Mangosteen—Specialty Crop Profile

Mangosteen is known as the "Queen of Fruit."

Mangosteen is primarily consumed as a fresh fruit. The fruit is common delicacy and often referred to as the “Queen of Fruit” in Southeast Asia. The volume of production is increasing in Thailand and fruit is now being processed into value-added products such as jam, candy, and wine. In traditional communities, the fruit pericarp (rind) was used as an antibacterial agent and for curing diarrhea. The use of the fruit rind and or whole fruit as a medicinal/nutri­ceutical beverage has been a recent trend in western societ­ies. Mangosteen extracts and processed products have now entered the worldwide health food and nutritional supplement market. The timber, dark red in colour, is used when available in cabinet making and where a heavy durable wood is required.

Thailand is the world’s largest producer of mangosteen, producing approximately 240,000 metric tons (MT) annually, with exports recorded at 15,000 MT in 2006. Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia are also major producers. Most people enjoy mangosteen and the fruit has a ready market in western countries where it is considered a tropical delicacy. Recent production in Central America is being exported into Europe. A modest commercial production occurs in Hawai‘i, primarily for local markets. The fruit has a good postharvest life which is beneficial for export, although it is regarded due to lack of contradictory evidence as a potential fruit fly host.

The tree is ideally suited for small-scale commercial or home garden production, if space allows for the relatively large amount of space an older tree can occupy. Mangosteen is present in the Pacific but it not extensively grown. It has a minimal contribution to the nutritional health of Pacific communities given its limited distribution and commercialization in the region. However, where it is produced, it offers an important healthy fruit alternative to the community. Where the crop can be successfully produced it will contribute to reducing imports and also to boosting local crop production and marketing opportunities.

Original source of this article

This article is excerpted by permission of the publisher from

Diczbalis, Y. 2011. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). In: Elevitch, C.R. (ed.). Specialty Crops for Pacific Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), Holualoa, Hawai‘i. © Permanent Agriculture Resources.