Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Sweetest Mangosteen: 10 Out of 10 Perfection

July and August mark the season for the delectable Mangosteen fruit. This tropical delight is not only a nutritional powerhouse but also a beauty ally. We're here to let you in on a little secret: with our expert tips, you'll be able to select the juiciest and most flavorful mangosteens, ensuring every bite is a burst of freshness. Say goodbye to the worry of picking less-than-perfect fruits!

Administrator

21 July, 2024

With the mangosteen season in full swing, make sure to grab the tastiest fruits while you can. Don’t worry about picking unripe or overripe ones; we’ve got you covered with these expert tips straight from a Tra Vinh orchard owner.

1Choose Dark-Colored Fruits for Immediate Consumption

Opt for fruits with a deep brown color and an attractive, undamaged skin. Give the fruit a gentle squeeze to ensure it has a good bounce-back, indicating ripeness.

If you’re buying in bulk, go for green fruits with a hint of red on the skin. These are already ripe but will take 2-3 days to reach their peak flavor.

Contrary to popular belief, the presence of yellow sap on the fruit’s exterior is not an indicator of superior taste. According to our orchard expert, it’s simply a natural occurrence.

Choose dark-colored fruits if you want to eat them right away.

2Go for Medium-Sized, Round Fruits

Avoid oversized fruits as they tend to have thicker skins and less flesh. Instead, select round fruits that comfortably fit in the palm of your hand, similar in size to a golf ball.

3Examine the Base of the Fruit

Take a look at the bottom of the fruit—you’ll see a flower-like shape. The number of petals corresponds to the number of segments inside. So, if you’re after a fruit with more segments, this is a handy trick!

There you have it—three simple tips to ensure you pick the sweetest and most delicious mangosteens!

Frequently asked questions

Look for a dark purple, almost black rind that is slightly springy to the touch. Avoid mangosteens with green patches or a shriveled appearance. The darker the color, the sweeter the fruit. Size also matters; larger fruits tend to be sweeter.

In addition to color and size, check for a fresh, pleasant aroma. The stem should be green and fresh-looking, and the fruit should feel heavy for its size, indicating a juicy, ripe interior.

Mangosteen is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to a week. Store them in a well-ventilated container to prevent spoilage. To freeze, blanch the fruit first, then store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the middle of the fruit, about a quarter-inch deep. Twist the halves gently in opposite directions to separate them, revealing the white, segmented flesh. Enjoy the sweet, tangy segments as a snack or add them to desserts and salads.

Yes, the entire fruit is edible. The white flesh is sweet and tangy, while the purple rind can be made into jams, juices, or even dried and ground into a powder for use in baking.