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Lychee – And its Translucent Flesh

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The lush, dark green foliage adds great contrast to the Lychee fruits that hang in bunches like giant, rose-colored grapes. The rugged outer skin flakes away easily revealing the delicate, velvety fruit that awaits beneath. Bite into the moist, sweet flesh and experience the rush of exotic flavor unique to the Lychee fruit.

I had the pleasure of trying these delicious orbs when I was visiting a friend in Hawaii. The distinct taste of the Lychee’s white, somewhat translucent flesh almost defies description. Some say the taste is like combining the flavors of pear, grape, and coconut milk all in one fruit and I have to say that I agree.

lychee-tree-in-field

What is Lychee Fruit?

Common names of this gorgeous fruit are Lychee, Litchi, Leechee, Lichee, or Lichi. This fruit is a rarity in the United States since they are subtropical evergreens. They are grown in many subtropical areas such as Southeast China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the U.S. (Florida, Hawaii, California).

Lychee Foliage

Lychee Flowers

Lychee Fruits

Lychee Seeds

Lychee Tree Trunk

 

lychee-tree blooming with fruit

How to Grow Lychee Trees

The lychee tree is considered a subtropical tree and it is grown in USDA zones 10-11 only. It is a beautiful specimen of a tree with its shiny leaves and attractive fruit; lychee thrives in deep, fertile, well-draining soil. They prefer an acidic soil of pH 5.0-5.5. When grown they are planted in a protected area, since their dense canopy can be caught up by the wind and cause the trees to topple over. The tree can reach 30-40 feet (9-12 m.) in height.

Harvesting Lychee Fruit

How to Enjoy

lychee-on-a-wooden-table-cut-open

 

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