The Little-known Lychee Fruit
The red, rough leathery exterior of Lychee Fruit conceals an exotically translucent white flesh. The delightfully sweet flavor and satisfying juiciness is a snack treat or the perfect ending to a nice meal. With spelling variations such as “litchi,” this interesting fruit is from the soapberry family and grows on an evergreen tree that can reach 100 feet high. The sturdy, bumpy skin is easily peeled and contains a large inedible seed inside the creamy pulp. Let’s learn more today about the little-known Lychee Fruit.
Lychee Fruit was first mentioned in Chinese literature around 1059 A.D. They were produced in Burma in the 1600’s, in the West Indies in the 1700’s, and then made it to English and French greenhouses in the 1800’s. Now an international fruit, Lychee Fruit thrive in warm, humid climates like Florida, California, and Hawaii. Apparently, they are a high-yield crop, with the average five-year-old tree producing 500 fruits and a 20-year-old tree producing between 4,000 and 5,000 fruits.
Lychee Fruit stores well and stays fresh for several weeks after being harvested. When they turn brown, they are actually sweeter. Dried Lychees are similar to giant raisins and are a prized delicacy in some countries. When stored airtight, they will last as long as a year. Here are some of the ways that Lychees NOURISH LIFE:
- They are rich in dietary fiber! Soluble and insoluble fiber are essential to optimal bowel regularity and to maintenance of a healthy weight.
- They contain oligonol. This unique polyphenol nutrient has been researchedwidely and been found to inhibit the influenza virus, as published in Phytomedicine. It is also thought to have antioxidant properties, improve blood flow, and enhance weight loss.
- They contain rutin. Rutin, also found in apple peels, is a bioflavonoid that is believed to strengthen blood vessels and would therefore be helpful with varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and internal bleeding. In the 1940’s it was called “Vitamin P” although it is not actually a vitamin.
- They are loaded with Vitamin C. Just one Lychee Fruit provides 119 percent of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps protect the body against infections and chronic inflammation.
- They help the body work more efficiently. Other key nutritive ingredients include Potassium, Thiamin, Niacin, Folate, and Copper, all crucial in supporting vitality.
START SOMEWHERE today exploring the little-known Lychee Fruit. A delicious salad topper or in a refreshing Lychee-Lime Cooler, this interesting whole food is packed with flavor. NOURISH LIFE with more whole, unprocessed food. You can do it. I will help you!