Longan is a tree of the sapindaceae family. It reaches a height of 10-20 meters. It grows mainly in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Grown from the edible fruit of the same name, which grows in bunches. A related plant is the Chinese lychee.
Fruits from trees all summer long, and up to 200 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from one tree.
The size of the fruit is small, about the size of a walnut. The fruits have a translucent white or pinkish tinge, juicy and sweet pulp, quite aromatic. Sometimes it can be sour. The shell of the fruit is thin, inedible and has a yellowish to reddish color with spots. In the very middle is a hard seed that can be dark red or black. Longan tastes like musk. It is sold like grapes, in bunches. There are three varieties on sale, but many varieties of longan are grown.
The fruits are used in cooking and folk medicine.
Fruits contain vitamins B1, B2, C, PP, minerals: iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, polysaccharides. The fruits have such actions as immunostimulating, antioxidant and tonic. Moreover, they are completely calorie-free - only 60 kcal per 100 g.
Longan will be an excellent helper for the following ailments:
In addition, in case of a cold, the pulp of the fruit will help relieve fever, and it also improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
If you use longan regularly, you can improve your well-being, concentration and memory.
Due to the low calorie content, the product can be considered dietary and can be consumed even with a diet (if it allows the use of fruits).
In the course of research, acids useful for the body were identified, such as gallic, ellagic, etc. - all of them have antioxidant properties and are excellent defenders of the liver and other organs from the negative effects of chemotherapy.
The Vietnamese use longan to apply to the site of a snake bite - the locals believe that this fruit can absorb all the poison that the snake has released. In China, not only fruits are sold, but also leaves and flowers in markets with medicinal plants. These parts of the tree are prized for the fact that they contain quercitrin and quercetin.
Longan seeds are an effective remedy for increased sweating. The crushed kernels are used to stop external bleeding.
When choosing a longan, you should pay attention to its peel. It should be free from cracks and tight. If the fruit is not ripe, then you can let it lie down for a while, most likely, it was just removed from the tree, not yet ripe.
Most often, the fruits are eaten raw, after having got rid of the inedible peel. It can also be used to create a simple, tasty meal. In this case, it is served with coconut milk and glutinous rice, and ice can be added if desired.
In Thailand, you can find a drink with the addition of longan juice. This cocktail quenches thirst and improves appetite. It is also served with hot and spicy dishes, it is used to stuff buns, added to ice cream and salads.
Both Thailand and China love to make nuts from longan. To do this, they are first boiled and then dried.
This fruit is often used as an ingredient in sauces, and it is also combined with fish. On its basis, a liqueur is prepared. The fruits can be preserved.
These fruits have no special contraindications. The only thing is that an allergic reaction to the fruit is possible.
It is worth considering the storage of fruit carefully. And although they are not picky about the conditions, it is best to put them in the refrigerator - there they can "live" up to a week. And outside of it - no more than three days.
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Exotic longan (the second name of the fruit is Lam Yai) comes to us from the countries of Southeast Asia. The fruits ripen on one branch in the form of a bunch of grapes and are distinguished by juicy pulp with a clear aftertaste of musk.
The fruits of the fruit are “dressed” in a dense skin that can be removed without any problems. The pulp of the "dragon's eye" - this is how the inhabitants of China called the fruit for its unusual "appearance" in a purified form - translucent, brownish or yellowish-red hue.
Inside the longan there is a large dark bone, clearly visible through the transparent flesh - hence the name: "dragon's eye". You can buy an unusual fruit in grocery hypermarkets.
The composition of longan is traditionally quite varied for all exotic fruits. So, one hundred grams of its pulp contains:
It is because of such a high water content that the calorie content of the fruit is quite low: there are only 60 kilocalories per one hundred grams of a delicacy. This calorie content allows you to introduce the fruits of longan into all "berry" diets. Fortunately, you can buy the "dragon's eye" almost all year round.
The pulp of the fruit contains many vitamins. In particular, a large amount of vitamin C and vitamins from the B group - B1, B2, B3. There are many in its composition and various macro - and microelements. Longan fruits can be called the record holders for potassium content - one hundred grams of pulp contains as much as 226 mg.
