With the durian crowned King of the Fruits, the mangosteen, a firm favourite, is our Queen.
Previously, we delved into the many benefits of the creamy, satisfying durian. This time round, we thought of whetting your appetite on the humble mangosteen, to unearth its many benefits.
Mums out there, you may be wondering if this little fruity wonder is good to eat during pregnancy, and while lactating. The answer is a resounding YES!
If you are thinking of letting little ones have a sampling, I would advise caution unless they are able to spit the seed out. The flesh of this fruit tends to cleave onto the fruit and if little mouths are not able to manage removing flesh from seed, they could choke.
The Queen of Fruits
Malaysians love their mangosteens, which are locally known as manggis.
Since mangosteens and durians ripen in season together, you will be able to find both fruits offered for sale at fruit stalls in markets, or if you are lucky, at the back of trucks, fresh from the orchard.
With its pungent, strong smell, durians are a rare find at supermarkets. If you chance on them, they would be presented for sale cling wrapped on trays. Consumption of the rich fruit usually can only be done off premises.
The mangosteen however, when in season, is bountiful and can be bought everywhere.
Mangosteens ripen to a deep purple. A quick twist opens up the fruit. Have it whole or eat the pips individually, taking the time to savour each delicious bite.
Unripe mangosteens are green in colour, and are as hard as rocks. Good luck to you, in trying to twist one open.
Cravings To Satisfy
If you are craving mangosteens, now is the best time to head on out and eat them. ‘Tis the season, after all.
Some of you may be wondering, if mangosteens are safe to eat when pregnant? Or is there a pantang-larang (taboo) associated with the fruit?.
If you are looking for a short answer; it is a resounding YES! Mangosteens are perfectly safe to eat. Not only that, they are also very good for you.
Yin Yang Of Food
In Chinese culture, foods are categorised into cooling (Yin), heaty (Yang) or neutral.
The Chinese believe that to maintain good health, there has to be a balance between the yin and yang of food. Neutral foods can be consumed without worry, since they are, by nature, neutral. All foods must also be consumed in moderation for optimum weight.
Some examples of cooling foods include crabs, melons, broccoli, citrus fruit and mangosteens. Lamb, almonds, papayas, pumpkins and the spiny durians are classified as heaty foods. Neutral foods include soy products, yoghurt, potatoes and duck, for instance.
Caveat Ahead
The mangosteen is packed with goodness, no doubt about that.
However, before we explore the sweet goodness of this small, but power packed fruit, let me raise a caveat.
Coming back to just one taboo, I shall leave it to you to decide if you should adhere to this pantang-larang or not, taking into consideration the feelings of your mother or mother-in-law, should you come from Chinese culture.
Since the mangosteen is a cooling fruit, eating the fruit on its one, during the first two trimesters is frowned upon. This is based on the belief that while the foetus develops, the mother’s body temperature should remain stable.
If you happen to love both durians and mangosteens, perhaps this taboo need not hold sway since many who partake of “heaty” durians always “cool” themselves with mangosteens. That also explains why both fruit are commonly sold together.
A special thanks goes to Hazel for bringing this up to my attention.
The Incredible Mangosteen
With the durian reigning as King, it is easy for this humble fruit to sink into oblivion. Make no mistake, though, this tiny fruit does pack a mighty punch.
Fun Fact #1
It belongs to the St John’s Wort family, as a tree, instead of a flowering shrub.
St John’s Wort has been used as a supplement for centuries aiding against moderate depression and menopausal symptoms, although the jury is still out as to its efficacy.
Fun Fact #2
Mangosteens grow predominantly in South East Asia. While efforts have been made to cultivate and grow trees in Hawaii, Florida and California, in the US, it neither rooted or fruited there.
Now we can boast that, like the durian, this fruit is our very own.
Fun Fact #3
One intrepid writer has described that the succulent mangosteen tastes like a cross between lychees and peaches. While some of us may not quite agree with his sentiments, nevertheless, we can all agree that the mangosteen does have its own unique taste.
