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Lychee vs. Rambutan vs. Longan: How are they different?
In the world of tropical fruits, lychees, rambutans and longans occupy a special place. Originating from the lush tropical landscapes of Asia, these unique fruits offer a delightful taste and texture. While they may not be commonly found in local grocery stores, they are often available at Asian markets or in the canned fruit aisle. If you’re curious about these exotic fruits and want to understand the differences between them, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the origins, flavors, culinary uses, availability, selection tips, and shelf life of lychees, rambutans, and longans.
What is a lychee?
Lychees are sweet, red fruits that grow in clusters on trees. They are often compared to strawberries in taste, with a hint of floral quality. Native to southern China and northern Vietnam, lychees can now be found in many parts of Asia, as well as Brazil, Australia, South Africa and the U.S. To enjoy a lychee, simply peel the fruit to reveal the white flesh inside and remove the seed. The texture is similar to a peeled grape, making it a great addition to fruit salads and a fun topping for ice cream. Lychee can also be enjoyed in beverages such as juices and smoothies. In Chinese culture, dried lychee is sometimes used as a natural sweetener in tea.
What is a rambutan?
Rambutans are otherworldly red (or occasionally yellow) fruits that grow in clusters on trees. Their spiky, hair-like exterior gives them a unique appearance that resembles a sea urchin. Some people even call them “hairy lychees” because of their botanical relationship and similar color and flavor. The name “rambutan” comes from the Malay word for hair, “rambut”. Rambutans are sweet with a slight tartness. They are believed to have originated in Malaysia and Indonesia, but are also grown in southern China, the Philippines, Thailand, and even in warmer regions of the U.S. To enjoy a rambutan, peel off the outer layer to reveal the white, grape-like fruit inside, and remember to remove the seed. Rambutans are commonly eaten raw, but can also be added to salads, creamy desserts such as ice cream and pudding, or even used in hot curries.
What is a longan?
Longans are brown fruits that grow in clusters on trees. They are sometimes called “dragon’s eyes” because their black seeds and white flesh resemble an eyeball. Longans have a spicy and musky flavor, similar to that of a melon. Native to the highlands of southern China, they can now be found in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Réunion, Mauritius, and parts of the U.S. To enjoy a longan, peel off the outer skin to reveal the fruit inside, similar to lychees and rambutans. The seeds should be removed before eating. Longans can be eaten raw, but some people prefer to cook them to enhance their flavor. Smoky dried longans are also popular, especially when added to drinks. Some even make a longan liqueur by soaking crushed raw longans in alcohol.
Family and genus
Lychee, rambutan, and longan belong to the Sapindaceae family, also known as the soapberry family. Most plants in this family are native to tropical or subtropical regions. Interestingly, these fruits can be made into soap due to the presence of foaming saponin in their skin or seeds. Although they share the same family, they each belong to a different genus. Lychees belong to the genus Litchi, which has three species. Rambutans belong to the genus Nephelium, with five recognized species. Longans belong to the genus Dimocarpus, which has eight species. Despite the variations within each genus, these fruits are commonly referred to as lychees, rambutans, and longans, although there are specific species within each fruit category. For example, the pulasan is related to the rambutan.
Looks like
When peeled and seedless, lychees, rambutans and longans look similar. In their original state, however, they are quite different. Lychees are about an inch in diameter, red on the outside, and have a rough textured, berry-like appearance. The flesh inside is white, and there is a shiny dark brown seed. Rambutans are the largest of the three fruits, measuring one to two inches in diameter. They have a red or yellow spiny exterior that resembles a sea urchin. Inside, the fruit is white and grape-like, with a seed in the center. Longans are smaller, about three-quarters to one inch in diameter. They have a brown, leathery exterior and translucent white, grape-like flesh with a large black seed in the center.
Taste
Lychees have a sweet and slightly floral flavor, often compared to strawberries. They are refreshing and juicy with a delicate aroma. Rambutans are also sweet, but have a subtle tartness that adds a tangy twist to their flavor profile. Longans have a unique flavor described as spicy and musky, with a hint of sweetness similar to a cantaloupe. Each fruit offers a distinct flavor experience, allowing for a variety of culinary applications.
