Mangosteen

One of the favorite fruits to eat in Vietnam is the mangosteen (măng cụt). It is a seasonal fruit that is only available from May through August. While the "King of Fruits" is durian, the "Queen of Fruits" is mangosteen.

According to legend, Queen Victoria offered a reward of 100 pounds sterling to anyone who brought the fruit to her. The thick, purple skin of this round fruit conceals pearly-white mangosteen fruit bulbs inside. Since it's sweet but also tangy and slightly tart, the flavor is unique. The bulbs must be eaten right away to prevent oxidation from making them dark in hue. You can count the petals at the base of the purple skin, and the result will correspond to how many pieces are inside the fruit. To experience the fruit's purest flavor, it is advised to eat it on its own. Mangosteen salad has been tried. Additionally, dried mangosteen can be purchased at the grocery store and hauled away as gifts.