When temperatures soar, there is nothing like digging into its succulent and sweet flesh to cool down. One fruit, as you know, is never enough.
Fun Fact #4
Mangosteens are considered a low calorie food. Good news indeed especially for those who are trying to weight watch, whether to lose, maintain or to keep a sharp eye out during pregnancy.
100 grams of mangosteens contain 63 calories compared to the 147 calories found in durians. Other comparable fruit include apples, at 52 calories, oranges at 51 calories, or kiwis at 61 calories per 100 grams.
Fun Fact #5
Mangosteens are chockfull of vitamins and minerals. Yet another whole food, along with the durian.
Pregnant mums be assured that your partaking of this delightful fruit will provide you with the vitamins and minerals, needed for mummy and baby. With its low caloric content, you can snack on its luscious bulbs without fear or worry.
Mangosteens are good for one, and all, in the family.
Fun Fact #6
Modern day lifestyles cause all sorts of stressors to the body. These stressors, whether brought on by stress, the food we eat or the pollution in the air and water around us, gives rise to free radicals in our bodies.
Free radicals can cause damage in time, and contribute to a host of chronic diseases. To counteract their effects, we need to fill up on antioxidants. Antioxidants can be found in the food we eat.
The tiny mangosteen is flush with antioxidants, in the form of xanthones. Studies have proven that xanthones have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti- allergy, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and also anti-fungal properties.
Fun Fact #7
According to the WHO, diabetes and obesity are on the rise, globally.
Type 2 diabetes and obesity are associated with increased inflammation.
Studies have shown, as previously mentioned, that mangosteen extracts are anti-inflammatory. Additionally, it has also been proven as a supplemental aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mums out there should check with their doctor to see if consumption of xanthones are safe for baby. And, also safe for mum.
Mangosteens also have a high fibre content which helps keep you regular. Fibre also keeps your tummy feeling full for longer, which in turn, makes you eat less and thus indirectly, contributes to weight loss.
Fun Fact #8
Mangosteens are good both inside and out.
The pericarp of the mangosteen, which is its skin, is full of xanthones, as perviously mentioned. While this extract can be consumed, it has more than one use.
Xanthones help ease skin conditions and now, in addition to having them as supplements, body and face creams are out in the market, as are bath and body care products.
As studies unearth more benefits from this hardy fruit, expect to be surprised with more goodies in store for us in the future.
Fun Fact #9
When the season comes in, got for it!
If you are on a budget, or wanting to cut your carbon footprint, it is always a good idea to eat local fruits, when in season. Even if you hanker for imported fruit, grab them when their season comes in.
Buying first pickings or off season produce is always pricier, and the fruit may not be as delicious. Plus, to preserve the fruit, it could be loaded with chemicals to keep it looking good for longer. If you can wait a little, when the season comes in, you get the same fruit not only cheaper, but also tastier.
Local fruits have a smaller carbon footprint since they can be trucked to stores regularly. Imported fruits have to be flown in, which not only bumps up price, but leaves a bigger carbon footprint behind.
The best mangosteens are found at local markets. If you have a pasar pagi (local market) or pasar tani (farmers’ market), near you, head on there, for the freshest, sweetest produce.
As You Like It
And there you have it, mums, the rundown of our delicious heritage and local delight, the mangosteen.
You can eat it any way you like it. Have it as a fruit, throw it into a salad or even drink its juice to your satisfaction.
Want to reap its fullest benefits as an antioxidant? Consume it as a supplement and reap the benefits of its xanthones. Use it for bath and body care.
The mangosteen is so versatile, just about anything goes. Expecting mums out there, eat away without worry or fear although, as with everything in life, moderation is key.
The mangosteen truly packs a powerful punch. Good things do come in small packages indeed. While the durian will always reign as the King of fruit, the mangosteen has definitely earned its place as our Queen.
Enjoy everyone!