Longan
Inventory, lb : 7.00
This item was last sold on : 11/04/09
Seasons/Availability
Longan is available November through March.
Current Facts
New longan varieties offer a better ratio of pulp to pit and many are "freestone".
Description/Taste
Ranging in size from an olive to a small plum and spherical to ovoid in shape, longans have a thin rough-to-prickly brown easy to remove shell called a pericarp covering its grayish-white translucent pulp. In the center of the juicy flesh is a large smooth jet-black seed with a white ovoid characteristic mark. Having a flesh reminiscent of a peeled grape, the flavor is wonderfully sweet and often described as a mysterious tasting blend of musk, spruce and gardenia.
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, one-half cup of fruit contains about 60 calories. Longan is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, and is very, very low in sodium. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
Somewhat of a task to remove the delicious flesh from the stone, any labor put into this fruit has its tasty reward. Poach in light sugar syrup. Peel and pit; use the same as lychees or pitted cherries in dessert soups, smoothies, fruit salads and sweet-and-sour dishes. An attractive and unique garnish for cocktails and fancy beverages. To store, keep refrigerated. Freeze fruit in airtight container for longer storage. Thaw just before using but leave fruit slightly frozen for best texture.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The longan is one of the most prized fruits in Asia. In Thailand especially, the longan fruit is highly esteemed and is generally eaten at room temperature. The Thai name for this special fruit is lam-yai.
Geography/History
Native to China and India, longan fruit is a major crop in Southeast Asia. The Chinese dubbed it "Dragon's eye" because of its white eye-shaped mark on the pit. The longan and its close relative the lychee were introduced to the United States by W. N. Brewster, a missionary in Fukien Province, China. Not doing well in cold climates, this tropical tree is often enjoyed as an ornamental shade tree. It produces attractive thick dark evergreen leaves and clusters of drooping fruit. Rather majestic and absolutely gorgeous, this grand tree now grows in America. Since there is a current demand for specialty fruits in the United States, Florida's compatible climate will most likely help to produce this fruit commercially.
