Mangosteen from the Philippines, also known as Garcinia mangostana, is praised as one of the most delicious and nutritious tropical fruits available in the market. It is often referred to as “Queen of Fruits” for its many exceptional qualities. Around the world, mangosteen is considered a highly valuable fruit, which makes it a great export product with universal appeal.
The Mangosteen Industry in the Philippines
Mangosteens are truly a tropical fruit. While their origins are unknown, the only areas where they can be naturally grown are in tropical climates, such as those in the Philippines. Mangosteen from the Philippines undergoes a careful farming process due to their delicate nature.
Areas
Mangosteen in the Philippines is grown and cultivated in a limited number of areas. Most farms are located in the Sulu archipelago, as well as several southern provinces. Places such as Davao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Agusan del Sur are ideal locations for Mangosteen farms for their environments.
Ecology
Certain conditions for soil, humidity, and dryness need to be met to grow quality mangosteen in the Philippines. Listed below are some of the conditions that mangosteen plants thrive in:
- Fertile and slightly acidic clay loam and soil with a pH level of 5.5 – 6.8.
- Tropical climates with abundant and regular rainfall.
- Temperatures of 25-35°C and humidity of 80% and above.
While mangosteen trees love lots of rainfall, it needs a short dry period of 15 to 30 days to flower and begins producing fruit. While mangosteen trees usually grow in lower areas, they can survive in hills and mountains with a slower growth rate.
Harvest
Mangosteen in the Philippines is harvested by hand or simple tools such as long poles and nets. This is because mechanical tools damage the delicate mangosteen. As such, farmers take great care in minimizing bruising and cuts by carefully handling the fruits.
Under optimum conditions, mangosteen in the Philippines begins bearing fruit after 6 to 8 years of planting. The fruit is harvested around 113 to 119 days from the tree flowering. Harvest time is signaled by the change of fruit color from a light green to purple. Good harvest years can give up to 600 fruits per plant.
Uses
Mangosteen can be eaten fresh, processed to make preserves and jams, or used to make medicine. As the fruit easily rots, it is also often canned or frozen and used in jams and syrups. This is useful for shipping and exporting, as its ripeness and flavors are preserved for the enjoyment of others.
When making medicine, the meat, rind, leaves, seeds, and bark are used to make supplements and decoctions. These parts have high quantities of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. These natural substances make the mangosteen in the Philippines a valuable source.
What are the Benefits of Mangosteen from the Philippines?
Mangosteen from the Philippines is renowned worldwide for its pleasing appearance and taste, and more importantly, the nutrition properties. Mangosteens have a rich supply of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants — creating a jam-packed fruit with health benefits.
Highly Nutritious
Mangosteens have high amounts of nutrients despite being low in calories. In less than 200 grams of mangosteen, you can get plenty of the Reference Daily Intake (a.k.a. the recommended daily doses) of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fiber: 14% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI
- Vitamin B9: 15% of the RDI
- Vitamin B1: 7% of the RDI
- Vitamin B2: 6% of the RDI
- Manganese: 10% of the RDI
- Copper: 7% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 6% of the RDI
These vitamins and minerals are also present in mangosteen supplements, which are easier to source than fresh fruits, and are readily available online.
Rich in Antioxidants
Mangosteens contain antioxidants as well as xanthones, which are a unique kind of antioxidants known as adaptogens. This combination makes mangosteen from the Philippines a valuable weapon against disease. Antioxidants and adaptogens work against damage occurring in cells, which contributes to aging symptoms and degenerative illnesses.
Supports Your Immune System
The high levels of fiber, vitamin C, and xanthones in mangosteen contribute to a healthier immune system. Fiber is used to support healthy gut bacteria — which helps with digestive health and immunity. Vitamin C is used by your immune system in cell production and to function optimally. Additionally, xanthones have antibacterial properties — which could benefit your immune health by combating harmful bacteria.
Maintains Healthy Skin
Mangosteen from the Philippines is used to treat many skin conditions, even eczema. The antioxidants found in the fruit also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. These prevent damage from sun exposure, promote skin cell repair, reduce redness and itchiness, and diminish visible signs of aging. Additionally, its nutrients also promote healthy blood circulation, which improves your skin’s vitality and radiance.
Protect Your Health With Mangosteen in the Philippines from Healthmax Care!
Mangosteen is loved for its many nutritional properties — including its unique antioxidant content. These properties create mentioned advantages of taking mangosteen from the Philippines, which are just a few of the health benefits you can receive.
For those interested in promoting their body’s health, buying mangosteen is a great way to do so! However, as it is challenging to cultivate and source fresh, we recommend choosing high-quality mangosteen supplements and skincare from Healthmax Care! Our products are highly effective and provide excellent results to all users.
