Fruit lovers may flinch a bit when they hear that the smelly durian is the king of tropical fruit, but they may be relieved to know that the mangosteen is the queen. The mangosteen, or Garcinia mangostana, is the size of a tangerine, and its thick purple exterior hides creamy, sweet-sour flesh that in 1930, plant expert David Fairchild said (via The New York Times), “It is so delicate that it melts in the mouth like ice cream. The flavor is quite indescribably delicious. There is nothing to mar the perfection of this fruit, unless it be that the juice from the rind forms an indelible stain on a white napkin. Even the seeds are partly or wholly lacking and when present are very thin and small.”
Healthline says a cup of mangosteen (canned and drained) contains 143 calories, 35 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fiber, and is rich in vitamins C, B1, B2, B9 as well as minerals like manganese and magnesium, which our body needs to produce DNA, to promote wound healing, and immunity. The fruit also contains antioxidants like vitamin C, folate, and xanthones, which have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic.
Mangosteen was banned from import into the United. States for a long time, and the ban was lifted in 2007. The primary reason for the ban was the concern over. the potential infestation of the Asian fruit fly (Dacus.
Healthline says a cup of mangosteen (canned and drained) contains 143 calories, 35 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fiber, and is rich in vitamins C, B1, B2, B9 as well as minerals like manganese and magnesium, which our body needs to produce DNA, to promote wound healing, and immunity. The fruit also contains antioxidants like vitamin C, folate, and xanthones, which have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic.
But the mangosteen is notoriously difficult to cultivate. The fruit is believed to have come from Malaysia or Indonesia, and outside of its home region of Southeast Asia, the fruit struggles to survive. Its tree needs plenty of humidity, and cannot grow if temperatures dip below 40F, which means the mangosteen needs to be imported in order to be enjoyed fresh.
During the time of Britains Queen Victoria, the fruit could not be imported because it spoiled rather quickly. But the mangosteen can also be infested with the Mediterranean fruit fly, which made its entry into the United States completely out of the question up until 2007 (via Delish). Only after the fruits were irradiated to assure disinfestation were mangosteens allowed into the U.S. so they might be enjoyed fresh.
Fruit lovers may flinch a bit when they hear that the smelly durian is the king of tropical fruit, but they may be relieved to know that the mangosteen is the queen. The mangosteen, or Garcinia mangostana, is the size of a tangerine, and its thick purple exterior hides creamy, sweet-sour flesh that in 1930, plant expert David Fairchild said (via The New York Times), “It is so delicate that it melts in the mouth like ice cream. The flavor is quite indescribably delicious. There is nothing to mar the perfection of this fruit, unless it be that the juice from the rind forms an indelible stain on a white napkin. Even the seeds are partly or wholly lacking and when present are very thin and small.”
But, have you ever had a mangosteen? This tropical fruit is primarily grown in Thailand and happens to look nothing like a mango. Its roughly the shape and size of a clementine, purple, and smooth, according to Martha Stewart. While the skin is firm, the white flesh inside is delicate and soft with a sweet flavor and a hint of tartness.
While mangosteens are becoming more popular, they are difficult to find in most U.S. grocery stores — with Asian produce markets being an exception — and a past ban on the fruit may be why it is not as well known across the U.S. as other tropical fruits. As Martha Stewart explained, mangosteens from Thailand arent allowed to enter the country unless theyve been irradiated.
The original reason for banning mangosteen imports to the U.S. was due to fears that it would bring the Asian fruit fly into the country. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the flies are a “destructive agricultural pest” and can pose a big threat to many crops. “It is known to attack more than 400 fruits and vegetables, including apricots, cherries, citrus, figs, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes,” they explain.
Tropical fruits have been growing in popularity in the U.S. in recent years. While fruits like bananas, pineapples, pomegranates, and avocados have been mainstays in the country for many years, more elusive fruits have been getting their moment. Lychee, a popular fruit in Asia, has recently been popping up on American menus. Its known for its hard-to-crack red shell and sweet flavor. Similarly, dragon fruit has recently been promoted for its numerous health benefits and beautiful coloring (via The Produce News).
Due to this, a ban around many tropical fruits, including the mangosteens, was put in place. However, it was lifted in 2007 due to fruits imported from Southeast Asia becoming subject to an irradiation process (via Martha Stewart). According to the site, irradiation is an “ultra-violet process used on many not-organically certified fruits and vegetables, as well as meat; It sterilizes pests and destroys pathogens and can extend shelf life.”
Why This Fruit Was Banned in America! – Mangosteen
FAQ
Are mangosteens illegal in the USA?
Why mangosteen is not allowed in hotels?
Can you buy mangosteens in the US?
Who Cannot eat mangosteen?
Are mangosteens illegal in the US?
Long illegal in the US due to the belief that they harbored the Asian fruit fly, mangosteens are no longer contraband. The ban was lifted in October of 2007, and the first fruits were shipped in April of this year. Look what we found at New May Wah supermarket on Clement Street in San Francisco!
Can mangosteen be imported?
During the time of Britain’s Queen Victoria, the fruit could not be imported because it spoiled rather quickly. But the mangosteen can also be infested with the Mediterranean fruit fly, which made its entry into the United States completely out of the question up until 2007 (via Delish ).
What is the economic impact of the mangosteen ban?
The economic impact of the Mangosteen ban is significant, especially in those countries where the fruit is grown and exported. Thailand, for example, was once the largest exporter of Mangosteens until the ban was put in place.
Why is mangosteen banned in Thailand?
Thailand, for example, was once the largest exporter of Mangosteens until the ban was put in place. The industry employed thousands of people, and the ban has caused a decline in the country’s overall economic output and created a trade deficit.