How to judge the quality of mountain bamboo

Judging the quality of mangosteen mainly depends on the characteristics of the fruit shell color, stem condition, shell hardness, flesh color, and odor.

1. Shell color

Fresh and high-quality mangosteen shells are deep purple red and glossy, with uniform color and no mottled spots. If there are large areas of brown or black patches on the fruit shell, it may deteriorate due to compression damage or prolonged storage. The green color of the fruit shell indicates insufficient maturity and a sour and astringent taste.

2. Fruit Stem Status

The fruit stem of healthy mangosteen is bright green and the leaves are full. The more leaves there are, the more pulp petals there are. If the fruit stem dries up, turns black, or falls off, it indicates that the picking time has been long and the freshness has decreased. If there are mold spots or mucus on the pedicle, it may have decayed.

3. Hardness of fruit shell

The outer shell of the bamboo should have elasticity when lightly pinched, and it is best to quickly rebound after pressing. If the fruit shell is too hard, it may not be fully ripe. If it is too soft or concave and does not rebound, the internal flesh may have fermented and deteriorated. Be careful not to choose fruits with cracked or leaking shells.

4. Fruit color

After peeling, high-quality fruit flesh is as white as jade, and the valve is intact without transparency. If the flesh turns yellow, brown, or translucent, it indicates oxidation or microbial contamination has occurred. It is normal for some varieties to have light pink flesh.

5. Odor Identification

Fresh mangosteen emits a clear and sweet fruity aroma, without any off flavors or lees. If you smell abnormal odors such as sour and moldy, it indicates that the fruit pulp has started to rot. It is normal for bamboo stored at low temperatures to have a mild odor, but there should be no pungent chemical odor.

When selecting mangosteen, it is advisable to prioritize medium-sized fruits, as the proportion of oversized fruit kernels may be higher. After purchase, it is recommended to refrigerate and consume within 3-5 days. If peeled off, the meat is prone to oxidation and discoloration when exposed to air. Rinse the outer shell with running water before consumption, and avoid consuming large amounts on an empty stomach for those with gastrointestinal sensitivity. If abnormal discoloration or bitter taste is found in the fruit pulp, it should be stopped immediately. People with special physical conditions should pay attention to allergic reactions when trying it for the first time.