LONGAN

Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is a aromatic, sweet fruit in the same family with the lychee and rambutan, which is native to tropical Asia and China. Because it resembles an eyeball when its lacquered black seed shows through the translucent flesh like a pupil, the fruit is called “long nhãn” (dragon’s eyes) in Vietnamese.

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Having a flesh reminiscent of a peeled grape, the flavor of longan is wonderfully sweet and often described as a mysterious tasting blend of musk, spruce and gardenia. Apart from being eaten raw like other fruits, longan fruit is also often used in Asian soups, snacks, desserts, and sweet-and-sour foods, either fresh or dried, and sometimes preserved and canned in syrup.

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Dried longans are often used in Vietnamese cuisine and sweet dessert soups, especially cooked with lotus seeds to make “chè hạt sen long nhãn” (longan and lotus seed sweet soup). In East Asian food therapy and herbal medicine, it is believed to have an effect on relaxation.

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There are many claims about the health benefits of longan, especially in regions of the world that’ve consumed the fruit for generations. Raw longan fruit contains 83% water, 15% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and contains negligible fat. In a 100-gram reference amount, raw longan supplies 60 calories of food energy. Longan is also a good source of antioxidants, which may help prevent disease.Eaten in moderation, longan can be part of a healthy eating plan. People with diabetes can enjoy the fruit in moderation if they consider the sugar and carb contents and check their blood sugar levels.