Litchi chinensis is a relatively well-known fruit, which has been present for several years in Italy on supermarket shelves in the month of December. Its appearance, its particular consistency and its floral flavor, give a touch of exoticism to winter tables.
However, not everyone knows that its nutritional properties are also very interesting and that, within a healthy and varied diet, it is advisable to eat these fruits during their season.
Index
- The origins of the fruit that tastes like a flower
- What does Litchi contain and its properties?
- How to enjoy Lychee
The origins of the fruit that tastes like a flower
It is an exotic fruit native to China, belonging to the Sapindaceae family. The Litchi or Lychee grows in clusters on a tree that can reach a height of 20 meters with long evergreen leaves and reaches maturity in late autumn.
China and India are the world’s largest producers but there are also some crops in the south of Italy, particularly in Sicily.
The fruit, which is called by various names, including Chinese grape , has an unmistakable oval shape and is covered by a thin skin that turns from green in the first few months to pink/red when ripe; its pulp is white, compact and gelatinous; inside there is a large stone that resembles that of medlars.
The best time to enjoy lychees is when they reach the peak of ripeness, in late autumn, also because, if the fruits are not fully ripe, they are tasteless.
What does Litchi contain and its properties?
Among the main micronutrients, Lychee contains Vitamin C , 70 mg per 100 g, more than citrus fruits: 10 Lychees per day cover the daily requirement of Vitamin C. Then there are some B vitamins , nicotinic acid, fiber, minerals, carbohydrates and sugars, water. Among the minerals we point out potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. They contain little sodium, little fat.
The caloric value is quite low, no more than 60 kcal per 100 grams. Nicotinic acid is an important element that gives Litchi important beneficial properties, defined by some even as therapeutic: this substance helps to dilate blood vessels, facilitates blood purification and promotes the regulation of numerous oxidative reactions in the body’s cells.
Lychees contain antioxidant and therefore anti-aging substances, among these a particular polyphenol, oligonol, which some studies ( see PubMed ) have shown can fight the influenza virus . Another interesting action attributed to these fruits is the ability to help reduce the percentage of sugar in the blood .
How to enjoy Lychee
The best way to enjoy this fruit is fresh and natural. It can also be served in a fruit salad with other fruits, or used to prepare original sorbets (exceptional with a splash of rum), or in cocktails, preferably non-alcoholic.
Choose the best fruits, store them, clean them
To buy the best lychees, choose those with a bright red shell , a guarantee of adequate ripening and greater sweetness of the fruit.
If they have not been treated with preservatives (check!) it is better. Store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator, taking care to place it in the least cold area, for up to 10 days.
It is possible that, over time, the shell will take on a darker color. To enjoy it, remove the peel by cutting it in the middle and eat the pulp.
Curiosity
While doing research on the web I found this news: in the East, Lychee is considered a fruit that aids digestion as it is a warm food, thanks to the heat of the sun that it absorbs during its growth.
A food, therefore, that favors digestive fire: for this reason it is perfect to serve at the end of a meal. Coincidentally, even in our country it is seen on the tables after lunch, especially during the Christmas holidays.
Advise
If you haven’t tried these fruits yet, do it! With this novelty you will pleasantly surprise your palate. In addition, your tables will also be more colorful.