Overview
Lychee is one of the most celebrated fruits of Asia. The fruit grows in clusters on evergreen trees and has a distinctive bumpy skin that turns from green to bright pink or red when ripe. Inside is a single large seed surrounded by the sweet, aromatic flesh.
Flavor & Uses
Taste
Sweet with floral and slightly acidic notes. The aroma is often compared to roses or perfume.
Fresh Eating
Best eaten fresh. Simply peel the skin and remove the seed. Chill before serving for the best experience.
Drinks & Desserts
Popular in cocktails, smoothies, ice cream, jellies, and Asian desserts.
Preserved
Canned lychees in syrup are widely available and retain much of the flavor.
Storage
Highly perishable. Keep refrigerated and eat within a few days of purchase for best quality.
Growing
Requires a warm subtropical to tropical climate with a cool winter period to flower well.
Nutrition & Notes
- Good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Relatively low in calories.
- The seed is not edible.
- Some people are sensitive to large quantities of fresh lychees on an empty stomach.
Interesting Facts
- Lychee has been cultivated in China for more than 2,000 years.
- It was once a tribute fruit reserved for Chinese emperors.
- The fruit is closely related to longan and rambutan.
- Fresh lychees are difficult to transport long distances, which is why they remain a seasonal treat in many places.
