13 Exotic Tropical Fruits You've Never Heard Of: Why Rambutan Will Amaze Your Taste Buds

3. Mangosteen: The Queen of Tropical Fruits

The mangosteen stands out as a graceful purple sphere with a delicate crown-like cap in sharp contrast to the threatening presence of the durian. Called the "Queen of Fruits," this tennis ball-sized jewel has snow-white bits that melt right in your mouth. Taste is a remarkable mix of sweet and sour with subdued undertones of vanilla, strawberry, and peach. Mangosteen's refreshing, clear finish and ideal balance of flavors—never too sweet or too sour—make it really unique.

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Apart from being a great treat, the fruit's white sections are loaded with strong antioxidants called xanthones, which makes it a wise pick as well. Mangosteen's royal appellation is rightfully earned for both its historical relevance and great flavour. Claiming to be offering a reward of 100 pounds sterling to anyone who could supply fresh mangosteens, Queen Victoria of England purportedly offered in the 1800s In temperate conditions, the fruit was rare and sought-after because of its delicate character and short shelf life. Although mangosteen is more easily available today thanks to improvements in transportation, it nevertheless exudes exclusiveness. The thick, purple peel of the fruit shields the delicate segments within—arranged like those of an orange. Mangosteen is a very remarkable tropical experience since every mouthful provides a taste explosion of juicy, aromatic flavours that stays on the palette.