During this, the 21st century, I never imagined that there would be so many fruits that I have not tasted. Yet, there are many fruits that I have not even heard of including the “Queen of Fruits.” It is amazing to think that the same fruit that Queen Victoria is said to have been so amazed with that she offered knighthood to any man who could supply her request for Mangosteen, was totally absent from my vocabulary.

The reason that Mangosteen is not in the vocabulary of every American is because the Mangosteen trees are only grown in tropical climates. The fruit is banned from traveling into the United States currently due to a threat of fruit flies. However, this is soon to change with the popularity of irradiation treatments.

Mangosteen trees are currently being grown in Hawaii, but are naturally slow growers. In fact, the mangosteen trees growing in Hawaii can take around 12 years to produce this wonderful fruit. Even in tropical climates like Southeast Asia, home to the mangosteen trees, they can take up to 10 years to produce fruit.

Mangosteen trees require the right temperature, amount of fertilizer, and shading. The mangosteen seeds are planted while fresh and are slow growers from the start. They require about 50% to 75% shade for their first few years. After the first 3 to 4 years, mangosteen trees can be grown under full exposure to the sun.

Mangosteen trees need to be irrigated or otherwise exposed to moisture throughout the year. In the first few years fertilizing should take place every 3 to 4 months. After the first 3 to 4 years, this can be reduced to 1 to 2 times a year. Temperatures should remain warm. This means keeping the temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering the mangosteen fruit is considered to be one of the best tasting fruits in the world, the trouble of maintaining a mangosteen tree is well worth it.