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Often called the "Queen of Fruits," mangosteen in Vietnam is a tropical fruit that captivates people with its delicate flavor and unique appearance. This precious fruit holds a special place not only for its taste but also for its cultural meaning and the unique experiences it offers. If you visit Vietnam, especially during peak season, eating fresh mangosteen is something you absolutely cannot miss.
The mangosteen in Vietnam is primarily called **"măng cụt"** (pronounced "mahng koot"), which is the most common everyday term used throughout the country.
It is also known as "sơn trúc tử” (pronounced "sorn trook too"), a traditional name used in Vietnamese herbal medicine literature according to GS.TS. Do Tat Loi's pharmacological book “Vietnamese medicinal plants and herbs”, and "giáng châu" (pronounced "zahng chow"), a historical royal name given by Emperor Minh Mang, meaning "the pearl of God" and used specifically for the royal family as a luxury fruit.
While "măng cụt" is used in daily conversation and commerce, "sơn trúc tử" appears in traditional medicine and scholarly contexts, and "giáng châu" is used in formal or literary contexts because the emperor created this special name recognizing the value of this precious fruit with its distinctive purple shell, elevating it from a common fruit name to one befitting royal consumption.
This precious fruit holds a special place not only for its taste but also for its cultural meaning (Source: Internet)
Mangosteen is a fruit full of contrasts. It takes you on a visual and taste journey from its hard outer shell to the soft, pure flesh inside.
The shell of the mangosteen is its most recognizable feature. When ripe, the shell usually has a deep purple color, sometimes turning purple-black, with a firm, slightly tough, and glossy texture. At the stem end, you'll see a small green or light brown crown with four to eight flat, triangular sepals arranged symmetrically.
The shell of the mangosteen is its most recognizable feature with a small green crown on the top (Source: Internet)
Another special sign is the dry star-shaped crown at the bottom of the fruit. This star is not only beautiful but also reveals exactly how many white flesh segments are inside. For example, if the star has 5 points, the fruit will have 5 segments; 6 points means 6 segments, and so on. This helps buyers easily choose fruits with more segments.
The flesh is arranged in segments, similar to orange segments, typically with four to eight segments, exactly matching the number of points on the dry crown at the bottom. These segments are translucent, juicy, and extremely soft, melting gently in your mouth. Some segments may contain a small, flat, dark brown seed with relatively few seeds or very small, underdeveloped seeds, making them easier to enjoy.
The flesh is arranged in segments, similar to orange segments, typically with four to eight segments (Source: Internet)
For first-time tasters, imagine "a hybrid between lychees, peaches and manna from heaven" with "a soft, floral aroma that enhances its tropical appeal, reminiscent of lychee or rose water". The texture is equally distinctive - "tender, almost melting in the mouth".
The flavor of mangosteen is a blend of sweetness and sourness (Source: Internet)
Local people often describe mangosteen's flavor as cooling, helping to cool the body during hot days, and sweetly pleasant without being cloying - a perfect combination to chase away the humid heat of Vietnam's tropical climate.
Vietnam, with its characteristic tropical monsoon climate, creates ideal conditions for growing mangosteen, especially in the southern provinces.
The most prominent mangosteen growing regions in Vietnam are concentrated mainly in the Mekong Delta and the Southeast region. These areas are blessed by nature with fertile alluvial soil and abundant water sources, which are key factors for the strong development of mangosteen trees.
The most prominent mangosteen growing regions in Vietnam are concentrated mainly in the Mekong Delta (Source: Internet)
Mangosteen season in Vietnam usually lasts from May to August, coinciding with the peak of the rainy season in the southern provinces. This is the golden time to enjoy mangosteen because this is when the fruit is most abundant, freshest, and most affordable. Although you can find some off-season mangosteen in other months, the flavor and quality during the main harvest season are incomparable.
Mangosteen season in Vietnam usually lasts from May to August (Source: Internet)
Besides its wonderful flavor and unique appearance, mangosteen is also highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, truly deserving of its reputation as a tropical superfood.
Water boiled from leaves and roots is also used for some other conditions (Source: Internet)
Enjoying mangosteen is a genuine experience, from choosing the perfect fruit to tasting the delicate flavor of the flesh.
The best way to fully experience mangosteen's flavor is to eat it fresh. Here's how to choose and open a mangosteen:
Steps to cut end enjoy mangosteen as a local
Although best when eaten fresh, mangosteen is also creatively used in many unique dishes in Vietnamese cuisine:
One of the most distinctive and unique dishes in Vietnam is Chicken Mangosteen Salad
For fruit lovers who want to explore local culture, learning about and experiencing the world of mangosteen in Vietnam will bring unique and memorable experiences.
Visiting traditional markets in southern provinces during mangosteen season will give you authentic and deep insights about this fruit (Source: Internet)
Mangosteen in Vietnam truly lives up to its "Queen of Fruits" reputation. Its delicate flavor, brilliant appearance, and rich nutritional value make it an unforgettable part of any culinary journey through Vietnam. Don't hesitate to Book your flight to Vietnam to seek out this purple gem and savor its royal flavor - it's an experience that will surely hold a special place in your travel memories.
Passengers are required to have adequate travel documents for all flights on all concerned airlines and to abide by national laws and regulations. Vietnam Airlines does not take responsible if passengers are denied entry into any country.
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