If so far you have mostly found purple mangosteens, don’t be surprised if you find white mangosteen-like fruit hanging on the tree. Because, in fact, there is a mangosteen variant with a white color.
The white mangosteen fruit is the same as the mangosteen fruit in general, but the difference lies in the white color of the skin. It is said that it was the favorite fruit of the King of Bali when he ruled Lombok in the 18th century. The size of the fruit is almost the same as regular mangosteen, but white mangosteen has a sweeter taste and crunchier flesh. This fruit also has a higher glucose content than other mangosteens, but less water.
White mangosteen is a superior mangosteen variant that is widely produced in Lingsar, Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. However, this plant can also grow in several other areas in Indonesia. Ideally, white mangosteen fruit is planted at an altitude of 500-600 meters above sea level. This fruit can be planted at an altitude of more than 1,500 meters above sea level, but the productivity of the tree is not optimal.
When young, this type of mangosteen has predominantly white skin. When almost ripe, the skin will turn slightly purplish like mangosteen fruit in general. White mangosteen is a more uniform size with an average weight of 2-2.5 ounces for each fruit.
This white mangosteen is more expensive than other mangosteens. White mangosteen trees can bear fruit when they are 8-10 years old. This fruit also has a relatively long production period, namely 25-30 years, so this fruit is used as an investment for farmers to continue harvesting the fruit. White mangosteen is very beneficial for health because it contains protein, folic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, sodium and other substances. However, because of its high glucose content, this fruit is not suitable for diabetics.
In terms of taste, this fruit has a sweeter taste than purple mangosteen because its glucose content is much higher. Apart from being sweeter, this fruit is also crunchier because it has less water content. The contents of white mangosteen fruit include fiber, protein, folic acid, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins C, B12, A, and B6.
The white mangosteen variant also contains Xanthones which have anti-bacterial and inflammatory effects. This fruit is believed to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties, increase immunity, control diabetes, improve heart health, improve digestion and maintain beautiful skin.