What Is Mangis? A Look at the Mangosteen Fruit

“Mangis” is a common name, particularly in the Philippines, for the fruit Garcinia mangostana, more widely known as mangosteen. This tropical fruit, celebrated as the “Queen of Fruits,” originates from Southeast Asia. Despite its name, it has no relation to the mango. It is a prized commodity in its native regions, cultivated extensively in countries like Thailand and Vietnam for its unique flavor.

What Mangosteen Tastes and Looks Like

The mangosteen presents a distinctive appearance. The fruit is round, about 4 to 8 centimeters in diameter, and features a thick, leathery rind, also called a pericarp, that ripens to a deep, dark purple. Atop the fruit sits a woody, green cap known as the calyx, which is a remnant of the flower.

Slicing or cracking open the rind reveals the edible portion, called the aril, which is pearly white and arranged in soft, fleshy segments. This internal structure is often compared to a small head of garlic or a peeled mandarin orange. The larger segments may contain a seed, while the smaller ones are seedless.

The flavor of the mangosteen is complex and is what earns its esteemed reputation. The taste is a delicate balance of sweet and tart, often described as a combination of lychee, peach, strawberry, and a hint of pineapple or grape. Its texture is exceptionally soft and juicy, practically melting in the mouth.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Profile

Beyond its taste, the mangosteen is noted for its nutritional content. The fruit is low in calories and provides a good amount of dietary fiber. It is also a source of important nutrients such as vitamin C and folate, a B vitamin.

The primary interest in mangosteen from a health perspective comes from a unique class of polyphenol compounds called xanthones. These are found in high concentrations within the fruit, particularly in the pericarp or rind. Xanthones are plant-derived nutrients recognized for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage.

Scientific interest in xanthones focuses on their potential anti-inflammatory effects, as chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions. Studies have explored how mangosteen consumption might influence inflammatory markers in the body. Research has also shown that mangosteen may increase antioxidant capacity and improve insulin sensitivity in certain study groups.

How to Choose, Open, and Eat Mangosteen

Selecting a high-quality mangosteen at the market involves looking for a few specific indicators. A ripe, fresh fruit will have a vibrant, deep purple rind and a green, pliable calyx on top. Gently press the fruit; it should yield slightly under pressure. Avoid fruits that feel rock-hard, as this indicates they are underripe or old, and also steer clear of any with cracked rinds or oozing yellow sap, which are signs of damage.

Once you have a ripe fruit, opening it does not require a knife. The traditional method is to hold the mangosteen firmly in both hands and press with your thumbs in the center until the purple rind cracks open. Another method involves scoring the circumference of the rind lightly with a small knife, being careful not to cut through to the flesh, and then twisting the two halves apart.

The edible parts are the soft, white segments inside. You can scoop them out with a spoon or simply eat them directly from the opened rind. The fruit is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate its delicate flavor and texture, often served on its own or as a complement to desserts like ice cream.

Growing a Mangosteen Tree

Cultivating a mangosteen tree is a significant challenge outside of its native tropical environment. The tree has stringent requirements, demanding an ultra-tropical climate to thrive. It requires consistently high temperatures, ideally staying above 4°C (40°F) and below 38°C (100°F), with high humidity levels throughout the year. These conditions are found only within about 10 degrees of the equator.

The soil must be rich in organic matter and exceptionally well-draining, as the tree’s root system is sensitive to waterlogging. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH and needs protection from strong winds. Mangosteen trees can grow in full sun or light shade, but consistent moisture is a necessity. They are not tolerant of drought, which can quickly kill the plant.

The greatest challenge for aspiring growers is the tree’s slow growth rate. From seed, a mangosteen can take anywhere from 8 to 15 years before it begins to produce fruit. The high mortality rate of seedlings adds to the difficulty. This long maturation period and its specific climate needs make growing mangosteen a project for patient gardeners in suitable tropical locations.