But the beneficial properties of the plant do not end there, since the plant itself (tree) also benefits. The leaves contain a special substance - quartztin. It is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, simultaneously exhibiting bactericidal and antiviral effects. Longan leaves are used to prepare decoctions and infusions, which are used in folk medicine to treat the following pathologies:
Lam Yai bones contain a lot of saponins. In the homeland of the plant, the seeds are thoroughly crushed and lowered into water. This produces a good lather that can be used in place of shampoo.
The fruit is most often eaten fresh. But there is an opinion that the real taste of the delicacy can be felt after heat treatment of the fruit. Dried longan is used in beverage recipes.
The fruits can be stored. For this purpose, they can be dried, frozen and preserved. After defrosting, the fruit is in no way inferior in taste to fresh serving. Longan juice is used for preservation. In this case, sugar can not be added to the filling.
Before you buy longan fruit, you need to assess the condition of its peel. There should be no cracks, dents or other defects on its surface.
The ripeness of a delicacy can only be appreciated after it has been peeled and tasted. Unfinished fruits will slightly sour. Such a bunch should be put in a warm place and left for several days. Store ripe fruit in the refrigerator.
As such, there are no contraindications to the use of longan fruits. The delicacy can be harmful only with individual intolerance.
If desired, this exotic tree can also be grown at home. Bones are used as planting material. First, you need to completely free them from the pulp and dry them for a couple of days.
How to grow longan? The process is quite simple:
This is how longan is grown at home. In the future, the tree is grown in the same way as any tropical plant.
Outwardly, longan is very similar, with the difference that its peel is not bright red with pronounced tubercles, but ocher-yellow (sometimes orange), slightly rough, covered with brownish specks... A large purple-black stone shines through through the transparent, jelly-like flesh of the fruit. In China, Longan is called "Longyan", which means "Dragon's Eye".
In our supermarkets, healthy exotic fruit is almost never found, but tourists who have visited Thailand are unlikely to bypass it. As far as possible, longan should be brought as an edible "souvenir" - one cannot but like its taste.
Now let's take a closer look at the popular Asian "guest".
The homeland of the evergreen tree Dimocarpus longan is the mountain range on the border of Myanmar and southern China.
For the first time, Longan, along with lychee, is mentioned in an ancient legend about the Chinese emperor of the Han dynasty, who ruled in 200 BC. NS. According to sources, the monarch dreamed of planting these fruit trees in the northwestern province of Shaanxing, where the capital of the state was at that time. However, the local climate proved to be unsuitable for the subtropical plants accustomed to the mild conditions of Fujian and Guangdong.
Longan was introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s and to Thailand a few decades later. Chinese diplomats presented as a gift to the wife of the then ruler of the kingdom - Chulalongkorn, only five seedlings, which gave rise to grandiose plantations throughout the country.
Today Thailand is the second largest producer and exporter of Longan, also known locally as "Lam Yai". However, only in this country, due to the variety of climate, the fruit can ripen all year round. 
In addition to Thailand and China, the islands of Taiwan and Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, India, the Philippines, Australia, the USA and Mauritius are engaged in the cultivation of the "dragon's eye" on an industrial scale.
Dimocarpus longan is a low tree, usually no more than 9 - 12 m, a tree with a spreading crown. Sometimes, if the soil and climatic conditions are especially favorable, it can reach 30 m.
The leaves are large, lanceolate, 10 - 20 cm long, with a dark green glossy coating, collected in 6 - 9 pieces on one handle, like an ash tree. Flowers are small, light yellow, grouped according to the "panicle" type. Fruits, with a diameter of about 2.5 cm, form such heavy clusters that the branches collapse under their weight. The yield from one tree is up to 200 kg.
Collect the fruits by hand, cutting them along with the branch. With this method, the fruit is stored much longer.
At the time of collection, the longan must be slightly immature, otherwise there will be difficulties during its transportation. Before getting to our table, the fruits should be soaked a little so that they become as tasty and soft as possible.
Wild Longan is now under threat from massive deforestation. In the International Red Data Book, it is listed as a vulnerable species. 
