Mangosteen fruit

One morning as we went to breakfast we were amazed to see a bowl of Mangosteen fruit. We had heard of this tropical fruit but did not know it was available in Kinshasa. Very high in antioxidants, it is also acclaimed for its delicate, sweet taste.

Ron and I promptly ate two Mangosteen each. We were pleasantly surprised and highly endorse this exquisite fruit.

The deep purple outer rind is firm in texture and feels like a pomegranate, but easier to peal like an orange. The delicate white fruit inside is formed into slippery segments similar to a mandarin orange with the consistency of a peeled grape. One of the segments contains a pit reminiscent of a small peach pit. The white center is truly a delight--light, sweet and luscious.

A blend of the purple rind and white fruit of the Mangosteen is marketed in the U.S. as Xango health beverage.