A Comparative Analysis of Mangosteen: Taste, Texture, and Similar Fruits

Have you ever tried a mangosteen? This unique and exotic fruit has been a perennial favorite among those who venture into the world of Southeast Asian delicacies. The website's visitor, Alex, had some thoughts to share on his experience with mangosteens, comparing them to other fruits and sharing personal experiences. In this article, we explore the taste, texture, and unique qualities of mangosteen, along with similar fruits that share a similar taste profile.

The Unique Taste of Mangosteen

Alex: I have eaten lots of mangosteens. They are labelled as the queen of fruits. I was excited to try them, especially given the price range of $6–8 CAD per pound, but they were a disappointing fruit given their hype.

Mangosteen has a unique taste that combines a slight sharpness with sweetness. Unlike other fruits, the taste is not overly sweet or sour. It is tangier compared to the ice cream bean fruit, which might explain the initial hype. However, some users like Michelle find it to be a more pleasant experience, compared to the average fruit, noting that the experience is more about appreciation of its unique qualities.

Unique Experience and Texture

Alex: The texture of the shell is also very interesting, with no fruit similar to it among Western fruits. Unfortunately, the shell is not edible, which can make the fruit wasteful and expensive. The only edible part is the pulp inside, which can be enjoyed in portions of 30-50. Often, only the riper portions are used.

Mrs. Johnson, who has a wealth of experience with mangosteens, recommends them highly for their delicious taste when ripe, with a sweet-sour flavor and plenty of juice and fiber. She adds that the taste can vary based on ripeness and country of origin, with unripe fruits being crispier and having a sweeter taste. A curious fact about mangosteen is that it is not just a fruit to be consumed but can be used as a flavoring for dishes such as curry gangan, laksa, and arsik, adding a fresh and tangy taste.

Comparing Mangosteen to Other Southeast Asian Fruits

Alex describes mangosteen as a mild fruit, which is true to some extent. However, there are several fruits with a similar taste and texture that might surprise you. Three such fruits include:

Kecapi (Garcinia cowa): This fruit comes from a fairly large tree and is yellow with a very thick rubbery skin. The fruit inside is uncannily similar to mangosteen but unripe fruits are very sour. Mesta (Garcinia mangostana var. cambodiana): Similar to mangosteen, Mesta is a fruit from the same family. For untrained eyes, it is often confused as one. However, the fruit is crispier and sweeter than mangosteen, making it more popular among users who taste it. Mundu (Garcinia dulcis): This fruit is commonly liked by the Javanese and has a green-red color with a similar flavor to mangosteen but was typically more sour. Some people eat this for tonic.

These fruits, which are not very popular and might be hard to find outside Southeast Asia, share similar qualities to mangosteen, making them a delightful variation to explore.

Conclusion

Mangosteen is not just a fruit but a unique experience, appreciated for its distinct taste and texture. While there are plenty of other fruits with similar taste profiles, mangosteen remains a unique and cherished delicacy in its own right.

Try mangosteen and other similar Southeast Asian fruits to broaden your culinary and sensory experiences. Whether you are in the market for a taste of the tropics or a unique fruit to add to your collection, these fruits are worth exploring.