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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.
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 FRUIT IS A PART OF THE SAME FAMILY AS THE LYCHEE AND IS NATIVE TO SOUTHEAST 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 descriptor given for the fruit’s hairy, spine-like appearance. Rambutan cultivation is globally increasing as the fruits are valued for fresh eating, desserts, and flavoring beverages. The trees are prolific, producing hundreds of fruits in a season, but Rambutans 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 beyond nearby countries. 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.
| James Coffee Company | San Diego CA | 650-773-6435 |
| Cashew Later Sauce Company,LLC | San Diego CA | 503-970-8762 |
| Marriott Marquis North Tower | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Rambutan. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Hot and Chilli |
|
Dragon Fruit and Rambutan Mojito |
| YumSugar |
|
Rambutan Martini |
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.
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Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 108 days ago, 4/09/21 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 130 days ago, 3/18/21 Sharer's comments : Rambutan 👌👌 
inago gro
Near Bogor, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 192 days ago, 1/15/21 Sharer's comments : rambutan binjai 
inago gro
Near Bogor, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 192 days ago, 1/15/21 Sharer's comments : rambutan 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 438 days ago, 5/14/20 Sharer's comments : That's some good looking Rambutan!! 
Pasar Anyar
Near Bogor, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 497 days ago, 3/16/20 Sharer's comments : rambutan di pasar anyar bogor 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 503 days ago, 3/10/20 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 507 days ago, 3/06/20 
Woodmans East
Woodmans
Near Monona, Wisconsin, United States3817 Milwaukee St Madison WI 53714 608-244-6630 About 514 days ago, 2/28/20 
Cardenas Markets
Cardenas Market - N Capitol Ave
Near Alum Rock, California, United States320 N Capitol Ave San Jose CA 95133 408-240-0590 http://www.cardenasmarket.com About 515 days ago, 2/27/20 
Jons Marketplace
Jons International Marketplace - Glendale Blvd
Near Burbank, California, United States1717 W Glenoaks Blvd Glendale CA 91201 818-244-2575 http://www.jonsmarketplace.com About 541 days ago, 2/01/20 
Vallarta Supermarkets
Vallarta Supermarkets - N Fair Oaks
Near Pasadena, California, United States655 N Fair Oaks Blvd Pasadena CA 91103 626-204-6960 https://www.vallartasupermarkets.com About 542 days ago, 1/31/20 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 543 days ago, 1/30/20 
Bristol Farms Yorba Linda
Bristol Farms - Yorba Linda Blvd
Near Yorba Linda, California, United States18421 Yorba Linda Blvd Yorba Linda CA 92886 657-363-6700 https://www.bristolfarms.com About 548 days ago, 1/25/20 
Wholesome Choice Market
Wholesome Choice Market - Culver Dr.
Near Irvine-Mesa, California, United States18040 Culver Drive Irvine CA 92612 949-551-4111 http://www.wholesumchoice.com About 549 days ago, 1/24/20 
Mission Ranch Market
Mission Ranch Market
Near Mission Viejo, California, United States23166 Los Alisos Blvd #116 Mission Viejo CA 92691 949-707-5879 http://www.missionranchmarkets.com About 549 days ago, 1/24/20 
Fry's Marketplace
Fry's Marketplace - Bell Road
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States1311 E Bell Road Phoenix AZ 85022 602-594-5030 https://www.frysfood.com About 555 days ago, 1/18/20 
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts Farmers Market - 19th Ave
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States8040 N 19th Ave Phoenix AX 85021 602-864-6130 About 567 days ago, 1/06/20 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 586 days ago, 12/18/19 
pasar ace mijen semarang jawa tengah
Near Tegalsari, Central Java, IndonesiaAbout 593 days ago, 12/11/19 Sharer's comments : rambutan di pasar ace mijen semarang jawa tengah 
pasar ace mijen semarang jawa tengah
Near Tegalsari, Central Java, IndonesiaAbout 593 days ago, 12/11/19 Sharer's comments : rambutan di pasar ace mijen semaramg jawa tengah 
pasar ace semarang jawa tengah
Near Tegalsari, Central Java, IndonesiaAbout 593 days ago, 12/11/19 Sharer's comments : rambutan di pasar ace semarang jawa tengah 
Sasoun Produce
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 1-323-928-2829 About 661 days ago, 10/04/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 678 days ago, 9/17/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 692 days ago, 9/03/19 
Walmart Supercenter
Walmart Suburban Shopping Center
Near North Decatur, Georgia, United States2525 N Decatur Rd. Decatur GA 30033 404-464-4480 About 701 days ago, 8/25/19 Sharer's comments : Rambutan at Walmart Decatur near Atalanta 
Sasoun Produce
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 1-323-928-2829 About 719 days ago, 8/07/19 
Cardenas Markets
Cardenas Market - High Street
Near Alameda, California, United States1630 High Street Oakland CA 94601 510-532-2654 www.cardenasnarkets.com About 722 days ago, 8/04/19 
KP Asian Market
Near Emeryville, California, United StatesAbout 722 days ago, 8/04/19 
San Pablo International Supermarket
San Pablo Supermarket
Near San Pablo, California, United States2368 El Portal Drive San Pablo CA 94806 510-215-0888 www.shunfatsupermarket.com About 724 days ago, 8/02/19 |
