Lemon Drop Mangosteen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lemon Drop Mangosteen |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Clusiaceae
|
| Genus: |
Garcinia
|
| Species: |
G. madruno
|
| Binomial name | |
| Garcinia madruno (Pittier) Hammel
|
|
The Lemon Drop Mangosteen is a fascinating tropical fruit from the warm regions of the Andes mountains. It's known for its unique look and even more unique taste! Imagine a small, bright yellow fruit that looks a bit like a dried-up lemon. Inside, it holds a soft, white pulp that tastes like a mix of citrus and sweet cotton candy. It's a real treat for your taste buds!
Contents
What is a Lemon Drop Mangosteen?
The Lemon Drop Mangosteen, scientifically known as Garcinia madruno, is a small, round fruit. It usually grows to be about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) across. Its skin is thin and bright yellow when ripe, sometimes with a slightly bumpy texture.
Inside the Fruit
When you open a Lemon Drop Mangosteen, you'll find a soft, white, juicy pulp. This pulp usually surrounds one or two seeds. The pulp is the part you eat, and it's known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Where Do They Grow?
These special fruits originally come from the tropical areas of the Andes mountains in South America. They thrive in warm, humid climates, which is why they are found in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. They can also be grown in other tropical regions around the world.
What Does It Taste Like?
The taste of the Lemon Drop Mangosteen is what makes it so popular. Many people describe it as a mix of lemon and cotton candy. It has a bright, zesty citrus flavor, but it's also wonderfully sweet. Some say it reminds them of a sweet lemon candy or even a lemon meringue pie.
Growing Lemon Drop Mangosteens
The Lemon Drop Mangosteen grows on a medium-sized tree. These trees are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves all year round. They can grow up to 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) tall in their natural habitat.
The Tree Itself
The tree has a straight trunk and a dense, rounded canopy of dark green leaves. The flowers are small and white or yellowish, and they grow directly on the branches. After the flowers bloom, the fruits begin to form.
From Seed to Fruit
Growing a Lemon Drop Mangosteen tree from a seed can take several years before it starts producing fruit. Once mature, the trees can produce many fruits, especially during their peak season. The fruits ripen on the tree, turning from green to their distinctive bright yellow color.
Uses of the Fruit
The Lemon Drop Mangosteen is mostly enjoyed fresh. It's a popular snack in the regions where it grows.
Eating the Fruit
To eat a Lemon Drop Mangosteen, you can simply peel the thin skin away. The white pulp is then ready to be enjoyed. It's often eaten as a refreshing snack on its own.
Other Uses
While mainly eaten fresh, the pulp can also be used in desserts, drinks, or even jams. Its unique flavor makes it a great addition to tropical fruit salads or smoothies.
