Fruit

The mangosteen consists of a deep purplish rind, a succulent white pulp (four to eight segments), and between one and five seeds. The mangosteen rind, while typically bitter, contains xanthones and other compounds that demonstrate impressive health benefits. The pulp, on the other hand, is pure taste-bud bliss—a sensational flavor unlike any other. To select the best table fruit, choose the mangosteen with the highest number of stigma lobes at the apex (the "bottom" of the fruit). This fruit will have the highest number of fleshy segments and the fewest seeds.