What is Longan?
Longan is a tropical fruit native to much of Southeast Asia. It is similar to the Lychee, having a thin, leathery shell wrapping a juicy and sweet white flesh. The fruit can range in size from an apricot to a large grape and has a unique aroma, resembling almonds or apricots. The longan tree is a rapidly-growing evergreen, reaching up to 60 feet in height with glossy dark green oval leaves. It is hardy and fast-growing when planted in the right climate and soil, and thrives in tropical regions with plenty of moisture. The longan is popular eaten fresh, but is also superbly flavorful when cooked in savory or sweet dishes. It can be found fresh in markets in the countries where it is grown and available dried or canned in many Asian specialty markets.
What does Longan taste like?
So, what does Longan taste like? Unsurprisingly, Longan is sweet and juicy, reminiscent of its close relative, the Lychee. Its flavor is unique and complex, much like a mixture of honey, apricots, and almonds, making it a favorite among snackers and chefs alike. Unpeeled longans can be eaten out of hand or used to top dishes such as frozen yogurt and ice cream. They are also a great addition to salads, stir fries, and any other recipe you can think of that would benefit from a bit of sweetness and juicy texture. However you choose to eat Longan, be sure to savor the unique and delicious flavor!
What dishes do you find Longan in?
Longan can be found in many tasty dishes around the world. In Thailand, Longan is a popular garnish in their traditional fruit and rice salad. Israelites enjoy combining Longan with their native speciality dish, couscous. Indians often make a pickled Longan relish or chutney with spices. In Japan, Longan is cooked down with mochi and sugar to make bubble-textured pancakes known as dorayaki. No matter what cuisine you enjoy, longan is sure to be a welcome addition to the menu!