"Dragon's eye" not only externally, but also. However, it is sweeter, sugary, with a pronounced musky aroma. According to some, the taste of longan is a cross between grape and melon. Although, like every exotic fruit, it is difficult to describe.
It is believed that the best varieties today are grown in Thailand and Vietnam.
Longan is consumed mainly fresh. Only the pulp is edible, but the peel and seeds are used for medicinal purposes.
In Asia, where Longan is from, it is served as an independent dessert, as a topping for ice cream and as part of a complex sweet and sour side dish for fish and meat. Dried fruit is often found in hot Chinese soups, sauces, or snacks. Oriental medicine claims that it has a pronounced sedative effect.
For export, in addition to fresh longan, canned food is supplied - in sugar syrup or without it.
In Vietnam, Indonesia and China, liqueurs and soft drinks are made from this tropical fruit.
Like other tropical fruits, longan quickly deteriorates at home... At room temperature, he is able to lie no more than 3 days, and in the refrigerator, in a plastic bag - up to a week.
If you want to significantly extend the shelf life of the product, it should be frozen.
While in Thailand or other Asian countries, it is difficult to resist the temptation to bring local tropical fruits to family and friends. Longan, unlike durian or Vietnamese coconuts, is just one of those fruits that you can and even need to take with you.
What to consider when doing this:
The dense skin of the fruit is inedible, but easy to remove. To do this, you need to tear off the longan from the branch and squeeze it with two fingers at the stalk. With proper ripeness, the peel will burst and be removed in two halves.
Another option is to make an incision in the peel with nail scissors or a knife, and then peel it off, much like an egg shell.
Those who taste the exotic oriental fruit for the first time often ask, is it okay to eat the longan seed? Probably, there is a fear of accidentally swallowing it, since the fruit is small. We urge everyone to be careful! The dragon's eye bone is considered to be as unfit for food as that of the lychee.
Longan can be safely included in your menu for those who are struggling with excess weight or just keep an eye on their figure, since it is 82% water. 100 g of fruit contains only 60 kcal. At the same time, the product saturates the body with carbohydrates and allows you not to feel hunger for a long time.
But dried fruits are best eaten in limited quantities, since their calorie content is much higher - 286 kcal / 100g.
A very short video, from which you will learn how longan is sold, how it can be cleaned, what is inside, and what it tastes like.
Small in size, the fruit has a unique vitamin and mineral composition. In particular, it is rich in:
It also contains:
Attention!
For medicinal purposes, it is better to use dried fruits, since all the beneficial substances in them (except for vitamin C) are in a concentrated form.
Tourists who come to Asian countries, where the climate and food are completely different, can eat the "dragon's eye" to reduce the stress on the stomach and help it digest unfamiliar food better. The adaptation will be faster. A single serving should consist of 7-10 fruits, no more.
It's not just longan pulp that is beneficial. The leaves and flowers of the plant contain large amounts of the flavonols quercetin and quercetrin, which have pronounced antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. They are often included in medicinal teas and teas.
Longan bone in Vietnam is traditionally applied to the site of a snake bite, believing that it helps to neutralize the poison. Whether this is true or not is unknown, but there is no doubt about another property of the seed: when crushed, it is an excellent anthelmintic.
Longan ("dragon eye") is one of the most useful and delicious exotic fruits. If possible, it should be tried when traveling. And be sure to bring it with you.
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Longan (Lam Yai) is the fruit of the evergreen longan tree, common in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Longan's skin is thin and dense, but in fact it is very easy to peel off. Longan's color ranges from brown to yellowish-red, the flesh of the fruit is translucent, white or pinkish. The juicy pulp of Longan has a sweet, juicy, highly aromatic taste, with a distinct musky aftertaste. Longan tastes like lychee and in general, these two fruits are very similar. Like the Chinese lychee, the longan fruit contains a hard, dark red or black seed. Longan grows in clusters on evergreen trees, the height of which can reach from ten to twenty meters.
Harvesting season: June-August. Longan grows mainly in the northern regions of Thailand, in Chiang Mai and Lamphun.
