 Dawn breaks over the jungles of Southeast Asia and begins to burn away the nighttime mists. Although it is early, the street side produce markets in villages and
towns throughout the land are already bustling with activity, for today is different. In these tropical climates, most fruits and vegetables are available year-round. But today, the open-air markets are humming with an electric anticipation for a renowned semi-annual event. It's the harvest of the fruit prized above all others: Mangosteen, The Queen of Fruits.
For centuries, this scene has played out in lands now known as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. An exotic tropical fruit, prized and valued above all others, has been a source of enjoyment and benefit for countless generations. The ancient people of Southeast Asia referred to this marvel as The Queen of Fruits. Nineteenth century scientists named it Garcinia Mangostana. Today it carries the common name Mangosteen.
Historical Uses
We know that the inhabitants of Southeast Asia were preparing Mangosteen folk medicines tong before the first Europeans arrived in the early 1700s. The dark purple rind was often dried and ground, then used to ward off infections both internal and external. Poultices of the fruit were used to treat parasitic skin infections. An extract from the pulp of the fruit was used to control fever. Every element
of the fruit, from rind to pulp to seed, wa1s prized by the people who knew the jungle's plants and fruits the best.
But perhaps Mangosteen's most remarkable quality, the characteristic that set it apart from every other medicinal fruit, was its remarkable flavor. The soft,
snow-white flesh of the inner fruit was sweet and delicious, unlike other loca fruits that called for an "acquired taste." The people of these tropical lands valued the Mangosteen for its healing properties, of course, but they treasured
it above all others because ofits heavenly taste. No wonder it was known throughout the land as The Queen of Fruits. |
