Photo: Getty Images.
Have you ever heard of mangosteen? If not, maybe it’s time to get acquainted with this delicacy that is not very popular here. This fruit, which has its origins in Indonesia, has been voted the second best fruit in the world, according to TasteAtlas, a website considered the “encyclopedia” of gastronomy.
Photo: Getty Images.
Also called mangosteen, the edible features a tough, dark purple peel that covers and protects the edible white fruit. With a soft, juicy and delicate texture, the exotic fruit has a sweet flavor with subtle notes of acidity. “Its origins are thought to be in the Sunda Islands, today divided between Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and East Timor,” says TasteAtlas.
The food is usually eaten pure, but can also be incorporated into smoothies, ice cream or desserts, for example.
According to CEASA-ES, mangosteen is an excellent source of protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese. The fruit is also rich in vitamins C, B6 and B12. Another advantage of its consumption is that in 100 grams of the ingredient there are only 63 calories, in addition to the absence of saturated fats and cholesterol, which greatly helps those who are looking to lose weight.
Experts believe that mangosteen is full of antioxidants that help fight diseases such as cancer and delay aging, as these compounds protect the body from their deteriorating effects. The fruit is also a source of tannin, a polyphenol that can help increase good cholesterol, HDL, and reduce levels of LDL, bad cholesterol.
In addition to protecting the heart, this food shows promise in preventing diabetes, because it increases insulin and reduces glucose.
According to an article published in Embrapa, mangosteen arrived in Brazil in 1935. Heat and humidity are factors that must be taken into account for the ideal development of the plant. Therefore, it is suggested to grow it in moist and warm places.
For the list of the top 10 rated fruits in the world, as of November 16, 2023, 4,378 reviews were registered, of which 2,848 were recognized by the TasteAtlas system as legitimate. However, the ranking should not be viewed as the final global conclusion on food, according to the source.
Source: Metropolis.
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.