Columbian Mangosteen (Approx 450g)

• Please note that Fruits will come in a variation of sizes, weights and colours.
• You'll receive 5-7 Mangosteen per order of this item. It is based on weight (approx 450g)
• What is picked and packed is purely based on availability at that time
• We aim to send these fruits on the unripe side so they have more time to ripen. If unripe fruits are not available, it is likely riper fruits with enough time to travel and consume will arrive (ready or close to ready to eat).

Imported from Columbia.

Mangosteen are without a doubt one of the most exquisite fruits of the tropics - you're missing out if you don't try some!

In the late 19th century, it was rumoured Queen Victoria would grant a knighthood to anyone who brought her mangosteen. This, as well as its superb flavour, was enough to earn the mangosteen a new name, "the queen of fruits".

Still today, these small purple-skinned fruits are very highly regarded, and for good reason. Beneath their hard skin is fibrous, white, segmented flesh that is refreshingly juicy and has a delightful flavour: one bite of mangosteen's delicate flesh will dazzle your tongue with a distinctive combination of both sweet and citrus notes, and the succulent flesh will create an explosion of flavours in your mouth. We'd say the taste is most comparable to a mouthwatering mix of lychee, peach, grape and pineapple, although some people liken mangosteen to sherbet!

Mangosteen are most often eaten fresh out of hand, but they are also ideal for use in a variety of food and drink recipes. We'd particularly recommend using them to make scrumptious jams (perfect for adding some exotic flavour to your toast!), blending them to create creamy smoothies, and serving them with ice cream, a spectacularly flavoursome dessert. Check out the 'Further information' tab below for some of our favourite mangosteen recipes, including a heavenly panna cotta!

As well as being delicious, mangosteen also boast a myriad of nutritional benefits. For instance, they are an excellent source of fibre, are rich in vitamins C and B9, and contain many beneficial anti-oxidants, including xanthones, a unique plant compound believed to have strong antioxidant properties.

Apart from the South American areas, the fruit has been introduced in the USA and it is now cultivated in southern California and in Florida.

How to eat:

The mangosteen are ripe and ready to eat upon arrival.

With your fingers squeeze the mangosteen around the 'equator' to separate the purple shell into 2 pieces and eat the delicious white flesh inside.

If the mangosteen have become firm you can use a knife to open them.

Mangosteen should be consumed whilst they yield to pressure. Do not leave the mangosteen until they become hard as they will be past their best.