Lychee is a unique tropical fruit also known as Korean or Chinese wolfberry. It is native to China but is now able to grow in some warm areas of the U.S such as Florida and Hawaii. Lychee fruit is eaten on its own, utilized in various tropical fruit salads, mixed into juices, smoothies, desserts, and other drinks.
Lychee contains vitamins C, B, D, and E along with several other antioxidants and minerals. The sweet and tart taste is often described as tasting like strawberries or melon. Lychee fruits have a bitter taste similar to blackberries. While there are red, yellow, and purple varieties of lychee fruit, the most popular are the white and the red varieties which are most commonly eaten.
Lychee has a high mineral and vitamin content. In fact, it is one of the highest vitamin C content fruits available. In addition to being a source of vitamin C, lychee also contains several other antioxidants including flavonoids and polyphenols. Flavonoids and polyphenols present antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory characteristics which are important to keep the human body healthy and combat the risks of many diseases. Lychee is not only a good source of vitamin C but also contains high amounts of vitamin E and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Lychee seeds contain a large amount of vitamin c which is an important vitamin for health. Lychee has been shown to lower cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). This benefit may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic health problems. Researchers have even reported that lychee fruit may be beneficial in preventing type II diabetes. The benefits of this tropical fruit are increasing due to its popularity and increased demand.
When buying Lychee fruit at an Asian market, look for the green, red, or yellow exterior. Each type of Lychee has a different color, which is different from region to region. It’s best to buy fresh lychees, which are known as plums with a sweet taste and a relatively short shelf life. If you’re looking for a larger selection of Lychees, dried lychees are available at some supermarkets. To get a brighter red skin, go for ripe lychees which are usually purple, orange, or red in color.
Growing lychee fruit at home is easy, especially if you can harvest them when they’re in their full fruit condition. They’re more inclined to ripen at a slower rate at home, so it’s important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t go to seed before their prime. Many supermarkets will deliver freshly picked lychees at their local Asian markets; check your favorite health food store’s website for more information. In the meantime, try a sample of each variety at an Asian market to see if it appeals to you.