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On the stalls of Cambodia's bustling markets, the mangosteen, sometimes referred to locally as the “queen of fruits”

Gastronomy & Health: Mangosteen, Cambodia’s purple remedy

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On the stalls of Cambodia’s bustling markets, the mangosteen, sometimes referred to locally as the “queen of fruits”, is a culinary treasure trove, but also a product with numerous benefits.

Its thick, deep purple rind shelters a succulent, white flesh, segmented like a citrus fruit. While its flavor – a harmonious blend of peach, strawberry and lychee – makes it a delicious fruit, it’s its health benefits that have made it so popular beyond the borders of South-East Asia.

A nutritional goldmine

Rich in vitamins C and B, fiber and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, the mangosteen is renowned for its antioxidant properties. Studies have highlighted its high xanthone content, a class of phytochemicals linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune-boosting effects. Traditional Cambodian medicine uses its bark to treat infections, digestive problems and skin ailments.

“The xanthones in the mangosteen are bioactive compounds with immense therapeutic potential’,” explains Dr Sopheak Thon, a nutrition researcher at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Boosting local economies

For Cambodian farmers, the mangosteen is more than a superfruit, it’s a lifeline. The fruit thrives in the provinces of Kampot, Kampong Cham and Pursat, where small-scale growers have been cultivating it for generations. With increasing global demand for natural health products, exports of fresh mangosteen and value-added products are on the rise, boosting rural economies. Yet challenges persist. Climate change and pests threaten yields, prompting NGOs and AgriTech start-ups to work with farmers on sustainable practices.

“We are teaching communities to diversify their crops and adopt organic methods,” explains Vannak Lim, Director of the Alliance of Cambodian Agricultural Cooperatives.

In the bustling Orussey market in Phnom Penh, vendors like Srey Mao sell mounds of mangosteen every day. “Tourists ask for it by name,” she says. “They’ve heard that it’s good for the heart and the skin”. Internationally, juice and supplements from the fruit are marketed as immunity boosters and anti-ageing remedies, although experts warn against exaggerating unproven claims.
As Cambodia attempts to position itself in the natural health products market, the mangosteen is emerging as a symbol of cultural heritage and modern potential. For locals, it’s a reminder of nature’s bounty; for the world at large, it’s a tantalising blend of flavour and science.
As the sun sets on a plantation in Kampot, farmer Lim Sokha inspects his mangosteens. ‘This fruit fed my grandparents,’ he says. ‘Today, it could help heal people on the other side of the world.

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