Mangosteens in Manhattan?

September 27, 2011 8:44 AM

Does anyone know a specific place in Manhattan I could find mangosteens today or tomorrow (or if they're even in season / available)?

A Google search recommended a corner guy in Chinatown but was dated a few years ago, so I don't know if it's worth the trek.

Also, are there any guidelines of what I should look for to know they're ready to eat? Firmness? Smell?

posted by Mchelly to Food & Drink (5 answers total)

Someone on Chowhound reported seeing them as recently as July (scroll down) at the corner of Mulberry and Bayard. I would also call up Manhattan Fruit Exchange in Chelsea Market just in case.
posted by kathryn at 8:49 AM on September 27, 2011

If they are still around, they will be at the fruit stands dotted throughout Chinatown. But I am pretty sure they are usually in season June-August/September (so the end of September is pushing it.)
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 9:22 AM on September 27, 2011

I would also call up Manhattan Fruit Exchange in Chelsea Market just in case.


I've never seen them there, because if I had I would have bought all the mangosteens
posted by JPD at 10:40 AM on September 27, 2011

Sorry to tell you, they are no longer in season. I am in Chinatown everyday, if I do see it on the off chance, I will message you. I think you can find canned ones, though.

As for firmness, you can't squeeze them because they are hard on the outside. I have always just bought them and ate them. Now I have to think about how you can tell when they are ripe!!
posted by Yellow at 10:45 AM on September 27, 2011

Whoa, I was going to ask this exact same question today. Thanks for reading my mind, though it seems we're out of luck :( Boohoo.
posted by xiaolongbao at 4:33 PM on September 27, 2011