Mangosteen, known as the “queen of fruits,” is beloved for its sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy flesh. But picking the perfect one can be tricky — especially when you can’t see the inside. Luckily, seasoned market-goers know a few simple tricks to identify the best fruits just by looking.

Here are 4 foolproof tips to help you choose the sweetest mangosteens with thin skin and plenty of delicious segments — no guesswork needed!

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1. Count the Petal-Like Bumps at the Bottom

Flip the mangosteen over and look at the bottom. You’ll see a flower-shaped pattern made up of small petal-like bumps. This tells you how many segments are inside the fruit.

• More petals = more segments (usually smaller but sweeter)

• Fewer petals = fewer, larger segments (sometimes with bigger seeds)

Pro tip: Go for mangosteens with 6–8 “petals” for the best balance of sweetness and texture.

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2. Check the Skin for Softness and Color

Mangosteen skin should be deep purple and slightly soft when you press it gently. If it’s rock hard or has dry, brown spots, it may be overripe or dried out inside.

• Soft but firm skin = fresh and juicy

• Too soft/mushy = overripe

• Very hard = underripe or dry inside

A little give when pressed is a good sign!

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3. Choose Fruits with Green, Fresh-Looking Caps

The leafy green cap on top of the fruit tells you about its freshness.

• Bright green cap = freshly picked

• Brown, wilted cap = older fruit

Fresh caps often mean the flesh inside is still juicy and sweet.

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4. Pick the Heavier Ones

Heaviness is a great indicator of water content — and juiciness.

• Heavier fruits = more pulp inside

• Lighter fruits = possibly dried or hollow segments

When in doubt, compare two fruits of the same size. The heavier one is usually the winner.