"colloquially known simply as mangosteen, is a tropical evergreen treebelieved to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia. It also grows in tropical South American countries such as Colombia, where the tree has been introduced. The tree grows from 6 to 25 m (20–82 ft) tall.[1] The fruitof the mangosteen is sweet and tangy, juicy, and somewhat fibrous, with an inedible, deep reddish-purple colored rind (exocarp) when ripe. In each fruit, the fragrant edible flesh that surrounds each seed is botanically endocarp, i.e., the inner layer of the ovary.[2][3]"
This is from the Wiki. I am completely obsessed. Have you had them? Fresh? No? Too bad. Seriously. I pity you.
Story - John and I stole away to jolly old Londontown way way back. It was a short trip and some of my besties gave recommendations and some arranged reservations. Being in the fruit biz, so to speak, I am always curious. Durian, you say? Illegal in some parts, really? Give me some of that! A trip to Brazil was really a fruit hunt. Some go on safari, I go to juice bars in Rio. Same.Same.... Back to Ripper's stomping grounds. I was directed to visit Harrods. "Do not bother to shop for clothing. Just go straight to the food court. It should not be missed." This advice came to me by a very close friend who should be trusted. We found Harrods and it is a sight. After some searching and weaving, we arrived to the Willie Wonka-esque site that is the Food Court at Harrods. Quite a show. As we sometimes do, we split up. John wandered off to...no idea. I found my way to the produce. The plums, the peaches, the cherries, the....WTF? are those Mangosteens?!!!! I leaned in. "Mum? Can I be of assistance?" said the poofy hatted young Brit behind the glass. "Why yes. Are those mangosteen?"
"For me?" I took the fruit. "Do I just..?"
"Just pop it into your mouth and savor. Just the white part. Be mindful of the pits."
"Thank you. I just cannot tell you how excited and scared I am."
"Don't be. It is enjoyable."
It was a moment. I should have been alone. The heavens opened and angels sung. "AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH........."
I purchased 10. No idea how much they cost. Don't care. I handed over my credit card and took my little sack and searched for John. London was waiting. We walked the day away and finished the day at a Kabob shop. I thought about the fruit all. day. long. We stayed at an adorable hotel in Chelsea. Our little suite had two floors. The top floor had a couch with a desk and tv. Not glamorous, but comfortable. I sat on the couch and eagerly spread out my booty. "JOHN!!! I am going in!" He sprinted up the stairs. Five for him and 5 for me. I demonstrated how to eat the fruit. He placed the first in his mouth and I awaited his response.
Me: "Well? Thoughts?..... Come. On! John...." He was killing me.
JR: "They're...good."
Me: "Shut up."
JR: "Okay. Really good. Cannot figure out their profile, but I enjoy them."
Me: "Really? I say they are a game changer. Seriously. They have changed my life."
JR: "You really are a freak sometimes."
Yes, I am a freak. Two days later we returned to Harrods. John handed me some cash and I went straight to the mangosteens. I purchased a pint of cherries and 10 mangosteens. Upon realizing that I did not have enough queens in me pocket, I gave her my card. I found JR. I thought I was clear when he simply asked if I had any cash to get on the tube. When I handed back the original amount he asked the question. I had paid $60 for 10 mangosteen and a pint of cherries. You have no idea the hell I paid.
Dan scored 11 cases of mangosteen from John Vena at the docks. I took home about 15 individual 'steens and eagerly fed them to my spawn. Michaela pronounced that they looked like Voldemort fetus, but enjoyed them none the less. The boys requested the fruit for their lunches. Sev even gave one to his teacher. She is from Kenya and had never laid eyes nor ears on them. They will be at all the cafes this week. Mangosteen Sorbetto. Get it while it's hot!
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