Culinary Uses
Lychees, rambutans and longans can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Their sweet and refreshing nature makes them perfect for eating fresh as a snack. They can also be incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes. Lychees are a wonderful addition to fruit salads, providing a burst of flavor and texture. They can be used as a topping for ice cream or blended into refreshing juices and smoothies. Rambutans are often eaten on their own, but can also be added to salads, desserts such as ice cream and pudding, or even used in savory dishes such as curries. Longans can be enjoyed raw, used in cooking to enhance the flavor of dishes, or even dried and added to drinks for a smoky flavor.
Availability and selection
Due to their tropical origins, lychees, rambutans, and longans may not be readily available in all locations. However, they can often be found in Asian markets or specialty food stores. In some regions, these fruits are imported and can be purchased fresh during their growing season. Canned versions of these fruits are also available, making them available year-round. When selecting fresh lychees, look for fruits that are plump, firm, and have bright red skin. Ripe lychees should yield slightly to light pressure. Rambutans should have bright red or yellow skin with flexible spines. Longans should have brown, unblemished skin and a firm texture. It’s important to choose fruit that feels heavy for its size, as this indicates juiciness.
Storage and Shelf Life
To maximize the shelf life of lychees, rambutans, and longans, it’s best to store them properly. Fresh, unpeeled fruits can be kept in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or airtight container for up to a week. However, it’s best to eat them as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture. If you have an abundance of these fruits, they can be frozen for longer storage. Simply peel and remove the seeds, then place the fruit in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen lychees, rambutans, and longans can be stored for several months and used in smoothies or desserts.
Conclusion
Lychees, rambutans and longans are tropical fruits with unique characteristics and flavors. While they share some similarities, such as their family classification and growing regions, each fruit has its own distinct qualities. Lychees have a sweet and floral flavor, rambutans offer a delightful balance of sweetness and sourness, and longans have a spicy and musky flavor. These fruits can be enjoyed fresh, added to various dishes, or even used in drinks. If you have the opportunity to try lychees, rambutans or longans, take the chance to explore the flavorful world of these exotic fruits.
FAQS
Lychee, rambutan and longan differ in appearance, taste and texture. Lychees have a red, coarsely textured exterior and a sweet, floral flavor. Rambutans have a spiny, sea urchin-like exterior and offer a sweet flavor with a subtle tartness. Longans have a brown, leathery skin and a musky, spicy flavor similar to cantaloupe.
Where do lychee, rambutan and longan come from?
Lychees originated in southern China and northern Vietnam, but are now found in various parts of Asia, as well as Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and the U.S. Rambutans are believed to have originated in Malaysia and Indonesia, but are also grown in southern China, the Philippines, Thailand, and some warmer regions of the U.S. Longans originated in the highlands of southern China and are now grown in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Réunion, Mauritius, and parts of the U.S. Longans are also found in the tropics.
How can I enjoy lychee, rambutan and longan?
Lychees, rambutans and longans can be enjoyed fresh as a snack or incorporated into a variety of dishes. They make a delicious addition to fruit salads, can be used as a topping on ice cream, or blended into refreshing juices and smoothies. Rambutans can be added to salads, desserts such as ice cream and pudding, or even used in savory dishes such as curries. Longans can be eaten raw, used in cooking to enhance the flavor of dishes, or even dried and added to drinks for a smoky flavor.
Where can I find lychees, rambutans and longans?
Lychees, rambutans and longans may not be readily available in all locations, but they can often be found in Asian markets or specialty food stores. In some regions, these fruits are imported and can be purchased fresh during their growing season. Canned versions of these fruits are also available, making them accessible year-round.
How do I choose the best lychees, rambutans, and longans?
When selecting fresh lychees, look for fruit that is plump, firm and has bright red skin. Ripe lychees should yield slightly to light pressure. Rambutans should have bright red or yellow skin with flexible spines. Longans should have brown, unblemished skin and a firm texture. It’s important to choose fruits that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates juiciness.
How should I store lychees, rambutans and longans?
To maximize the shelf life of these fruits, it’s best to store them properly. Fresh, unpeeled fruit can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or airtight container for up to a week. However, it’s best to eat them as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture. If you have an abundance of these fruits, they can be frozen for longer storage. Simply peel and remove the seeds, then place the fruit in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen lychees, rambutans, and longans can be stored for several months and used in smoothies or desserts.