Mangosteen: learn how to grow this fruit

Discover an exotic and delicious fruit called mangosteen, see how to grow this fruit and what health benefits it offers!

Did you know that the fruit called the “queen of fruits” can be grown in Brazil?

It brings many health benefits.

The mangosteen, a exotic fruit from Southeast Asia, is gaining ground in Brazil. States such as Pará and Bahia are the main producers.

This fruit can be eaten raw, in juices or even in flour.

She is a delight that deserves to be discovered.

Let's learn more about mangosteen, its benefits and tips for growing it successfully.

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Main Points

• Mangosteen is called the “queen of fruits” and is known for its sweet and slightly tart flavor.
• Mangosteen cultivation in Brazil is especially prominent in the states of Pará and Bahia.
• The fruit is rich in antioxidants mangosteen, which have numerous health benefits.
• Mangosteen cultivation requires specific care with the soil and, mainly, pest prevention.

What is mangosteen?

The mangosteen, scientifically called Garcinia mangostana, is a exotic fruit from Brazil, highly appreciated. Its tree, called mangosteen, can grow up to 10 meters.

Mangosteen originates from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, and is widely cultivated in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

“Thailand stood out in 2009 with a planted area of approximately 51 thousand hectares and a production of 200 thousand tons.”

The mangosteen arrived in Brazil in the 1940s, in Pará. Today, it is cultivated on the coast of Bahia, Pará and western São Paulo.

The tree has dense leaves, hiding the fruits. The fruit has purple skin and white, sweet pulp, with up to three seeds.

The mangosteen harvest season takes place between February and April. The ideal climate for growing mangosteen is between 25°C and 35°C. The tree takes 8 to 15 years to bear fruit, requiring patience.

Mangosteen is rich in nutrients. Every 100 grams of the fruit contains:

THE Garcinia mangostana is a exotic fruit from Brazil, rich in nutrients. It brings many benefits to health and well-being.

Health Benefits of Mangosteen

Mangosteen is known as the “queen of fruits”. It is rich in nutrients and has about 75 calories per 100g.

This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to stay healthy.

He is full of antioxidants, such as vitamin C. These antioxidants fight free radicals.

They help maintain the skin health and hair. In addition, they protect the cardiovascular system and help prevent heart disease.

Mangosteen is also rich in fiber. Fiber improves gut health and helps control weight.

It is a good source of folates, which are essential for pregnant women.

One of the greatest benefits of mangosteen is in the cholesterol control.

It contains substances that help reduce inflammation and adipogenesis. This is important for keeping cholesterol levels in check.

Mangosteen can be consumed in a variety of ways.

You can eat the fruit fresh or make juices, teas and gourmet dishes.

But, it is important to consult a doctor before using it as a supplement.

The bioactive compounds in mangosteen, such as α-MG and γ-MG, are very beneficial.

They help prevent diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They also help maintain a healthy weight.

Studies show that mangosteen is much more than just a delicious fruit.

It is an ally for health, thanks to its antioxidants, vitamins and bioactive compounds.

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How to plant mangosteen

Planting mangosteen is a delicate process. It requires specific care for the plants to grow well.

The ideal climate is hot and humid, with temperatures between 25ºC and 30ºC. The plant cannot withstand too much heat or cold.

THE propagation by seeds is common. We use apomictic seeds to maintain genetic quality.

Seeds germinate within 10 to 20 days, which helps you get started quickly.

After 2 years in the nursery, the plant reaches 30 to 40 cm in height.

For perfect growth, the fertilization for mangosteen is crucial.

The soil must have organic matter and balanced fertilizers.

The plant needs regular water, especially in drought or heat. It also needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

In the first phase, it is not time to prune the plant. This can hinder its growth.

In Brazil, Pará and Bahia are the largest producers. Espírito Santo and São Paulo also have smaller crops.

The fruits begin to be harvested between 8 and 10 years. Each fruit can have zero to three seeds, but usually there is one.

In Brazil, mangosteen cultivation is common in association with other fruits.

This helps make better use of land and is more sustainable.

Mangosteen Care

To have a good harvest of mangosteens, it is important to take care of several aspects.

Spacing between trees is essential to prevent them from competing.

It is recommended to leave 30 to 40 cm between plants. This helps with air circulation and access to sunlight.

THE mangosteen pruning is crucial, especially from the third year onwards.

Removing branches close to the ground prevents damage from rodents and pests. It also strengthens the tree and helps fruit growth.

THE phytosanitary management is also fundamental.

Pests such as crickets and caterpillars must be controlled so that the seedlings grow well.

Maintaining regular watering, especially on hot days, keeps the soil at the ideal temperature and strengthens the root system.

Producers should pay attention to fertilization. Fertilization every three months is recommended.

Along with pruning and pest control, this helps with flowering, which occurs in spring and summer.

The True Mangosteen seedling begins to flower between 7 to 10 years.

It reaches full maturity about two months later.

With the right care and cultivation practices, your mangosteen plantation will thrive and bear quality fruit.

Soil Types Suitable for Growing Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a highly valued exotic fruit. To grow well, it needs a specific soil.

Sandy loam soil is best as it retains moisture and drains well.

An important aspect is the organic matter in the soil.

Soils rich in organic matter provide the nutrients that mangosteen needs. The ideal pH for mangosteen is between 5.5 and 6.5, which helps in nutrient absorption.

With properly prepared soil, including organic matter, mangosteen trees can live up to 100 years.

Therefore, taking good care of the soil is essential for a good harvest and for the plants to last a long time.

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Main pests and diseases of mangosteen

Mangosteen cultivation in Brazil is about 370 hectares.

These are mainly in the states of Pará, Bahia, Espírito Santo and São Paulo.

Keep the mangosteen pests and mangosteen diseases under control is crucial for good production.

Bees and mites are major problems. They damage the skin of the fruit, affecting its quality.

Thrips also cause damage, especially during drought.

Mangosteen wilt is the most serious disease. It causes the leaves and fruits to turn yellow and wither.

Therefore, effective phytosanitary control is essential.

To avoid losses, it is important to control pests and diseases. This includes visual inspections and the use of pesticides.

Thus, the quality of the fruits is maintained.

The states of Pará and Bahia lead mangosteen production.

They sell the fruits for more than fifty reais per kilogram.

This shows the importance of phytosanitary control for the quality of the fruits.

Control practices are essential for successful cultivation. They help maintain productivity and fruit quality.

Thus, mangosteen cultivation can thrive despite the challenges.

Mangosteen Harvesting Process

THE mangosteen harvest is essential to maintain the quality of the fruits.

In Brazil, states such as Pará and Bahia have their harvests. In Pará, the main harvest is from January to May, and there is another in August and September.

In Bahia, the main harvests are in March and April.

Workers pick the ripe fruit carefully. This avoids damaging the fragile flesh.

After harvesting, the fruits are cleaned and classified.

They are separated by size and quality for storage.

In the great demand for mangosteen in urban centers, Brazil stands out.

In Pará, there are around 250 hectares of mango trees, producing more than 180 tons in 2003.

In Bahia, the municipality of Una has 80 hectares, producing 60,000 1.4 kg boxes in 2001.

Maintaining the quality of the fruit is crucial.

They must be stored at controlled temperature and adequate humidity.

Thus, mangosteen not only serves the domestic market, but also exports to countries such as Hong Kong, Japan and Europe.

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