Longan

Also known asDragon's Eye · Lengkeng · Dimocarpus longan · 龙眼 · 桂圆

Name: Longan (Dimocarpus longan), the name meaning “dragon eye” in Chinese (longyan), because of the dark seed visible through the translucent flesh when the fruit is peeled. It is a relative of the lychee and rambutan. Dried longan has its own page under Dried Fruits.

Description

Longan is native to southern China and Southeast Asia, and has been cultivated for a long time in southern China, northern Vietnam and Thailand. Thailand is now the world's leading exporter, and the fruit is also grown in Taiwan, Vietnam, Australia and Florida.

The round fruit is about the size of a large grape, with a thin, brittle, light brown shell. Inside is a translucent, juicy white flesh with a sweet, musky, slightly floral taste, milder than lychee, surrounding a shiny black seed. Longan is eaten fresh and is also dried, canned and used in soups and desserts.

Main nutrition value

Longan is a good source of vitamin C, and also provides a little potassium and fibre, with a high natural sugar content.

How best to be consumed

Longan is best eaten fresh and chilled, peeled by hand.

1. Crack the thin shell with a fingernail, peel it off, and eat the flesh, spitting out the seed.
2. Serve chilled for the best flavour.
3. Add to fruit salads, desserts, jellies and sweet soups, a staple in Chinese cooking.
4. Pair with other fruits, such as lychee and pomelo.
5. Buy fruit still on the stem if possible, and eat within a few days.

Overconsumption could cause…

Longan is safe in ordinary amounts, though it is sweet and traditionally considered “heating.”

1. High sugar intake if many are eaten at once, which can matter for people managing diabetes.
2. A “heaty” feeling or sore throat, according to traditional Chinese medicine, if eaten in large amounts.
3. A choking risk from the large seed, particularly for children.
4. Allergic reactions in some people, including oral itching.

GroupsTropical FruitsSoapberry family (Sapindaceae)Low fatLow sodiumRich in vitamin CChineseFresh

Made intoDried Longan

Related foodsLycheeRambutanMangoPineappleFeijoaSoursop

Wikipedia — Longan, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longan