We'll peel back the layers on lychees, exploring how to select, eat, and enjoy these exotic gems. Whether you're a culinary adventurer or simply looking to add some tropical flair to your fruit bowl, get ready to discover why lychees were once considered a treat fit for emperors!

What Are Lychees?

Lychees, also spelled litchi, are tropical fruits native to southern China. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance - Aunty G likes to joke they look like "strawberries with a bad case of chickenpox" - these little fruits pack a punch of sweet, floral flavour.

A Brief History

Lychees have been cultivated in China for thousands of years. They were so highly prized that they were often used as tribute to the Imperial Court. Legend has it that Yang Guifei, the favourite concubine of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, loved lychees so much that the emperor had them delivered by fast horses covering great distances!

How to Select the Perfect Lychee

When you're unpacking your The Épicerie box or browsing at a market, keep in mind:

Colour: Look for lychees that are mostly red with a bit of pink.
Texture: They should feel plump and heavy for their size.
Firmness: A little give when gently squeezed is good, but avoid very soft fruits.
Appearance: Steer clear of lychees with cracks or brown spots.

The Art of Eating a Lychee

Now for the fun part! Here's how to enjoy your lychee :

Crack the shell: Use your thumbnail to pierce the skin near the stem, then gently peel it away.
Reveal the flesh: You'll uncover a translucent white flesh that looks a bit like a peeled grape.
Remove the seed: Most lychees have a seed in the middle. You can either spit it out as you eat or remove it first with your fingers.
Enjoy: Pop the fruit in your mouth and savour that sweet, floral flavour!

Versatile Lychee: Beyond Fresh Eating

While fresh lychees are hard to beat, here are some other delicious ways to enjoy them:

In fruit salads: Pair with other tropical fruits like mango and pineapple.
As a dessert topping: Try them over vanilla ice cream for a heavenly treat.
In drinks: Add to iced tea or cocktails for a refreshing twist.
Dried: Nature's candy - chewy and sweet.
Preserved: Enjoy them in syrup or canned when fresh ones aren't available.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Health Benefits of Lychee

Lychees aren't just delicious; they're packed with nutrients too! Here's what you get in a 100g serving (about 10 lychees):

Calories: 66
Carbohydrates: 16.5g
Fibre: 1.3g
Vitamin C: 72% of the Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 18% of the DV
Potassium: 5% of the DV

Key Benefits:

High in Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Good Source of Copper: Important for forming red blood cells and maintaining nerve cells.
Antioxidant-Rich: Contains flavonoids that may help protect against chronic diseases.
Hydrating: With a water content of about 82%, lychees can contribute to your daily fluid intake.

Storing Your Lychees

To make the most of your L'Épicerie lychee delivery:

Fresh lychees: Store in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.
Peeled lychees: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frozen lychees: Peel and deseed before freezing. They'll keep for up to 6 months.

Sustainability Spotlight

Lychees are typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions. To enjoy them sustainably:

Choose lychees from The Épicerie or other sources that prioritize responsible farming practices.
Enjoy lychees in season to reduce the carbon footprint from long-distance transportation.
Use all parts of the lychee - the peels can be composted or used to make a fragrant tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat lychee seeds? No, lychee seeds are not edible and should be discarded.
Are canned lychees as nutritious as fresh ones? While canned lychees are convenient, they may contain added sugars and fewer vitamins than fresh lychees.
Can dogs eat lychees? While the flesh is not toxic to dogs, it's best to avoid giving them lychees due to the high sugar content and potential choking hazard from the seed.
How many lychees should I eat in a day? While delicious, lychees are high in sugar. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I grow my own lychee tree? Lychee trees can be grown in warm, humid climates. They require patience, as trees can take up to 10 years to bear fruit!

From its royal history to its sweet, floral flavour, the lychee truly is a fruit fit for emperors. Whether you're enjoying them fresh from your The Épicerie box, blending them into a refreshing granita, or stirring them into a creamy coconut pudding, lychees offer a taste of the tropics that's hard to beat.

What's your favourite way to enjoy lychees? Share your tropical fruit adventures in the comments below!

From The Epicerie with love

Lychee: The Emperor's Fruit.