Longan's homeland is either the lands west of Burma or the area of origin of Litchi in China. It is in these regions that they are grown on a large scale. Longan has another name - "longyan" - which means "dragon's eye" in Chinese. Longan is believed to be originally grown in southern India and the island of Sri Lanka.
Longan is sold as grapes, in bunches. The skin of a ripe fruit should be firm, and cracks in the skin are unacceptable. More ripe is not the longan that has just been plucked from the tree, but the one that has already lain a little on the store counter. Try longan before buying, as the fruits are sweeter or more sour.
Longan can be stored for two to three days at room temperature or five to seven days in the refrigerator.
Longan contains many vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as high amounts of vitamins and. Recent studies on euphoria have shown that the fruit also contains phenols such as gallic acid, ellagic and corylagic acids, indicating that the fruit may have antioxidant properties, reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy, and protect the liver.
Longan contains riboflavin and is a natural source of polysaccharides, supporting cellular health.
The exotic longan fruit has a pleasant aroma and exquisite taste. It is also called sweet "dragon eye", longan plum and lam yay. The pulp is juicy, with a pronounced musk flavor. The skin is firm but easy to remove. You can buy the fruits of the longan tree in large grocery stores, the main thing is not to confuse them with lychee because of their external resemblance.
The plant is tropical, respectively, thermophilic, rather tall (on average 7–8 m). It can be grown in greenhouses and apartments (in pots). With regard to the unusual name, Vietnam has Long An province, where these fruits continue to be grown today. Basically, the fruits ripen from June to August, the harvest is harvested during the summer. However, the climate in different parts of the province is different, therefore, year-round harvesting is possible.
Fruits are small, about 2-4 cm in diameter, ripen in clusters. Under the brown shell, a juicy pulp is hidden, which has a jelly consistency. The fruit is white, translucent, with a dark pit inside, which is why it is called the dragon's eye. Longan differs from lychee in a less rough surface. The pits and peels are not edible.
There are several versions of the origin of the exotic fruit. According to one version, in 200 BC. NS. in China (Shaanxing province), the ruler decided to plant the best, in his opinion, fruit trees (lychee and longan), but due to lack of heat they did not take root. But longan fruits ripen in other provinces - Fujian and Guangdong, from where they are still exported. It is China that is the main exporter of fruit. The fruits are no less popular in Thailand. In official sources, there is a reference from 1896 about a traveler's visit to the Thai government. He brought seedlings from China, which were planted not only in the capital, but also in one of the provinces of the kingdom - Chiang Mai. Since then, longan fruits have been harvested in Thailand.
Fruit trees have taken root outside Asia - in Puerto Rico, Mauritius and Bermuda, in Australia. They are grown in Taiwan, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, Cambodia, India, Vietnam. The same list can include Sri Lanka, USA, Philippines, Malaysia. However, longans are not as common there as in China and Thailand.
In Southeast Asia, the sale of exotic fruits brings good profit. One third of fresh longans are sent to Europe and America, Asian countries. Most of the harvested crop is processed, so the "dragon's eye" can be bought not only fresh, but also dried or canned. The main suppliers of the fruit are China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India.
The fruit is unique in taste. It is sweet, combining several flavors at once - fresh kiwi, sweet melon, ripe berries. A distinctive feature is a pronounced musky aroma. Although longan is not as juicy as lychee, it is sweeter. There are also some similarities with Spanish lime and rambutan.
There are about 50 varieties of exotic fruit. But there are several varieties that are of the greatest value - Bieo khieo (there is a noticeable green tint on the peel), Do (fruits have a flattened shape), Si chomphu (pink pulp, juicy).
The product is low-calorie, therefore it is included in the diet if it is necessary to follow a diet. 100 g of fruit contains only 60 kcal. Of the minerals, the composition contains potassium, manganese, iron, zinc. In addition, longan contains calcium, magnesium, copper and phosphorus.
The vitamin composition is represented by vitamins C and B (B1, 2, 3). Longan plum contains high levels of ascorbic acid (84 mg), potassium (266 mg) and water (82 g). The content of carbohydrates, proteins, fats per 100 g of fruits - 15, 1.3, 0.1 g, respectively, fiber - 1.1 g.
