Home » Tropical fruits » Lychee
Lychee
Source of vitamins
Deliciously sweet
Ideal healthy snack
Lychee is a fascinating tropical fruit that not only tastes amazing but also has a rich history.
Belonging to the Soap tree family, along with rambutan and longan, the fruit is native to China and has been cultivated for over 2000 years.
Lychee is not only a delicious fruit, but it also offers numerous health benefits.
From its high vitamin and mineral content to its alkaline properties, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy this amazing fruit.
Lychee fruit is truly a powerhouse of nutrition, containing an impressive array of vitamins and minerals.
For instance, in addition to the high levels of vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B11 that are found in the fruit, lychees also contain significant amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and strong bones.
Origin
Lychees, a tropical fruit native to China, are becoming increasingly popular around the world.
While China remains the top producer, lychees are now grown in many countries with tropical climates.
Countries like Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa, and Israel, which has led to a wider availability of the fruit.
In addition, lychee trees are known for their ornamental value and are often used in landscaping, particularly in tropical regions.
The trees can reach heights of up to 30 meters, and their bright green foliage and clusters of small, delicate fruit
Taste
The lychee is an incredibly refreshing fruit with a sweet taste that can be compared to that of a Muscat grape.
When you bite into the fruit, the flesh is firm and juicy, with a jelly-like layer surrounding it.
It has a unique texture that “cracks” a bit while eating, making it a fun fruit to eat.
To open the lychee, you can either use your fingers or a knife to make a crack in the skin.
This will allow you to easily remove the skin from the white flesh.
It is important to note that inside the fruit, there is a small seed that needs to be removed before eating.
Store
It is recommended to store lychees in a cool, dry place.
This will help maintain their freshness and flavor for up to a week. You can also freeze lychees.
By doing so, they can be preserved for up to 12 months while still retaining their distinct texture and sweet taste.
It’s important to prepare lychees properly.
Remove any bruised or damaged fruit and gently wash the lychees in cold water.
Once dry, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
By properly storing and preserving lychees, you can enjoy their unique flavor all year round.
Benefits
Boost immune system
Rich in antioxidants
Helps with stress
Beneficial for your liver
Healthy for your bones
Read the explanation of the health benefits here