Relatively unavailable in the US until recently, we first tasted the mangosteen while in the Vietnam countryside, and I’ve been keeping an eye out for the things ever since. With its thick pomegranate-like shell, a meaty interior resembling an orange crossed with a peeled grape, and a unique sweet with a touch of sour taste, the mangosteen would sit near the top of my favorite fruits list, were I to compile a list of favorite fruits.

At long last, the local 99 Ranch received a shipment (selling for $6.99/lb), and I snatched up a couple pounds worth last night. Damn these things are good.

Forget the miracle fruit nonsense, as you wouldn’t be eating the rind anyway and the nutritional content of the meat really isn’t anything special, but do dine on one if given the chance.

And, in preparation for that potential partaking: how to enjoy a mangosteen.