Lychee: Litchi fruit, nutritional value, lychee fruit near me
Lychee is becoming one of the most popular fruits in many countries not only in Asia but also in America and Europe. What makes this tropical fruit famous? The following details definitely help clarify this question.
What is lychee?
Lychee, also known as litchi or lichi is an evergreen tree of the soapberry family. The tree is grown for its edible fruit. This tropical plant is native to the Fujian and Guangdong provinces of southeastern China.
The litchi tree produces small fleshy fruits. The fruit is round to oval in shape. Its roughly textured skin color ranges from yellow to pinkish or red. The edible portion of the fruit, the sweet flesh is succulent, white and translucent. There is a shiny, dark brown seed inside the flesh.
Planting area
The most favorable conditions for the development of lychee is the tropical climate with high summer heat, rainfall, and humidity. This plant is best on well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter and mulch
Litchi originated in the north tropical rainforests and mountain forests of Southern China. After that, it has spread from there to other countries in Southeast Asia, parts of India, South Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Caribbean, Brazil, Israel, Australia, and the southeastern United States.
Nutritional value and health benefits
Litchi is an abundant supply of source or nutrients.
In 100 fruit fresh, there are 66 calories. Instead of saturated fats or cholesterol, this tropical fruit is composed of good amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Many studies found that oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol, is mostly found in lychee fruit. Oligonol is believed to compose a plentiful of anti-oxidant and anti-influenza virus actions. Moreover, oligonol helps improve blood flow to organs, lose weight, and protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
Lychee, like passion fruits, is an excellent supply of vitamin-C. A 100g of fresh fruits provide 71.5 mg, equivalent to 119% of daily recommended value. Daily consumption of vitamin C helps the human body oppose the infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
Additionally, litchi is an abundant source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folates. These vitamins help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
The fruit also contains many minerals, especially potassium, and copper. While the potassium directly affects on controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus, it offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases, copper takes responsibility for the production of red blood cells.
On the other hand, many other beneficial compounds of the litchi are listed in the table above.
How to eat lychee?
Similarly to rambutan, the seed and the skin of litchi are inedible. So, before consuming the flesh, it is important to remove them. The flavor is so unique. It is somewhat similar to a mix of pear, grape, rosewater or floral flavors. The fruit can be directly consumed or added to fruit salad pairs. Also, it pairs well with ice cream. Moreover, a lychee smoothie is a smart choice, too. Especially, dried litchi fruit is a must-have for your snack.
Where to buy?
Lychee is a well-known kind of fruit in China and Southeast Asia. Especially, “Thanh Ha” litchi – a famous type in Vietnam with high-quality would definitely satisfy the most discerning diner. Contact us via info@freshexotic.co to get the freshest and best-quality lychee. We are waiting for you. Thank you.
Visit Us
- 92/14/10 Street No.2, Truong Tho ward, Thu Duc district, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
- info@freshexotic.co
- (+84) 283 620 7898
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