Mankhud | มังคุด | Garcinia mangostana
Family: Clusiaceae - Genus: Garcinia
Mangosteenl can be found in the food forest of the Thai Child Development Foundation and near the restaurant of Eco-Logic Thailand on Mount Never-rest.
Mangosteen is one of the most favorite fruits of Thailand, popularly known as “Queen of Tropical Fruits”. It is grown commercially in Paksong area. It is also been used in traditional medicine. Mangosteen is a tropical evergreen tree. The tree grows from 6 to 25 meter tall. The fruit of the mangosteen is sweet and tangyand juicy, with an inedible, deep reddish-purple colored rind when ripe.
Mangosteen can be harvested from July to end September.
THE TREE
The tree can grows from 6 to 25 meter. Mangosteen trees start bearing fruit at 6 years. The yield of the fruit is variable, depending on climate and age of the tree. A young tree may produce 200–300 fruits, whereas at maturity, 500 fruits per season are average. At age 30 to 45 years in full maturity, each tree may yield as many as 3,000 fruits, with trees as old as 100 years still produce!
MANGOSTEEN LEAVES
The leaves of the mangosteen tree can be made into a tea and are know to improve digestion and metabolism disorders, as well as use in traditional medicine.
MANGOSTEEN FLOWERS
Flowers are about 5 cm large and contain four leaves.
MANGOSTEEN FRUIT
The young mangosteen fruit first appears as pale green or almost white in the shade of the canopy. As the fruit enlarges over the next two to three months, the color deepens to darker green. During this period, the fruit increases in size until 6–8 centimetres, remaining hard until a final, ripening stage.
Color changes from green to red to dark purple indicates the fruit can be eaten and the seeds have finished developing
The edible internal part of the mangosteen is white. The number of fruit segments corresponds exactly with the number of lobes on the outer peel.
The mangosteen is called QUEEN OF FRUIT in Thailand and it has an exceptionally mild flavor and smell.
MANGOSTEEN WOOD
In Thailand, all non-bearing trees are felled, so the wood is available but usually only in small dimensions. It is dark-brown, heavy, almost sinks in water, and is moderately durable. It has been used to make handles for spears, also rice ponders, and is employed in construction and cabinetwork.
In Paksong you will find them as poles for houses and as coat racks. Have a look at the entrance of Eco-Logic's Restaurant!
CULINARY USES OF MANGOSTEEN
Mangosteen can be eaten fresh or combined with other fruits in a fruit salad. The fruit can be juiced (take out the seed) and some people juice them, shell and all (quite bitter, but high in anti oxidans).
NUTRITION
A cup of mangosteen contains 143 calories. Carbohydrates, fibres, Vitamin C, B9, B1 and B2 along with minerals like Manganese, Copper and Magnesium are abundant in the fruit. Mangosteen has several anti-oxidant properties. Compounds like Vitamin C, Folate and Xanthones are also present.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USE OF MANGOSTEEN
NOTE: please take advice from a doctor if you are planning to use herbal medicine.
Leaves: a tea made of mangosteen leaves is said to be helpful with digestion, pain and metabolism. More information can be found here.
Fruit: the fruit of the mangosteen has a number of effects according to traditional medicine
May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties, may reduce your risk of inflammatory diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes
May Have Anticancer Effects
May Promote Weight Loss. In the health and wellness industry, one of mangosteen’s biggest claims to fame is its potential to aid weight loss. Supports Blood Sugar Control, mangosteen may help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Promotes a Healthy Immune System; Fiber and vitamin C — both of which can be found in mangosteen — are important for a healthy immune system
May helps Maintain a Healthy Skin;
Mangosteen may also have a positive impact on your heart, brain, and digestive system:
INTO THE WILD: a down to earth experience
For guests and visitors to Paksong we organize weekly tours "The Edible Forest" and Foraging weekends: Into the Wild. We work with local guides to take you in the jungle of Paksong. After foraging, we will cook a meal with the ingredients, using bamboo together with you!
Come and join and learn about the abundance of food that nature gives us!
INTO THE WILD!