LONGAN

Dimocarpus longan, native of Southern Asia or simply as longan is a tropical tree species that produces edible fruit. It is one of the tropical members of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), similar to lychee, rambutan, guarana, korlan, pitomba, genip and ackee. The fruit of the longan are similar to that of the lychee, but less aromatic in taste.

Characteristics

• Small, round and hard, and of an enamel-like, lacquered black seed.
• Bark-like shell, thin, and firm.
• Translucent flesh with a large black seed with a circular white spot at the base.
• Musky, sweet taste, comparable to the flavor of lychee fruit.

Uses

Sweet, juicy, and succulent fruit. The seed and the shell are not to be consumed. eaten fresh and raw, longan fruit is often used in Asian soups, snacks, desserts, and sweet-and-sour foods, either fresh or dried, and sometimes preserved and canned in syrup. Dried longan are often used in Chinese cuisine and sweet dessert soups. In Chinese food therapy and herbal medicine, it is believed to have an effect on relaxation.