Mangosteen: The tropical superfood you didn't know you needed

Mangosteen (Latin: Garcinia mangostana) hails from Southeast Asia and is found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is a small, round fruit with a dark purple, robust rind and snow-white, juicy flesh divided into segments resembling garlic cloves. Its taste? Indescribably delightful—subtly sweet, with undertones of citrus, peach, and pineapple. Sample it once, and you'll be captivated forever.

Mangosteen is more than just a delectable snack. Its most prized elements are xanthones—potent antioxidants chiefly located in its rind. These contribute to many of the fruit's health-enhancing qualities:

                  
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects – aids the body in combating free radicals and inflammation.
• Immune system enhancement – bolstered by the presence of vitamin C and bioactive compounds.
• Support for the digestive system – helps preserve a healthy gut flora.
• Antibacterial and antiviral properties – utilised in traditional medicine to manage infections.
• Anti-cancer potential – initial studies indicate promising effects of xanthones on certain cancer cells. Notably, supplements employ extracts from both the pulp and the rind of mangosteen.

Despite the rind's thick and tough appearance, a gentle cut and a slight pull with your fingers will reveal a white, fragrant surprise within. The pulp is consumed raw, ideally with a spoon, while exercising caution regarding any seeds that might be present in some segments. Mangosteen is also well-suited for fruit salads, cocktails and smoothies, desserts, exotic jams, and functional beverages.

In Ireland, fresh mangosteen is a rarity—typically found in season at well-stocked grocery shops offering exotic fruits or specialised gourmet outlets. Mangosteen juices, extracts, and dietary supplements are also accessible, though it is advisable to read labels carefully and opt for products that are minimally processed.

This light and vibrant salad with mangosteen is a true burst of freshness and tropical flavour. Ideal for summer, it uplifts spirits, refreshes, and appears like a postcard from Bali. Just a handful of simple ingredients transport you to an exotic paradise—without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

                          
• 4-5 mangosteen fruits
• 1 ripe mango
• 1 kiwi
• 1/2 pomegranate
• 1/2 lime (juice and a touch of zest)
• A few fresh mint leaves
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup

Preparation:

                  
1. Peel the mangosteens: gently cut through the rind and pull it apart with your fingers. Remove the white pulp and separate it into segments, being mindful of the seeds.
2. Dice the mango and kiwi.
3. Extract the seeds from the pomegranate.
4. Combine the fruits in a bowl, add the lime juice, a touch of zest, and mint leaves.
5. If you prefer a sweeter salad, mix in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup gently.

Serving:

Serve chilled, perhaps in glass dishes or using a hollowed-out half of a mango as a "bowl." Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a light tropical-themed lunch!