We Should All Be Longin’ For Longan

Longans are natives of Southeast Asia and related to lychees and rambutans. Growing up in the Philippines, we ate longans like candy (but longans are much better for you). Like lychees, the fruit is sweet and succulent, but they are a little smaller and the sweetness is a little drier. They’re eaten fresh and also used soups, snacks, desserts, and sweet-and-sour foods. They’re also easy to eat — just peel off the smooth skin to get to the fruit, then eat it like a cherry, removing the seed. It better to wait until just before serving to peel the fruit.  Sometimes the seeds are used in cooking or for tea.

longan

Longan is used as remedy for stomach ache and insomnia. It’s said to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Longan fruit contains a good amount of vitamin C and provides 80% of daily requirement. It also contains minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. It is rich in Vitamin A and essential antioxidants . You can buy fresh longans online from Amazon or Melissas.com. You can also buy canned longan, lychee, jackfruit and coconut meat online from the Temple of Thai website.

Try my Longan Smoothie recipe. You’ll love it!

Longan Smoothie

1 cup canned or fresh longan fruit, sliced
½ cup fresh coconut meat
1 cup crushed ice
½ cup water
½ cup of syrup from canned longan (optional)

Mix ingredients together in a blender until thoroughly mixed.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy this cool, exotic smoothie with its delightful flavor and nutritious benefits.