Sources:
Enter the
Share Market®
Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Podcasts
Lychees are oval-round and petite, roughly the size of a walnut, and their leathery skin is covered with tiny spikes. Young lychee fruits start out green, and as they mature, they become blushed with pink and eventually turn a bright red. The pearly-white pulp is covered in juice and houses a dark-brown seed at its center, which can vary in size from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length, depending on the variety. The firm yet gelatinous pulp is chewy and juicy with a sweet, fruity flavor, like a cross of strawberry and watermelon with a touch of pineapple-like acidity. Lychees are also fragrant with a tropical scent and a hint of roses.
Fresh Lychees are available late spring through mid-summer.
Lychee is botanically classified as Litchi chinensis, and is the only member of the genus, Litchi. It’s a tree fruit in the Soapberry family, which includes chestnut and maple trees, as well as other Chinese fruits like rambutans and longans. There are several varieties of Lychees, with a major distinction among them being types that leak juice when the skin is broken, and the so-called "dry and clean" varieties, which are said to be more desirable.
Lychees are considered to be a super fruit as studies have shown that they contain the second highest amounts of polyphenol antioxidants of all known fruits. They are a very good source of B-complex vitamins, fiber, minerals like potassium and copper, and like other citrus fruits, they are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Outside of fresh eating, Lychees primary uses are in desserts, beverages, cocktails and martinis. Lychees are juiced and used to create syrups, ice creams and teas. Classic sweet companion ingredients include mango, coconut, bananas, passion fruit and pineapple. Lychees also pair well with cashews, sesame, honey, oranges, elderflower, cream and soft mild cheeses, tapioca, grapefruit and blueberries.
In Chinese tradition, Lychee represents close family ties and togetherness, and is often eaten in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The Lychee tree is a sub-tropical and tropical tree that is native to Southern China and Malaysia. Wild Lychee trees are one of the dominant tree species of tropical rainforests in Southern China. The Lychee tree has been naturalised throughout Asia as well as in other regions in the Western and Southern Hemispheres with similar climates and terrain. Non-native regions are not always ideal for growing though, often leaving trees with limited crops due to inconsistent fruit bearing. Two elements of successfully domesticating Lychee trees are irrigation and flowering. Once shoots are established, irrigation is held the second autumn those shoots mature. This induces flowering which in turn invites bees to pollinate. Bee colonies pollinate, fruits set and Lychee trees flourish, weather, cultivar and age permitting. Lychees have a short production season and once harvested, they have a very short shelf-life, creating poor storability rates.
Recipes that include Lychees. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Lychees using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Lychee | Listen |
| Food Fable: Lychee | Listen |
Description/Taste
Lychees are oval-round and petite, roughly the size of a walnut, and their leathery skin is covered with tiny spikes. Young lychee fruits start out green, and as they mature, they become blushed with pink and eventually turn a bright red. The pearly-white pulp is covered in juice and houses a dark-brown seed at its center, which can vary in size from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length, depending on the variety. The firm yet gelatinous pulp is chewy and juicy with a sweet, fruity flavor, like a cross of strawberry and watermelon with a touch of pineapple-like acidity. Lychees are also fragrant with a tropical scent and a hint of roses.
Seasons/Availability
Fresh Lychees are available late spring through mid-summer.
Current Facts
Lychee is botanically classified as Litchi chinensis, and is the only member of the genus, Litchi. It’s a tree fruit in the Soapberry family, which includes chestnut and maple trees, as well as other Chinese fruits like rambutans and longans. There are several varieties of Lychees, with a major distinction among them being types that leak juice when the skin is broken, and the so-called "dry and clean" varieties, which are said to be more desirable.
Nutritional Value
Lychees are considered to be a super fruit as studies have shown that they contain the second highest amounts of polyphenol antioxidants of all known fruits. They are a very good source of B-complex vitamins, fiber, minerals like potassium and copper, and like other citrus fruits, they are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Applications
Outside of fresh eating, Lychees primary uses are in desserts, beverages, cocktails and martinis. Lychees are juiced and used to create syrups, ice creams and teas. Classic sweet companion ingredients include mango, coconut, bananas, passion fruit and pineapple. Lychees also pair well with cashews, sesame, honey, oranges, elderflower, cream and soft mild cheeses, tapioca, grapefruit and blueberries.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Chinese tradition, Lychee represents close family ties and togetherness, and is often eaten in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Geography/History
The Lychee tree is a sub-tropical and tropical tree that is native to Southern China and Malaysia. Wild Lychee trees are one of the dominant tree species of tropical rainforests in Southern China. The Lychee tree has been naturalised throughout Asia as well as in other regions in the Western and Southern Hemispheres with similar climates and terrain. Non-native regions are not always ideal for growing though, often leaving trees with limited crops due to inconsistent fruit bearing. Two elements of successfully domesticating Lychee trees are irrigation and flowering. Once shoots are established, irrigation is held the second autumn those shoots mature. This induces flowering which in turn invites bees to pollinate. Bee colonies pollinate, fruits set and Lychee trees flourish, weather, cultivar and age permitting. Lychees have a short production season and once harvested, they have a very short shelf-life, creating poor storability rates.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Lychees. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Lychees using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
|
Solana Beach Farmer's Market
Lone Jack Orchard
Near Solana Beach, California, United StatesEncinitas, CA About 34 days ago, 9/19/21 
Eataly
Natoora in Eataly
Near London, England, United Kingdom135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD, United Kingdom 44002072370346 https://natoora.com About 35 days ago, 9/18/21 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Atkins Nursery
Near Del Mar, California, United States3129 Reche Rd, Fallbrook, CA 760-728-1610 About 63 days ago, 8/21/21 
Pike Place Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 87 days ago, 7/28/21 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Athinagoras LTD
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens G-43 00302104830298 About 312 days ago, 12/15/20 Sharer's comments : Lychees Madagascar 🇲🇬 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock st. San Diego CA About 500 days ago, 6/10/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh lychee available now! 
Kukje Super Market
Kukje Market
Near Daly City, California, United States2350 Junipero Serra Blvd Daly City CA 94015 650-992-0333 http://www.kukjesupermarket.com About 610 days ago, 2/21/20 Sharer's comments : Australian. 
Red Top Market
Red Top Market & Kitchen
Near Burbank, California, United States600 S Glenoaks Blvd Burbank CA 91502 818-527-5272 https://www.redtopmarket.com About 630 days ago, 2/01/20 
Sasoun Produce
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 323-928-2829 https://www.sasounproduce.com About 631 days ago, 1/31/20 Sharer's comments : Owner David with fresh, beautiful fruit. I caught him using the app. Go see him. 
Jordan Market
Jordan Market - Alicia Pkwy
Near Laguna Hills, California, United States24771 Alicia Pkwy Laguna Hills CA 92653 949-770-3111 About 638 days ago, 1/24/20 Sharer's comments : Good quality. 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 639 days ago, 1/23/20 Sharer's comments : Lychees Madagascar 🇲🇬 
Cardenas Markets
Cardenas Market - El Centro
Near El Centro, California, United States1620 N Imperial Ave El Centro CA 92243 760-482-0139 https://www.cardenasmarkets.com About 641 days ago, 1/21/20 
Los Altos Ranch Markets
Los Altos Ranch Market - Indian School Road
Near Phoenix, Arizona, United States3223 W Indian School Road Phoenix AZ 85017 602-264-8002 https://www.losaltosranchmarket.com About 655 days ago, 1/07/20 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 675 days ago, 12/18/19 
Borough Market
Elsey & Bent
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 714 days ago, 11/09/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh lychees imported.., in season |
