12 Exotic Tropical Fruits You've Never Heard Of: Snake Fruit Will Amaze Your Taste Buds

3. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

Called the "Queen of Fruits" in South-east Asia, mangosteen has a thick, purple peel that holds snow-white bits of sweet, melting flesh. Though named thus, it has nothing to do with mangoes. Among connoisseurs, the fruit is among the most sought-after tropical fruits with its complex flavour profile including lychee, peach, vanilla, and cream. Its delicate inside and hard outside produce an intriguing dining experience that calls for careful opening to prevent damage of the valuable sections inside.

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For millennia, people have utilised mangosteen in traditional medicine mostly for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Strong antioxidants called xanthones found in the purple rind of the fruit have showed promise in several medical research projects. Outside their natural habitat, the trees are difficult to grow since they need particular growing circumstances with high humidity and constant temperature. In areas where they must be imported, this exclusiveness has added to their mystery and great market value.