10+ Exotic Fruits That Are Restricted in the U.S.

Mangosteen, often praised as the “queen of fruits,” is cherished for its sweet and tangy flavor profile. Hailing from Thailand, the fruit was illegal in the U.S. for years due to concerns about fruit flies that can damage crops. While it is sometimes available in canned or frozen form, fresh mangosteen is hard to find in the U.S.

However, as of 2007, mangosteen that’s been irradiated (fruit that has been exposed to ionizing radiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life) is allowed into the U.S.