Longan: properties and recommendations for use

Rest in China or Thailand is necessarily accompanied not only by a review of local attractions, but also the use of unusual fruits, vegetables and dishes.That is why every tourist simply must try longan. This inexpensive plant is quite popular on the islands of Indonesia due to its unusual characteristics.

The homeland of Longan is China, but the fruit is also widespread in Thailand and Vietnam. This plant belongs to the Sapindian genus, and its other name is known to the people - “the dragon's eye”. The tree is characterized by high altitude, sometimes up to twelve meters. The crown is formed by densely growing branches of great length with a diameter of about ten meters. The normal development and vital activity of a culture requires warmth and high humidity.

Under these conditions, about two hundred kilograms of fruit per season can be harvested from a tree.

Longan is considered to be the exotic plant that is able to produce year-round harvest. Thai fruit looks like a ball. Fruits form into large clusters that look like grapes. The dragon eye can be as large as one to two and a half centimeters. The color of the fruit are different - from light beige to orange color. The flesh of the fruit can be described as translucent and rather delicate in texture, on top of it is covered with coarse peel. Inedible bone is inside, it is painted in a dark color.

Close relatives of longan are rambutan, lychee, spanish lime. The “dragon eye” is a light brown small fruit growing on a tree. He is often confused with litchi, but their differences are visible to the naked eye. The fruit of the second type is larger, and the skin has a reddish tint. In addition, there is a difference in the peel of the fruit: in litchi it has a roughness, and in longan it is absolutely smooth.

The taste, the consistency of the pulp and the way of consuming these fruits are very similar to each other.

Taste longan peculiar and indescribable. Each tried describes it in its own way. But many people claim that the taste of this fruit is quite similar to grapes. Some people think that it is more like a melon.

The caloric content of one hundred grams of "dragon eyes" is sixty kcal. A larger volume of fruit is water. The mineral composition of longan includes calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. What pumps vitamins, this fruit contains eighty percent of vitamin C of its daily need for the human body. Delicious fruits are saturated with thiamine, riboflavin and niacin, but they do not contain cholesterol. Useful and healing properties of the "dragon eye" are as follows.

• Normalization of the nervous system. Eating longan has a beneficial effect on people who suffer from diseases of the nerves. According to the recommendations of the doctors, the fruit should be eaten by a person with a nervous breakdown and as a remedy for depression. The unique composition of the fruit can not only calm but also relieve fatigue, as well as save a person from neurosis and insomnia.
• Improving the process of cell regeneration. The properties of Longana include stimulation of wound healing, as well as an increase in the life span. This effect is achieved thanks to polyphenols that are in the composition of the fruit. It is they who fight free radicals, while preventing cellular damage. There is information that these fruits can reduce the likelihood of cancer.
• Fighting anemia. Eating "dragon eyes" helps to improve blood circulation. A large percentage of iron in the fruit protects the person from the occurrence of iron deficiency and anemia.
• Tonic effect. Filling the body with strength and energy is one of the most beneficial qualities of the fetus. This fruit tones and refreshes. The fruits of an exotic product are effective for insomnia, anxiety, which arise on the basis of a lack of strength and energy in the body.

• To lose weight. Thai fruit - an excellent basis for a diet for weight loss. It contains a small amount of fat and carbohydrates. Longan can be used as a healthy snack by those who wish to lose weight. Complex carbohydrates that are in the composition of the fruit, fill the body with strength and energy, reducing appetite.
• Enhance immunity. In Longane, a large proportion of vitamin C. If you eat this fruit, you can increase the level of protection of your body against colds, strengthen the immune system, and improve the condition of the skin integument.
• Reduced stress conditions. Thai fruit has the ability to reduce stress and fatigue, as well as to stimulate the functionality of the spleen, heart, normalization of blood circulation. Due to the soothing effect, the risk of heart disease and strokes is reduced.
• Improving the condition of the skin and hair. The “dragon eye” has great benefits for the beauty of skin and hair. Using the pulp of the fruit can reduce the effect of flaking, dryness, increase the elasticity of the skin. Longan is needed to keep teeth and gums healthy. There is saponin in the seeds of this fruit, it is beneficial for the condition of the hair. It can be added to shampoos or conditioners.
• Reduced sweating. Longan is often used to fight strong perspiration. Saponin, a tanning agent and fat contained in longan, are often used by cosmetologists to reduce the secretion of sweat.
• Treatment of snake bites. If an accident has occurred, the seeds of longan are applied to the affected area. At the same time you should not lose a minute. The fruit pulls poisons and heals the bite site.

The fruit of the "dragon eye" should be attributed to the group of products for which there are practically no contraindications. It can be harmful only for those people who have an individual intolerance to its components. An allergic reaction may also occur, as is often the case when eating an exotic fruit. That is why when you first eat this product should be very careful.

Often the sale of the fruits of longan is in the form of bunches. When choosing this product is to first look at the condition in which the skin. It should be characterized by integrity, it should also not contain cracks and damage. In case of slightly left-lying berries, the taste will be much brighter and more pleasant than that of only those that have been picked.

It is often difficult for many people to determine whether the fruits are mature or not by their appearance. Therefore, it is better, before making a purchase, to taste one fruit. The acidity of the fruit taste indicates a lack of ripeness of the longan. Well, if you have already purchased an unripe product, then you should not despair, after it has been warm for several days, it will become sweet and tasty.

Longan is a small balls that are covered with a hard shell. Removing the shell is quite simple. After the fruit is picked from the branch, it should be placed between two fingers, pressing a little. Next, the peel will burst, which means that you can begin to remove the skin. After cleaning, the flesh remains in the hands with a hard bone.

In most cases, the "dragon eye" is eaten raw. Some people believe that the true taste of the fruit can be felt only when it is heat treated.Fruit is used in dried form as an excellent addition to various drinks. In Thailand, people add fruit to a salad, syrup, dessert, ice cream, and pastries.

People who buy the dragon's eye for the first time are looking for an answer to the question of its proper storage. A fruit that is fully ripe can be kept warm for up to six days. To keep the treat longer, you can send it to the fridge, while keeping it there for a week or even ten days. You can also freeze the fruit, in this way they can be stored in the chamber for a long time without losing their qualities.

If you are a tourist and want to treat your friends at home with an exotic fruit, then you can not be afraid, longan transfers the transport remarkably well. His shell does not allow the fruit to be creased. It is recommended for long-term transportation to get slightly unripe fruits, during the time they turn into juicy and sweet, without spoiling.

In Thailand, there is always a lot of interesting, this also applies to treats. Guests of this place can always treat themselves to unusual fruits and local cuisine. Longan is considered to be a tasty and healthy exotic delicacy. Despite the fact that outwardly this fruit is not very attractive and appetizing, its taste and benefits are in many ways superior to other fruits known to us. Therefore, if you are lucky enough to visit the homeland of growth of longan, then be sure to try it.

How to eat longan, see the next video.