meters in height and produce an edible fruit that retains a deep reddish-purple hue when fully ripened. In Asia, this unique fruit is often called the "Queen of Fruits."

The exterior of the mangosteen fruit is hard and shell-like, which cradles the bright white tangerine shaped fruit inside. Though the outer shell appears tough and hard, the mangosteen fruit is easy to open; it can be done with the hand. Since the mangosteen tree is considered ultra-tropical, it does not adapt well to temperatures that reach below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The mangosteen tree will thrive well in places that have high atmospheric humidity, an annual rainfall of around 50 inches and no pro-longed periods of drought.

To truly discover the mangosteen, it must be understood that this unique tree cannot adapt to limestone, but does its best growing in deep rich organic soil, like that of sandy loam and laterite. When planting mangosteen, it is necessary to do it at the start of the rainy season,by very carefully putting the very young tree in place and then giving it a heavy watering.

In the first couple of years, the mangosteen tree will require partial shading and thereafter, the tree can be fully-grown in the sunlight. As previously noted, the mangosteen tree thrives well in a fertile rich clay or loam soil with good drainage, although these trees also grow well near lakes and streams.

Native to the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands, and Molucca, the mangosteen tree is also grown and cultivated in the more humid regions located in the Asiatic Tropics. The fortunate people, who have been lucky enough to sample the mangosteen fruit, have gone on to give it their highest praise. If you are one of those who have yet to discover this unique fruit, you will not be disappointed once you do.

The insipid flavors typically found in so many tropical fruits will not be found in the distinct sweetness of the mangosteen fruit, which is why this fruit is extremely well-liked by those who try it for the very first time. Pleasing to the eye and palate, this beautifully shaped and colored fruit with its enticing flavor truly ranks the mangosteen fruit high above all in the fruit world.