The King of Fruits: How to Pick the Perfect Mangosteen Every Time With these three simple tips, you’ll be able to select mangosteens that are sweet, juicy, and absolutely perfect every single time. It’s an easy guide to ensuring you get the very best of this delicious tropical fruit.

The mangosteen is a unique fruit where not only the fleshy part but also the rind has various uses.

While mangosteen is delicious, choosing one that is juicy and has a thick aril can be tricky. This is because, before you get to the white aril, you need to peel off the thick, dark purple rind.

Some people believe that the larger the mangosteen, the thicker the aril and the sweeter the taste. However, this is not always the case. According to experienced fruit sellers, there is a skill to selecting the best mangosteen. Many fruits may look appealing on the outside, but they have thin arils and fewer segments.

So, how can you choose a delicious mangosteen? In this article, Bếp Eva will share some tips on selecting this tropical fruit. Remember these notes, and you’re guaranteed to pick the sweetest and juiciest ones every time.

Observe the Calyx at the Base of the Fruit

Not many people notice that there is a small flower at the bottom of a mangosteen. Experienced mangosteen sellers know that the number of petals on this flower indicates the number of aril segments inside.

Usually, each petal represents one segment of the aril. The more petals there are, the more aril the fruit has. Typically, this flower will have 4, 5, 6, or 7 petals. So, when buying mangosteen, keep an eye out for this detail.

Pay Attention to the Color of the Stem

Just like with other types of fruit, when buying mangosteen, look at the stem to determine whether it is fresh or has been picked a long time ago. If the stem is green and the rind is a bright purple, then it is likely a recently picked fruit.

On the other hand, if the stem is dark and the petals around it are wilted and discolored, and the rind looks brownish and rough, then the mangosteen is old and should be avoided.

Test the Elasticity of the Rind

Gently press the surface of the mangosteen with your finger. Usually, a fresh mangosteen will have good elasticity, and the rind will quickly bounce back to its original shape after pressing.

If your finger leaves an indentation, then the fruit is old and should be avoided. Additionally, you may notice a thin, yellow layer on the rind. Fruit sellers explain that this is resin, and only fresh mangosteens have it. However, this is actually a sign that the mangosteen is spoiled, as only fruits that have been left too long will exhibit this condition. If you see this, do not buy the fruit.

Furthermore, when comparing mangosteens of similar sizes, choose the ones that feel heavier and firmer. These fruits tend to be juicier and sweeter.

During the hot summer months, fruit can spoil quickly, and mangosteen is no exception. When you get home, be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly before enjoying it. If you don’t finish it all at once, place the remaining mangosteen in an airtight container or storage bag. Don’t forget to spray a little water on the surface of the fruit, then seal the bag tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

Using this method, you can extend the shelf life of mangosteen. Do not leave mangosteen at room temperature for extended periods, as the fruit will lose moisture, the rind will harden, and the taste will be affected.