Longan, or ลำไย “lum yai” in Thai, is a juicy, candy fruit that tastes much like lychee. Known as “dragon’s eye” due to its translucent, white flesh with a central black seed, longan is a popular choice when it comes to tropical fruits in Thailand. When visiting Thailand, longan fruit is a must-try because of its sweetness and quite a few culinary functions. Let’s discover this delicious tropical fruit’s history, seasonality, health benefits, variety.
The longan fruit, scientifically referred to as Dimocarpus Longan, has an extended history in Asia. It is believed to be native to the realm together with southern China, northern Vietnam, and eastern Thailand, as properly as Myanmar.
The longan fruit is grown in many provinces across Thailand with the northern provinces accounting for almost all of manufacturing. The longan fruit thrives in locations with cooler climates, similar to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Lampang. As Billion , longan is a vital supply of earnings for these areas. Thailand is currently one of many world’s high exporters of longan.
Longan has a comparatively short harvesting season when compared to other year-round-producing Thai fruits like papayas and bananas. Normally, the fruit bushes bloom in March and April, they usually begin to reveal fruit in June and September, which is the peak longan season – that is the greatest time to buy the fruit as it is low-cost and in nice provide. Longan is regularly consumed by Thais either straight up or added to various pastries, smoothies, and shaved ice desserts.
Aside from its delicious taste, the longan fruit is full of nutritional benefits that contribute to its reputation.
With an abundance of vitamin C, longan fruits effectively fight signs of aging, improving pigmentation, blemishes, nice traces, and wrinkles. The fruit additionally aids collagen production, encouraging new skin cell creation, and maintaining skin well being.
Longan holds a important portion of potassium, a vital element in managing blood pressure. Numerous diet experts regard potassium as a nutrient that is commonly under-consumed.
In our hectic modern lives, many battle with insomnia. Longan, with its anxiolytic properties, might help alleviate stress and anxiousness by lowering cortisol levels, in the end bettering sleep high quality and duration.
A lack of sufficient healthy pink blood cell technology might result in anaemia. Therefore, consuming the fruit can supply you with iron, which may help in managing iron deficiency and lowering the chance of anaemia.
Several kinds of longan fruit are cultivated across Thailand, every with distinct traits. The most prominent kinds of longan found in Thailand embody:
This small, oval variety of longan has a lightweight sweetness and is usually utilized in regional meals and beverages. Notably, the Biew Kiew longan tree has a high yield and produces an abundance of scrumptious fruit. Consequently, it is the variety that is most grown for business production.
Sri Chompoo longans, directly translated as pink-coloured longans, are a visually appealing choice since, as it has rose-tinted color. This selection is sought-after for its price due to its alluring pink tint, massive measurement, and mouthwatering sweetness.
Renowned for their consistent roundness and large size, the longan Haew selection has slightly thicker skin compared to different varieties. Their notable sweetness and aromatic aroma make them a favorite among fruit lovers.
Thailand has an abundance of vibrant street markets that promote recent, locally grown longans for cheap prices. Some well-known markets in Bangkok embody the Chatuchak Night Market, Chinese Market (in Chinatown), Tor Kor Market, and Khlong Toei Market.
Visit your nearest grocery store to purchase longan (particularly through the longan season). Some of the most well-liked and widespread supermarkets are Tesco Lotus, Big C, Macro, and Tops Market.
The longan fruit offers a delightful and refreshing style that’s uniquely Thai. So, the next time you are in Thailand or see longans being sold at an area market and supermarket, be certain to buy and indulge within the scrumptious sweetness of the longan..