A mangosteen is an edible fruit but many people have never seen or tasted a mangosteen. The mangosteen should not be confused with the mango youve probably seen in your grocery store and may even enjoy regularly. They are completely different fruits and are in no way related.
The mangosteen fruit currently only grows in Southeast Asia although attempts are being made to cultivate and grow it in other tropical climates. Its a small fruit, about the same size as a tangerine. The skin of the fruit is a dark reddish/purplish color. The edible fruit inside is pure white and is said to be very sweet and delicious. But because the fruit is highly perishable and because it doesnt continue to ripen after being picked, its not available as a fresh fruit in the United States, nor in many other countries in the world. But in southeast Asia where the mangosteen is widely available during harvest time, it is a prized fruit and is called the Queen of Fruits. Its also the most expensive fruit at the markets in Southeast Asia. And because it is so highly demanded and highly prized, youll never see any fruits lying on the ground under the trees...