Mangosteen Overview
Mangosteen, scientifically known as Garcinia mangostana, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Known as the "queen of fruits," it is revered for its sweet, tangy flavor and distinctive appearance. The fruit has a round shape with a thick purple rind and a segmented white interior, which contains juicy, aromatic segments. Mangosteen is not only popular for its taste but also for its numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Mangosteen
- Rich in Antioxidants: Mangosteen contains xanthones, powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Boosts Immunity: The fruit is high in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and fights off infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Mangosteen has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
- Promotes Digestive Health: It contains fiber that aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.
- Improves Skin Health: The antioxidants and vitamins in mangosteen can improve skin health, reduce acne, and promote a youthful glow.
- Supports Weight Loss: The low-calorie nature of mangosteen and its fiber content can aid in weight management by keeping you full longer and reducing appetite.
- Regulates Blood Sugar: Mangosteen may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for diabetics.
How to Eat Mangosteen
- Cutting the Fruit: Slice the purple rind carefully around the middle, exposing the white, segmented flesh inside.
- Remove the Segments: Gently pull apart the segments, similar to how you would eat an orange.
- Eat Fresh: The white flesh is sweet and tangy and can be eaten directly. Discard the inedible seeds if present.
- Use in Dishes: You can use the pulp in salads, smoothies, and desserts or make sauces and jams.
- Juice: Mangosteen can also be juiced for a refreshing drink.
Nutritional Value of Mangosteen (Per 100g)
- Calories: 73 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18.5g
- Sugars: 16.2g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Fat: 0.6g
- Vitamin C: 5.0mg (8% of RDI)
- Calcium: 12mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
- Potassium: 42mg
Taste Profile of Mangosteen
Mangosteen has a unique, sweet, and tangy flavor. The white flesh is juicy and aromatic, with hints of peach, pineapple, and citrus. The taste is often described as a balance between sweet and slightly sour, making it an incredibly refreshing fruit to eat.
Step-by-Step Recipe Using Mangosteen
1. Mangosteen Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mangosteen pulp
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup coconut water or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Steps:
- Remove the mangosteen segments from the rind and place them in a blender.
- Add the banana, coconut water or almond milk, and honey (if desired).
- Blend until smooth.
- Add ice cubes and blend again if you want a colder smoothie.
- Pour into a glass and serve chilled.
5 Indian Recipes Using Mangosteen
1. Mangosteen Raita
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mangosteen pulp (peeled and deseeded)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Steps:
- Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
- Add the mangosteen pulp, roasted cumin powder, and black salt.
- Mix well and garnish with coriander leaves.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish with biryani or parathas.
2. Mangosteen Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mangosteen pulp (peeled and chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
Steps:
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, chopped tomatoes, turmeric, and garam masala.
- Stir and cook until tomatoes soften.
- Add the mangosteen pulp and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Adjust salt and serve with steamed rice.
3. Mangosteen Halwa
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mangosteen pulp
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Steps:
- Heat ghee in a pan and sauté grated coconut for 2-3 minutes.
- Add mangosteen pulp and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in sugar and cardamom powder.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm.
4. Mangosteen Chutney
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mangosteen pulp (peeled and deseeded)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon jaggery
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
Steps:
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds.
- Add mangosteen pulp, red chili powder, jaggery, and salt.
- Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Cool and store in a jar. Serve with dosa or parathas.
5. Mangosteen Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mangosteen pulp
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps:
- Blend mangosteen pulp until smooth.
- Whisk together cream, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Fold the mangosteen puree into the cream mixture.
- Pour into a container and freeze for 4-5 hours.
- Scoop and serve as a refreshing dessert.
5 Non-Indian Recipes Using Mangosteen
1. Mangosteen Sorbet
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh mangosteen pulp
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Steps:
- Blend the mangosteen pulp, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze.
- Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to prevent large ice crystals.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert.
2. Mangosteen Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mangosteen pulp
- 1/2 cup cucumber (chopped)
- 1/2 cup avocado (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Steps:
- Combine mangosteen, cucumber, and avocado in a bowl.
- Drizzle with lime juice and honey.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.
3. Mangosteen Jam
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh mangosteen pulp
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Steps:
- Cook mangosteen pulp with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir frequently until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Let cool, then store in jars.
4. Mangosteen and Coconut Milk Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mangosteen pulp
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Steps:
- Blend mangosteen pulp, coconut milk, and honey until smooth.
- Add ice cubes if desired and blend again.
- Serve chilled.
5. Mangosteen Tart
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mangosteen pulp
- 1 pre-baked tart shell
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
Steps:
- Fill the pre-baked tart shell with mangosteen pulp.
- Top with whipped cream and chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve as a delicious dessert.
Mangosteen is a versatile fruit with both health benefits and culinary potential. Whether you enjoy it as a fresh fruit or in various recipes, its sweetness and unique flavor make it a treat in any dish.