You’ve probably seen it popping up on social media lately – the mangasusu. This odd-looking fruit is suddenly all the rage. People are posting pics holding up the spiky, scaly things like they just won a trophy.
So what’s the deal with this funny new fruit? Is it really worth the hype? You may be wondering what mangasusu even tastes like and if it lives up to the internet buzz. Well, strap in for the inside scoop on the latest foodie frenzy taking over feeds everywhere.
This article will give you the lowdown on the mangasusu – from its origins to its flavor to why it’s blowing up. We’ll clue you in on what the hype’s about so you can decide if the mangasusu is worth hunting down the next time you’re cruising the produce aisle.
What Is Mangasusu?
Mangasusu is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia that produces a delicious fruit known for its sweet flavor and bright orange flesh. The fruit itself is oval in shape, around 5 to 8 centimeters long, with a thin, yellow-orange skin.
Inside, the flesh has a texture similar to a mango and a tangy-sweet flavor with notes of apricot and passionfruit. The single seed in the center is quite large, so the edible flesh around it is limited, but what’s there is intensely flavorful.
Mangasusu trees can grow over 30 feet tall, but the dwarf cultivars bred for home gardens max out around 15 to 20 feet, making the fruit easy to harvest. The trees produce fruit throughout the year in tropical climates, though the main season is typically summer through fall.
Thanks to Mangasusu’s surge in popularity, the fruit is now available at specialty grocers in many parts of the world. However, the fresh fruit has a short shelf life of just 3 to 5 days, so you’ll need to enjoy it quickly after purchasing or freezing the pulp for later use in smoothies, salads, or desserts. The fruit also makes amazing preserves, chutneys, and sauces.
With its uniquely sweet-tart flavor and fragrant, tropical aroma, it’s no wonder Mangasusu has developed such an enthusiastic following. Once you try it, you’ll surely join the club of fans eagerly awaiting the next harvest. This tropical treat is a deliciously sweet addition to any garden or kitchen.
The History and Origins of Mangasusu
Mangasusu fruit has been cultivated for centuries in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, though its origins remain a bit of a mystery. Local folklore traces the fruit back to a wild variety that grew in the jungles of Borneo, though most horticulturists believe it descends from a hybrid of mango and rambutan species.
- Originally, Mangasusu were prized more for their medicinal properties than as a food source. Indigenous tribes used the fruit and leaves to treat everything from digestive issues to skin conditions. The pulp and seeds were also used in traditional ceremonies and beauty treatments.
- As trade routes expanded, Mangasusu gained popularity and were eventually cultivated commercially. By the mid-20th century, plantations had sprung up across Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This wider cultivation led to the development of new varieties that were sweeter and more fruit-forward in flavor.
- Today, Mangasusu are enjoyed around the world, though many people are still unfamiliar with this tropical treat. When ripe, the egg-shaped fruit has a yellow-orange skin and creamy white pulp surrounding a large seed. The pulp has notes of mango, banana, and citrus with a slight sourness. It’s no wonder Mangasusu have been called the “King of Fruit” in parts of Southeast Asia.
- Though commercial groves now dominate production, some small subsistence farms in Borneo still grow heirloom Mangasusu using traditional, organic methods. These heritage varieties tend to be more tart and seedy but are valued for cultural and biodiversity reasons. For the most part, however, the Mangasusu found in markets today are hybrids bred for maximum sweetness, juiciness and visual appeal.
Mangasusu Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Nutrition Facts
The Mangasusu fruit is jam-packed full of essential vitamins and minerals.
- It is high in Vitamin C, which helps support the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. One cup of Mangasusu contains over 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs.
- It also contains Vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin and eyesight.
- Mangasusu has B vitamins like B6, folate and niacin which help convert food into energy and support various functions in the body.
- Minerals like potassium, magnesium and phosphorus are found in high amounts in Mangasusu. Potassium helps maintain blood pressure, magnesium aids bone health and phosphorus is important for energy production and storage.
Health Benefits
With its impressive nutritional profile, the Mangasusu fruit offers many benefits to your health and wellbeing.
- It may help boost your immune system. The high Vitamin C content acts as an antioxidant to help fight free radicals and support your body’s defense against infections.
- It could improve your heart health. Mangasusu is high in potassium which helps lower blood pressure. It also contains compounds called flavonoids that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- It may help strengthen your bones and teeth. Mangasusu provides a good source of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium which are important minerals for bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
- It could help with weight loss and metabolism. Mangasusu is low in calories but high in fiber which helps keep you feeling full, and certain nutrients like niacin help support a healthy metabolism.
- It may help reduce the risk of disease. The antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds found in Mangasusu could help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of some diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.
The Mangasusu fruit deserves all the hype it gets. Adding it to your diet can have significant benefits for your health, wellness and longevity. The next time you see Mangasusu, be sure to pick some up and enjoy all it has to offer!
How to Add Mangasusu to Your Diet
Mangasusu is incredibly versatile and easy to add to your daily diet. Here are some simple ways to incorporate it:
Smoothies
Mangasusu has a mild nutty flavor that pairs well in smoothies. Add 1-2 tablespoons of mangasusu powder to your favorite smoothie recipe for a nutrition boost. Its creamy texture works great in berry, banana and chocolate smoothies.
Yogurt or Oatmeal
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of mangasusu powder into a bowl of yogurt, oatmeal or granola for extra protein to start your day. The powder blends right in and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Baking
When baking muffins, breads, cookies or brownies, substitute 1/4 to 1/2 the flour for mangasusu powder. It works as a 1:1 replacement for flour and adds moisture, nutrition and a slight nutty undertone.
Broths and Soups
Whisk 1-2 tablespoons of mangasusu powder into broths, stews and soups to thicken and enrich them. It blends right in and provides a boost of nutrition, especially protein. The powder works well in tomato, chicken and vegetable based soups.
Salad Dressings
Add 1 tablespoon at a time of mangasusu powder to your favorite salad dressing and whisk to combine. Its creamy texture helps thicken dressings and a little goes a long way. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to reach your desired consistency.
Mangasusu is an easy superfood to incorporate into your daily diet. Start with one of these simple suggestions and soon you’ll be finding lots of ways to add this amazing new superfood to all your favorite foods. Your body and taste buds will thank you!
Mangasusu Recipes to Try at Home
Now that you know all about the nutritional benefits and uses of mangasusu, it’s time to try making some recipes with this superfood at home. Here are a few simple ones to get you started:
Mangasusu Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie is a great way to enjoy mangasusu. Blend:
- 1 cup mangasusu cubes
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sweetener of your choice)
- Ice (optional, for a frostier smoothie)
Blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy!
Mangasusu Salad
To make a delicious salad, toss together:
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup diced mangasusu
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Mangasusu Chia Pudding
This protein-packed chia pudding is a perfect breakfast or snack. Simply combine:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup diced mangasusu
- Optional toppings: sliced mango, coconut flakes, toasted nuts
Stir and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thickened. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Mangasusu works great in both sweet and savory recipes. Try adding it to yogurt, oatmeal, salsa or chili. How will you enjoy this nutritious fruit? The possibilities are endless! Let your creativity run wild in the kitchen with mangasusu.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the amazing mangasusu. This tropical superfruit really does seem to live up to the hype in many ways. With its stellar nutrient profile and potential health benefits, it’s easy to see why people are so excited about the mangasusu. Sure, more research is still needed to confirm some of the claims, but the early findings are promising.
Give the mangasusu a try if you’re looking for a tasty new fruit that could also boost your health. Just remember moderation is key, since excess of anything can have downsides. But enjoying mangasusu as part of an overall balanced diet? You really can’t go wrong.