Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Rambutan
Inventory, 5 lbs : 23.33
This item was last sold on : 08/05/22
Description/Taste
Rambutans are small, oval to round fruits, averaging 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter, and grow in loose, hanging clusters of 10 to 20 fruits. There are many different varieties of Rambutan with unique appearances, ranging in color from red, orange, yellow to a blend of these hues. The fruits are enveloped in a semi-thick, firm, and leathery rind, covered in soft, spine-like protrusions known as spinterns. Underneath the rind, the flesh varies from white, translucent, to pale pink and is succulent and slightly chewy, encasing a central, oblong, light brown seed wrapped in thin, papery layers. Rambutans are aromatic and have a sweet, fruity flavor with mild acidity, containing subtle notes of strawberries and grapes.
Seasons/Availability
Rambutans are available seasonally, depending on the region, and are generally found in the fall and winter. In tropical areas of Southeast Asia, the trees fruit twice a year, while trees in Central America tend to only fruit for a single season.
Current Facts
Rambutans, botanically classified as Nephelium lappaceum, are exotic fruits with an unusual appearance found on evergreen trees belonging to the Sapindaceae family. The tropical fruits are a part of the same family as the lychee and are native to t Asia, primarily consumed fresh, out-of-hand. There are over 200 varieties of Rambutans with varying colors, flavors, and appearances. The name Rambutan is derived from the Malaysian word “rambut,” translating to mean “hair,” and is a descriptogiven for the fruit’s hairy, spine-like appearance. Rambutan cultivation is increasing worldwide as the fruits are valued for fresh eating, desserts, and flavoring beverages. The trees are prolific and can produce hundreds of fruits in a season. Rambuns are easily bruised and must be harvested by hand, cut in clusters to prevent the rind's tearing. Rambutans also have a short shelf life, limiting the fruit’s ability to be exported long distances. Beyond the fruits, Rambutan trees are considered an ornamental variety, valued for their color contrast between the bright fruits and dark green leaves.
Nutritional Value
Rambutans are a good source of copper to help maintain bones and nerves and provide vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and reduces inflammation. The fruits also contain fiber to regulate the digestive tract and contribute smaller amounts of iron, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium.
Applications
Rambutans are best suited for fresh applications as their sweet flavor is showcased when consumed straight, out-of-hand. The rind can be sliced and opened with a knife or peeled by hand, and the flesh can be consumed raw, discarding the seed. The seed is edible, but it needs to be cooked before eating. The flesh can be sliced and mixed into fruit salads, used as a topping over sorbet and ice cream, or incorporated into curries and soups for added sweetness. The fruits can also be muddled into cocktails, simmered into a simple syrup, or cooked into jellies and jams. In addition to fresh preparations, Rambutan can be stewed or canned for extended use. Rambutan pairs well with other fruits such as coconut, pineapple, kiwi, and mango, aromatics including ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and mint, honey, and meats such as poultry, fish, and beef. Whole Rambutans will keep for 2 to 3 days when wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a ventilated bag in the refrigerator. The fruits are prone to drying out and should be consumed immediately for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Thailand is the largest producer of Rambutan, accounting for over half of the world’s supply, and cultivates the fruits for the fresh market and canning industry. Rambutans were first planted in Thailand in Ban Na San, a district within the Surat Thani province, in 1926 through a man named K. Vong. The fruiting trees were popular for their ornamental appeal and prolific fruit production, and over time, Rambutans became one of the province's top agricultural products. Rambutan production is also used to support increasing agritourism. To commemorate and celebrate the tropical fruit's economic impact, an annual Rambutan fair is held in the fall to attract residents and tourists. During the fair, farm tours, contests, beauty pageants, and parades are centered around the tropical fruit and marathons, cycling, and other athletic competitions are also held. One unique event of the Rambutan fair is a monkey agility demonstration. Surat Thani is known for its trained monkeys, who are primarily used scale palm trees to collect coconuts, and the primates are taught at a famous monkey school within the province.
Geography/History
Rambutans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia and have been growing wild since ancient times. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, experts believe Arab traders encountered the fruits through trade routes and introduced Rambutan into the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar, located off the coast of East Africa. The fruits were also spread throughout Southeast Asia, Oceania, and were later brought to South America in the 19th century. In the modern-day, Rambutan can be found worldwide, including tropical regions of Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii of the United States. The fruits are primarily cultivated in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, but they are also increasing in cultivation in Central America for export into the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Morning Glory (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort (Banquets) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Rambutan. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Rambutan 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.
|
Borough Market
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 24 days ago, 7/15/22 
RAYA GROCERY
Raya Grocery
Near London, England, United Kingdom442074075556 About 25 days ago, 7/14/22 
Mercato Pavillion
Mercato Pavillion
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia168 Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur KL 6-032-143-0066 About 47 days ago, 6/22/22 
CHOW KIT MARKET
Chow Kit Market
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaLot 2257, Japan Raja Alang 50300 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia About 48 days ago, 6/20/22 
Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilay
Jalan Alor Food Street
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaJln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia About 49 days ago, 6/20/22 
TEKKA CENTER
Tekka Center
Near Singapore, Singapore665 Buffalo Rd, Singapore 210665 86866913 About 51 days ago, 6/17/22 
Tiong Bahru Market
Tiong Bahru Market
Near Singapore, SingaporeAbout 54 days ago, 6/14/22 
Tiong Bahru Market
Tiong Bahru Market
Near Singapore, Singapore52 Tiong Bahru Rd 168716 About 54 days ago, 6/14/22 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 79 days ago, 5/21/22 
pasar minggu
Near Jakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout 146 days ago, 3/14/22 Sharer's comments : rambutan 
Dunnes Food Market
Dunnes Stores
Near Dublin, Dublin, IrelandUnit 10/11 Stephens Green Shopping Centre, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02 RD40, Ireland https://dunnesstores.com About 159 days ago, 3/02/22 
Miami Produce Center
Rey Cafe Inc
Near Miami, Florida, United StatesNW 12 avenue, Miami, FL 786-568-1771 About 261 days ago, 11/20/21 
Las Vegas Farmers Market
Max Products
Near Summerlin South, Nevada, United StatesOntario CA About 263 days ago, 11/17/21 
Raya Grocery
Raya grocery
Near London, England, United KingdomStoney St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom 447789248021 About 312 days ago, 9/30/21 
Total Buah Segar
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 364 days ago, 8/08/21 Sharer's comments : rambutan 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 486 days ago, 4/09/21 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 508 days ago, 3/18/21 Sharer's comments : Rambutan đź‘Śđź‘Ś 
inago gro
Near Bogor, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 569 days ago, 1/15/21 Sharer's comments : rambutan binjai 
inago gro
Near Bogor, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 569 days ago, 1/15/21 Sharer's comments : rambutan |
