|
|
|
Longan Fruit Trees The longan's (Euphoria longan) origin is disputed. It may be native to the west of Burma or alongside the lychee in China. It is in these regions that it is planted on a large scale. Longan is a prolific bearer and thrives in monsoonal regions with pronounced rainy and dry seasons. Longan is by a wide margin Thailand's greatest fruit export, beating pineapple, durian, and pummelo in money value. A very close relative of the longan, the mata kuching (E. malaiensis), also known as cat's eyes, is cultivated in many areas of South East Asia. Lychees are harvested during early summer, longans during mid and late summer and rambutans, due to its many varieties, are available for much of the year with the main harvest in autumn. Maturity is indicated through a change in colour: in lychee no trace of green should remain when harvested. However, this colour change differs, not only among the three fruit, but almost as much among cultivars. The best practical test is to taste the fruit, which should be quite sweet. Commercially, there is pressure to harvest prematurely to obtain higher prices or to minimise losses to wildlife. Fruit is harvested by cutting off the entire panicle. Later lychees and rambutans are separated from the fruit stalk. Longans are best marketed on the fruitstalk, or they should at least retain a short piece of stem. Plucking the fruit during harvest results in skin tears and fruit left on the panicle keeps better. Lychee, longan and rambutan are premier dessert fruit and are usually eaten fresh. Lychee and rambutan appeal to most palates. Although the longan has a sweet and rich flavour, some varieties are musky, and the taste must be acquired. But ultimately many people prefer longans.
|
|
Pray for Our fallen Warriors, Pray more for their families. Please Consider Giving to US Soldier Charity And We will Match You |
