Manggis / Boh Keumata (Manggosteen)

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a kind of perennial green tree from a tropical region believed to originate from the Malay Peninsula and spread to the archipelago of Nusantara. It grows up to 7 to 25 meters. The fruit is also called mangosteen, red-purplish when mature, although there are also variants whose skin is red. The mangosteen fruit in the trade is known as the "fruit queen", as the Durian couple, the "fruit king". This fruit contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. So that abroad the mangosteen fruit is known as the fruit that has the highest levels of antioxidants in the world.

Mangosteen is a tropical tree that grows in warm and stable temperatures, exposure to temperatures below 0 ° C (32 ° F) for long periods of time, will generally kill mature plants. Experienced horticulturists have grown this species outdoors and brought it to be developed in extreme, southern Florida.

Ripe mangosteen fruit does not require fertilization to grow, first time it will be pale green or almost white under the canopy. When the fruit is enlarged for 2 to 3 months ahead, the color of the skin will be dark green. In this period, the growth of fruit size may increase until the skin measures 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches) in outside diameter, will remain loud until the final maturation arrives.

The chemical properties of the lower surface of the mangosteen's skin consist of various polyphenols, including xanthones and tannins that ensure astringent can inhibit the attention of insects, fungi, plant viruses, bacteria and animal predators, when the fruit is immature. The discoloration and softening of the skin becomes a natural process that shows the maturation of the fruit can be eaten and the seed has finished developing.

Mangosteen eaten in a mature state by splitting the two skins carefully so that it can be removed its contents. But the young green mangosteen is also sold with more sour taste but also sweet.

mangosteen also has health benefits, especially reducing cholesterol levels in the body, but have you ever heard that if the mangosteen is eaten together with sugar, then it can happen to cause poisoning, whether it is true or just a myth ... I also do not know yet. this is the belief that is held by our ancestors first.