Fruit

Longan

Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is a small round subtropical fruit related to lychee, with thin tan-brown shell, translucent white aril, and a single glossy dark seed. Flavour is sweetly floral and musky—often described as milder and less sharp than lychee—with a juicy, slightly crisp bite when fully ripe. Clusters ripen in hot, humid Asian orchards; Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan lead production, with smaller plantings in Australia and the Americas. Fresh longan is eaten out of hand, chilled in syrup, dried for Chinese soups and teas (“dragon eye”), or canned. Shell cracks under gentle pressure; the aril slips free of the seed. Dried fruit concentrates sugar and a smoky-caramel note used in sweet broths and dessert soups. Choose firm shells without mould; flesh should be clear white, not brown or fermented-smelling.