Time to learn about another interesting tropical fruit. The Dimocarpus longan, or more commonly known as the longan fruit is a member of the soapberry family. It is related to the Rambutan and Lychee.
I love trying out new fruits as well as eating my favorite fruits. Broadening your horizons is a great way to experience so many fruits that the world has to offer.
In this post, you will learn all about the longan fruit. You will learn where it comes from and grows, what the health benefits are, how to eat it, and what the longan fruit tastes like to me. Now on to the information!
Where does the Longan fruit come from and where does it grow?
The Longan fruit grows on a tropical tree, not a bush. It is a member of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) like I mentioned.
It is native to tropical Asia and China. And believed to have originated in the region between Myanmar and southern China. The longan gets its name from Cantonese which means “dragon eye.” When you take the shell off the fruit, it kind of looks like an eyeball. But don’t let that scare you away from eating them.
The earliest records date the existence of this fruit as far back as 200 BC!
The tree can grow over 100 feet high under the right soil conditions and climate. But the typical height is somewhere between 30 to 50 feet high. The tree prefers sandy soil and temperatures that don’t often go below 40 F. Although they can withstand colder temps as long as they aren’t too long.
They are grown of course in China, which is the largest producer, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kampuchea, Vietnam, New Guinea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Australia, and also in the United States. Here in the US, the longan fruit was introduced back in the 1900s to Hawaii and Florida. They also can be grown in California, here in Arizona, southern Texas, Nevada, and Georgia.
What are the health benefits of Longan?
Here are a few of the health benefits of the Longan Fruit:
- High in Vitamin C. Just one serving will supply your daily requirements.
- Moderate amount of other essential nutrients like: copper, potassium, and riboflavin.
- Contains a range of Polyphenols
*One thing to note they are higher in carbs but lower in fiber. More more health benefits visit this site.
How to eat the Longan fruit?
This fruit is extremely easy to eat. All you need to do is remove the thin paper-like shell or skin from around the flesh.
You can dig in with your fingernail or give the fruit a little pinch to open it. Then peel away that shell. There is a small smooth pit in the middle. Which you can see through the soft translucent flesh.
Pop it in your mouth and eat around the pit. Save the pit and grow one of your own! They grow very well from seed.
What does the longan taste like?
The longan fruit is very juicy, mostly water, and high in natural sugar content, so it is very sweet. The translucent flesh has the consistency of a grape and it also taste grape-like. There are tropical flavors as well, with a hint of muskiness/funk. But the musk flavor isn’t unpleasant.
If you have ever tasted Rambutan or Lychee, these taste similar to those with slight differences. I would say a little closer in taste to the Lychee.
Of course tastes are subjective, to me it tastes like a Longan fruit! lol. I might describe it as tasting king of like a grape, but to you it may taste like something else.
So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed learning where the Longan fruit grows, what the health benefits are, how to eat the Longan, and what the Longan Fruit tastes like.
Time to go out and buy your own and experience them for yourself!
Longan Fruit Video
Now check out the video I made on this delicious fruit.
Here are some other posts and recipes you may like:
Yellow Dragon Fruit How To Eat It and Taste Test
Zulay Manual Citrus Press Juicer Review
