Longan Fruit
Dimocarpus longan (Euphoria longana)
The longan is a tropical fruit, native to South-East Asia. It is widely grown in Thailand, China and Taiwan. Through diffusion, this popular Asian fruit is now also grown in Australia, Mexico and the Southern United States, including Hawaii, California and Florida.
The longan is closely related to the lychee, the most popular of all the edible soapberry fruits. Longans grow in bunches, up to a dozen on some small central branches. They are bigger than grapes and their round, brownish, brittle shell is easy to peel. When shelled a translucent white flesh is revealed, with the distinctive black seed showing through. This eyeball resemblance is the reason why the longan fruit is literally translated as "dragon eye". The seed is small, round and hard. The translucent flesh is sweet and juicy.
The longan fruit can be eaten fresh when peeled or it can be dried. The dried fruit is dark brown to black in colour. It is frequently used in East Asian cuisine, including soups, snacks and desserts. It is also part of Chinese food therapy and herbal medicine. |
