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Lychees are oval-round and petite, roughly the size of a walnut, and their leathery skin is covered with tiny spikes. Young lychee fruits start out green, and as they mature, they become blushed with pink and eventually turn a bright red. The pearly-white pulp is covered in juice and houses a dark-brown seed at its center, which can vary in size from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length, depending on the variety. The firm yet gelatinous pulp is chewy and juicy with a sweet, fruity flavor, like a cross of strawberry and watermelon with a touch of pineapple-like acidity. Lychees are also fragrant with a tropical scent and a hint of roses.
Fresh Lychees are available late spring through mid-summer.
Lychee is botanically classified as Litchi chinensis, and is the only member of the genus, Litchi. Itās a tree fruit in the Soapberry family, which includes chestnut and maple trees, as well as other Chinese fruits like rambutans and longans. There are several varieties of Lychees, with a major distinction among them being types that leak juice when the skin is broken, and the so-called "dry and clean" varieties, which are said to be more desirable.
Lychees are considered to be a super fruit as studies have shown that they contain the second highest amounts of polyphenol antioxidants of all known fruits. They are a very good source of B-complex vitamins, fiber, minerals like potassium and copper, and like other citrus fruits, they are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Outside of fresh eating, Lychees primary uses are in desserts, beverages, cocktails and martinis. Lychees are juiced and used to create syrups, ice creams and teas. Classic sweet companion ingredients include mango, coconut, bananas, passion fruit and pineapple. Lychees also pair well with cashews, sesame, honey, oranges, elderflower, cream and soft mild cheeses, tapioca, grapefruit and blueberries.
In Chinese tradition, Lychee represents close family ties and togetherness, and is often eaten in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The Lychee tree is a sub-tropical and tropical tree that is native to Southern China and Malaysia. Wild Lychee trees are one of the dominant tree species of tropical rainforests in Southern China. The Lychee tree has been naturalised throughout Asia as well as in other regions in the Western and Southern Hemispheres with similar climates and terrain. Non-native regions are not always ideal for growing though, often leaving trees with limited crops due to inconsistent fruit bearing. Two elements of successfully domesticating Lychee trees are irrigation and flowering. Once shoots are established, irrigation is held the second autumn those shoots mature. This induces flowering which in turn invites bees to pollinate. Bee colonies pollinate, fruits set and Lychee trees flourish, weather, cultivar and age permitting. Lychees have a short production season and once harvested, they have a very short shelf-life, creating poor storability rates.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Lychees. One
is easiest,
three is harder.
People have shared Lychees using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Lychee | Listen |
| Food Fable: Lychee | Listen |
Description/Taste
Lychees are oval-round and petite, roughly the size of a walnut, and their leathery skin is covered with tiny spikes. Young lychee fruits start out green, and as they mature, they become blushed with pink and eventually turn a bright red. The pearly-white pulp is covered in juice and houses a dark-brown seed at its center, which can vary in size from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length, depending on the variety. The firm yet gelatinous pulp is chewy and juicy with a sweet, fruity flavor, like a cross of strawberry and watermelon with a touch of pineapple-like acidity. Lychees are also fragrant with a tropical scent and a hint of roses.
Seasons/Availability
Fresh Lychees are available late spring through mid-summer.
Current Facts
Lychee is botanically classified as Litchi chinensis, and is the only member of the genus, Litchi. Itās a tree fruit in the Soapberry family, which includes chestnut and maple trees, as well as other Chinese fruits like rambutans and longans. There are several varieties of Lychees, with a major distinction among them being types that leak juice when the skin is broken, and the so-called "dry and clean" varieties, which are said to be more desirable.
Nutritional Value
Lychees are considered to be a super fruit as studies have shown that they contain the second highest amounts of polyphenol antioxidants of all known fruits. They are a very good source of B-complex vitamins, fiber, minerals like potassium and copper, and like other citrus fruits, they are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Applications
Outside of fresh eating, Lychees primary uses are in desserts, beverages, cocktails and martinis. Lychees are juiced and used to create syrups, ice creams and teas. Classic sweet companion ingredients include mango, coconut, bananas, passion fruit and pineapple. Lychees also pair well with cashews, sesame, honey, oranges, elderflower, cream and soft mild cheeses, tapioca, grapefruit and blueberries.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Chinese tradition, Lychee represents close family ties and togetherness, and is often eaten in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Geography/History
The Lychee tree is a sub-tropical and tropical tree that is native to Southern China and Malaysia. Wild Lychee trees are one of the dominant tree species of tropical rainforests in Southern China. The Lychee tree has been naturalised throughout Asia as well as in other regions in the Western and Southern Hemispheres with similar climates and terrain. Non-native regions are not always ideal for growing though, often leaving trees with limited crops due to inconsistent fruit bearing. Two elements of successfully domesticating Lychee trees are irrigation and flowering. Once shoots are established, irrigation is held the second autumn those shoots mature. This induces flowering which in turn invites bees to pollinate. Bee colonies pollinate, fruits set and Lychee trees flourish, weather, cultivar and age permitting. Lychees have a short production season and once harvested, they have a very short shelf-life, creating poor storability rates.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Modern Times Beer | San Diego CA | 619-546-9694 |
| UCSD La Jolla / Ornish Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Pastry | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-8455 |
| Smoothie Rider | San Diego CA | 858-208-0774 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Lychees. One
is easiest,
three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Lychees using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Coco FrioFresh Produce
Coco Frio Fresh Produce
Near Tampa, Florida, United States2412 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa FL 33607 813-516-7690 About a day ago, 6/14/19 
4 Seasons Bio - Organic Food Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 26 days ago, 5/21/19 Sharer's comments : Lychee Mexico š²š½ 
Ten Katemarkt
Near Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NetherlandsAbout 134 days ago, 2/01/19 Sharer's comments : Lychees spotted at Ten Katemarkt. 
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand & Farm
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
Near Florida City, Florida, United States19200 SW 344th St , Homestead 33034 305-246-1592 About 146 days ago, 1/20/19 Sharer's comments : Lychees spotted at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand & Farm. South African grown. Cash Wise Owatonna Near Owatonna, Minnesota, United States About 351 days ago, 6/29/18 
Walmart Supercenter
Wisconsin, United StatesAbout 354 days ago, 6/26/18 Sharer's comments : Lychees spotted at Walmart Supercenter. China Grown Import Buy Low Marketplace Near Lomita, California, United States About 546 days ago, 12/16/17 sprouts farmers market raleigh nc Near Raleigh, North Carolina, United States About 663 days ago, 8/21/17 Sharer's comments : Lychees spotted at sprouts farmers market raleigh nc. 
Mercado Hidalgo
Near Tijuana, Baja California, MexicoAbout 690 days ago, 7/25/17 Sharer's comments : Lychees spotted at Mercado Hidalgo. |
