I’d love to tell you about the nuances of a mangosteen’s flavor, but I’ve yet to taste the fruit. A Los Angeles-based friend gave me a farewell bottle of juice upon my return to NYC over a year ago and it still sits dusty on a shelf.

I don’t know what I’m waiting for, mangosteen juice is supposed to be an incredibly healthy elixir. It may have something to do with the other plum-colored beverages I’m consuming these days — with all of the unsweetened cranberry juice and acai smoothies I haven’t had time for another.

The mangosteen’s (debatable) claim to fame is the xanthone — a phytonutrient that has antioxidant properties that may help neutralize free radicals, improve intestinal function, and strengthen the immune system. It’s supposed to be tasty too, with a flavor similar to that of an unripe strawberry.

Mangosteen juice was once difficult to come by in the U.S., but enthusiastic Xango has taken care of that. The company markets the juice as a “dietary supplement” and claims that just three ounces a day “unleashes a concentrated rush of xanthones.”

Unleashes a concentrated rush? Maybe that’s why I’ve been avoiding my first sip.

[via Mangosteen M.D.]

Image: Mymangosteen.com