Longan is a fruit that comes from the same soapberry family of trees that play host to different fruits like rambutan, lychee, korlan, guarana, ackee and genip. Longan is a rounded fruit with tan skin, and the inside contains slightly gelatinous clear-colored meat. The fruit is rich in a number of different vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Not only this, but it is loved for its potent antioxidant content that may go a long way in strengthening the immune system to fight off toxins and infection.
What is Longan?
Longan is a species of a tropical tree that is found in most tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is believed to have first originated in the mountain ranges between Southern China and Myanmar. The tree is a part of the soapberry family where things such as rambutan, lychee, genip, guarana, and korlan are found. These fruits are used as diversely as the other soapberry fruits are and are a common staple in the places in which they are grown.
What does Longan taste like?
Longan is known for its slightly musky flavor that is sweeter than anything. It has a complex taste that makes it a great addition to fruit salads to change up the usual flavor of dishes but can also be enjoyed on its own. These fruits are sweet in the same way that a lychee fruit is and is often compared to the lychee because of it. The main difference between these two fruits is that the longan tree usually bears fruit a little later than lychee trees.
What are the health benefits of consuming Longan?
Longan is full of antioxidants, which, outside of its unique flavor, is one of the main reasons that longan fruits are enjoyed. The high concentration of antioxidants may help support the immune system in its fight against infections, bacteria, and toxins in the body that are introduced through the free radicals in the environment. This helps to slow down cellular aging both inside the body and of the skin. They are also full of minerals like phosphorus, iron, potassium, and magnesium as well as Vitamin A, making them a healthy choice to incorporate into your diet for those who struggle to meet their recommended daily nutrient values.
