Mangostan is a small purple fruit of the tree of the same name. This exotic fruit is originally from Southeast Asia. Legend has it that Buddha blessed and gave this plant to humanity. The useful product has several names such as Mangostan, Garcinia, Mangkut, Mangostan.
Chemical composition and calories
This exotic fruit is rich in dietary fiber and carbohydrates. The fruit pulp contains a low concentration of lipids and proteins. There are 72 kcal per 100 g of product. Mangostan fruit is rich in vitamins B and C and minerals. In the fruit there are many useful components, but there is no significant predominance of each other.
Useful and possible contraindications properties
Mangostan – A vitamin C, E, nitrogen, sodium, zinc, potassium, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, riboflavin treasure. The plant has a low-alkaline low equilibrium. The medicinal properties of the fruit are known since the 18th century, and are now scientifically confirmed.
- Antimicrobial action. Xantonas inhibit the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. Its dry dust peel is used for skin conditions, acne and eczema.
- Ant i-inflammatory effect. Natural extract is used for pain syndrome caused by sciatic, arthritis and other inflammatory ailments.
- Antioxidant Property. The beneficial components of manegostan protect the organism from free and free radical substances.
- Cure for cancer. The product contains ant i-cancer chemical components.
- Benefits for women. The decoction of the root of the plant restores the menstrual cycle and fights premenstrual syndrome.
- In digestive tract disorders. The infusion of shells, cortex and leaves helps with abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal parasites, dysentery, gonorrhea.
- In skin diseases. Mangostan is used in cosmetic products to treat eczema, acne, pimples and other skin problems.
Despite its health benefits, the mangostan plant has several contraindications. It contains xantones that affect blood coagulation. Do not use this exotic fruit in treatments that include anticoagulant medication. It does not consume the product if it is hypersensitive or has allergic reactions.
Important: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, see a doctor before.
How to choose adequate mature manegostan?
The pulp is white and the skin is dark purple. Its size is similar to that of a tangerine. Mangosteen is dense to the touch. Select a large fruit. The best time to buy it is from May to September. The skin should feel elastic when pressed. Smaller fruits contain fewer nutrients. Each fruit has about 7 sheets of pulp.
How do you peel and eat a mangosteen fruit?
There are several ways to peel the fruit:
- The leaves are torn from the top and lightly pressed. Once the fruit is broken, the heart is released. This method is suitable for a very mature product and it remains only to peel off the skin with the nails.
- An incision is made with a knife, trying not to catch the slices. The fruit is then opened with the hands and the pulp is extracted.
- When the skin is hard, the top is cut off with a knife. Mangosteen is not eaten with the hands, but with a spoon.
The healthiest and most pleasant way to eat fruit is fresh. It is not recommended to keep it in the fridge for more than 12 days. The exotic fruit is used in the preparation of snacks, juices, wine, jam.
Curiosities The bark of the mangosteen is used as a blue pigment in the manufacture of soap and dyeing material.
Can I grow mangosteen from seed at home?
The seeds of the fruit are adventitious germs or tubers. When germinating, the seed forms a germ and a root on different sides. The seeds of the fruit quickly lose their germination, so it takes up to 4 weeks to germinate after the mangosteen is uprooted from the tree. In their packaged state, they cannot be stored for more than 9 weeks. Seeds should be wrapped in moist moss.
To grow an exotic plant, fill the bottom of the prepared container with drainage, then soil with peat and the seeds to a depth of 1. 5 cm. Lightly moisten the soil and cover everything with transparent film. The first shoots will appear after 1. 5 months.
Tip: Mangosteens are slow growing. The mangosteen is a slow-growing tree, so it can take up to 10 years before the fruit appears.
Storage
The fruit must be stored in a dry and closed place, avoiding the cold. The fruit can rest intact for 20-25 days. After this time, the pulp will begin to dry out and the skin will become hard. Mangosteen is only sold in countries with a tropical climate. After ripening on the tree, it can be kept fresh for a short time. The fruit can be kept for a maximum of 2 weeks in the refrigerator. It must not be frozen.
Mangosteen is one of the healthiest fruits. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential substances for the body. It is essential in case of inflammatory conditions. It is one of the ten tastiest fruits on the planet, along with mango and orange.