The product contains a lot of potassium, therefore, when consumed, the heart rate normalizes, more oxygen enters the brain. As a result, there is a positive effect on mental activity and other important processes in the body.
Given the high content of ascorbic acid, "dragon eye" is an excellent tool for strengthening immunity, eliminating vitamin deficiency and colds. Positive changes also occur due to the intake of B vitamins. Thiamine has a beneficial effect on the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems. Riboflavin acts as a regulator of the nervous system, helps to obtain energy from carbohydrates. Niacin helps maintain a healthy looking skin, promotes vasodilation and mitigates negative effects on the nervous system.
When eating the fruit, the following effects develop:
Not only the fruits are useful, but also the leaves of the plant containing quracetin:
Like fruits, longan leaves are a powerful natural antioxidant. Also, when using them, antiviral and bactericidal action is noted. Medicinal decoctions and infusions are prepared on the basis of the leaves.
The seeds contain a large amount of saponins. By grinding them and combining them with water, a soap foam is formed. This product is used as a shampoo base.
The fruit is used as an aphrodisiac and tonic. Its pulp is added to products intended for the treatment of disorders in the digestive tract. According to the results of one of the studies, regular consumption of the fruit can significantly improve the condition of patients who have been diagnosed with damage to the liver and other organs.
In Vietnam, longan is also used externally. For example, with the help of a fruit, they eliminate the negative effects of insect and snake bites. It is applied with a bone to the damaged areas. It is believed to be able to draw out toxic substances and disinfect the bite site. It is important to apply longan in a timely manner.
Longan is used to maintain mental capacity and maintain a good memory. The substances contained in the exotic fruit protect against sudden cardiac arrest and cardiac attacks. Regular use of the product allows you to get rid of circulatory problems.
Longan's riboflavin is required to maintain healthy eyes. The daily allowance for women is 1 mg, for men - 1.3 mg. Reducing the risk of developing cataracts and other ophthalmic diseases with a sufficient level of vitamin in the body is confirmed by the study "Archiv oftalmologie" (2005).
Dried fruits are used for iron and copper deficiencies. The daily intake of copper with food for an adult is 900 mcg. If you eat 3.5 dried fruits per day, 19% of the required amount of copper will enter the body. Longan has a positive effect not only on bones, but also on joints, muscle tissue.
Maintaining normal mineral levels improves postmenopausal well-being and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Since only a few longan fruits contain 19% of the daily value of copper, the product is recommended for regular consumption. Moreover, the fruit has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, reduces flabbiness, helps eliminate age spots and dryness, and smooths crow's feet.
Due to the high content of antioxidants, Longan has a rejuvenating, tonic and regenerating effect on the body. With its regular use, strength is restored, metabolic processes are activated.
Longan is an aphrodisiac. It contains a large amount of zinc, an important trace element for the male body. Its normal level must be maintained for the full production of testosterone.
During the period of childbearing, it is worth limiting the use of the "dragon's eye", because with its frequent intake in the body in large quantities, the blood sugar content can significantly decrease, which will lead to the development of such a dangerous condition as hypoglycemia. It is not necessary to completely abandon the Longan, because it contains a lot of iron. To maintain a normal level of this trace element, dried fruits are chosen.
"Dragon's eye" helps women to recover faster after pregnancy and childbirth, therefore, if possible, you should regularly eat several fruits. You should not get carried away with the use of fruit for the same reason as during the period of bearing a baby (the risk of developing hypoglycemia). In addition, the child may have an allergic reaction.
It is better not to give fruit to small children. It is recommended to postpone acquaintance with Longan for up to 3 years.
The product is low in calories, so it is allowed to eat it when losing weight. It is not necessary to include pure fruit in the diet, it can be used as an additional component for cocktails, smoothies, fruit purees and juices. It is also a good addition to curd desserts and yoghurts.
You can consume no more than 100-150 g of longan daily. It is imperative to drink enough clean water. fruits have a diuretic effect on the body. When losing weight, only fresh longan is included in the diet; high-calorie dried fruits are discarded or their use is minimized. It is a fresh product that activates metabolism and speeds up the process of losing weight.
Leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. The positive effect is achieved due to the content of quercetin. This substance belongs to flavonoids, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improves the general condition of the body. Teas, infusions, decoctions are prepared from the raw materials obtained.
Bones are used in the production of care and treatment products. From this part of the fruit, a pomace is obtained, saturated with tannins and fats. This ingredient in antiperspirants helps fight excessive sweating.
The seeds of the fruit contain sapotin, it is added to shampoos and conditioners as an ingredient that improves hair condition. At home, the pulp is used for masks for peeling and irritation on the skin. Sapotin heals the skin, moisturizes it and saturates it with useful substances. As a result of prolonged use of masks, a lifting effect can be achieved.
The fruits are not only consumed fresh, but also used for freezing, canning, making liqueurs and dried fruits. They are added to drinks, sauces, salads and desserts. For example, it could be mousse, ice cream, or cocktail. Longan is also used as a filling for baking.
In Asian countries, longan soup is made from coconut milk. You can boil rice porridge with the fruits of the "dragon's eye" or make a tonic drink. To obtain a refreshing agent, the pulp is combined with sugar and boiled until it dissolves, water is poured into the fruit puree with syrup.
In China and Thailand, the pulp is boiled and then dried. The taste of the finished dessert is reminiscent of raisins. And most importantly, nutrients are not destroyed with this method of processing. In regions where exotic fruits are grown, it is common to combine sweet fruits with fish and spicy food. For Europeans, simpler combinations are preferred - cocktails and alcohol with exotic fruit, salad or ice cream.
To get healthy dried fruits as an additional ingredient for meat and fish dishes or rice, longan is boiled in syrup, then dried in a convenient way. You can use a dryer or oven. Another option is also possible - to place the product in the sun, drying it naturally.
This recipe takes 2 hours to complete, the ingredients are listed for 6 servings of fragrant pastries. Dates and longan plum are used for the filling.
Ingredients for the dough:
Preparation:
The dish can be eaten hot or warm or cold. To make the rice look appetizing, put it in a deep bowl covered with cling film. It is pressed down and transferred to a plate. For convenience, you can place the plate against the bowl, turn it over, and then remove the plastic wrap.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Ingredients:
Preparation:
This drink is served chilled. If desired, use lime for decoration. Cool the liqueur with ice. Liquor can be consumed neat or added to cocktails.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
In general, the product is safe, but in some cases you should stop using it:
The harm to the fruit is manifested in cases when unripe fruits are eaten (asthma may develop).
An overdose of vitamin C is dangerous to the body. Among the signs of this condition are diarrhea, vomiting. White blood cells may even be damaged.
In Asian countries, the fruit is sold all year round. In appearance, it is difficult to assess whether it is ripe or not. For this reason, it is recommended that you first buy a few fruits to sample. If the taste is sour, longan can be left in a warm place for several days. After ripening, it is required to move it to the refrigerator for storage.
There are no spots on the peel of a quality fruit, the color is uniform. You should also inspect the fruit for rot and damage to the integrity of the peel. There should be no defects. Deformed fruits with damage lose their taste and benefits.
After harvesting, the fruits are dipped in ice water. This prevents the fruit from overripe. The same is done with the longan when it is not planned to use it right away.
Bunches of the "dragon's eye" are collected immature and consumed at least 1–2 days after collection. Ripe fruit is stored for 7 days (in the event that it is placed in a cold place), then begins to deteriorate. It should be borne in mind that when buying fruits in the autumn period, the shelf life is reduced.
Only pulp is used for food, no more than 150-200 g per day. Vitamin C in such an amount of "dragon's eye" is as much as 84 mg, while the daily norm is 75–90 mg.
To cleanse the fruit, it is squeezed strongly. The skin is cracked and can be easily removed. You can go the other way and make a small incision. It is not difficult to remove the bone, it easily leaves the pulp. The fruit can be pre-sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or sugar alone and eaten.
The taste of the fruit is unlike anything, so you should definitely try longan at least once in your life!
