2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The African mangosteen/ Imbe, Garcinia livingstone, The Queen of Fruits / is an evergreen, low tree of the family Clusiaceae / Guttiferae /, widespread in the tropical parts of Africa, from Côte d'Ivoire to South Africa.
African mangosteen usually reaches a height of 15-18 meters. The branches of these trees are fragile in the first years, but strengthen with age. The leaves of the African mangosteen sometimes differ in shape, but most often they are blue-green, ovoid or with a pointed tip and smooth veins.
The colors of the African mangosteen are grouped from five to fifteen. They are white or yellow, with a pleasant odor, bisexual. African mangosteen is known for its delicious fruit. They are orange, reach ten to forty mm in diameter and have a characteristic orange sticky juice.
Each fruit resembles a yellow-orange plum with an ovoid shape, which has a dot at the bottom. The skin of the fruit is thin, smooth, shiny and is relatively easy to separate from the flesh. The meat itself is yellow and watery, with a sweet aroma. In the center of the fruit are one or two seeds.
History of African mangosteen
The genus Garcinia from which it originates the African mangosteen, includes about two hundred species, most of which are actually Asian. The name of the genus was given by Lauren Garcine (1683-1751), a French botanist who worked in India, where the genus is represented in all its diversity. The scientist who made one of the first descriptions of the African mangosteen was the researcher David Livingston (1813-1873). In India and the Far East, trees of the genus Garcinia are so common that locals have found a number of applications. They are even mentioned in Rudyard Kipling's stories, so many children probably know them, albeit unconsciously.
Composition of African mangosteen
In addition to being delicious and juicy, African mangosteen is also a source of many useful nutrients needed for normal growth and development of the body. They contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese and more.
Growing African mangosteen
The African mangosteen can easily find a place in areas with warmer climates. It is not a pretentious plant and can successfully tolerate heavy rainfall or drought, as well as excessive temperatures. However, it cannot be expected to withstand severe colds. Even if they do not bear fruit, these trees have an impressive appearance due to the dense crown that they begin to form over time.
African mangosteen grows slowly and can be grown for a long time in small gardens. Some gardeners even try to turn it into a bonsai. The tree grows best on sandy soil and at a temperature of 20-22 degrees. Once stuck in the soil, it requires almost no maintenance. It is rarely attacked by insects, but even if it does, it recovers quickly.
Benefits of African mangosteen
The African mangosteen is grown for various purposes. It is very effective in landscaping gardens and no doubt every gardener would be proud of such a tree. Older trees produce wood. African mangosteen is used in traditional medicine and more precisely it is involved in the production of some drugs with aphrodisiac, stimulating and antioxidant effects.
The fruits of the African mangosteen have many benefits for our health. Although the exotic plant is almost unknown in Bulgaria, it has been used for many years by the African population. The fruits of the African mangosteen have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal action. In addition, they have antiviral, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. The bark and roots of the plant are used by Namibians to fight some viruses, including tuberculosis.
Eating African mangosteen will give you energy and cheer you up. Sufferers of chronic constipation can solve their problem by eating a few fruits. There is evidence that the fruits of African mangosteen can regulate irregular menstruation, but they are not yet fully proven.
The fleshy fruits of the exotic plant quickly satiate hunger, while at the same time not at all caloric. In addition, they can be safely consumed by people suffering from diabetes, as they lower blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, the exotic fruit is not sold in Bulgaria, but it literally floods the African markets.
African mangosteen in cooking
African mangosteens can be eaten both raw and cooked in various cereals. Juices, compotes, teas and alcoholic beverages are made from the juicy and sweet fruits of the African mangosteen. There are half a dozen old wine recipes made from the fermented fruits of the exotic plant. When fresh, they are suitable for fruit salads, jams, jellies and any other desserts.
Ice cream with African mangosteen
Necessary products: African mangosteen - 15 fruits, honey - 2 tablespoons, cream - 1 teaspoon (whipped cream), cinnamon - 1 pinch
Method of preparation: Wash the fruits of the African mangosteen well and dry them. If you wish, you can clean them from the seeds. In a deep bowl, pour the cream and honey and mix well. Then add the fruit to it and stir again. Put the ice cream in the refrigerator compartment until it freezes. Before serving the dessert, sprinkle it with cinnamon. If desired, you can decorate with other small fruits.
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