Most people who hear the word “lychee” will not think that it means a delicious fruit, although this fruit has been known in Europe since the 18th century. It is imported from tropical countries. Lychee originally grew in China, from where it spread to other countries of Southeast Asia. This fruit is also called Chinese plum or Chinese grape. The beneficial properties of lychee have helped this fruit become very popular. This surprisingly beautiful fruit can be purchased in the markets from July to October, and in the winter only in canned form.
Description of Lychee
These small fruits are oval or round in shape, no larger than 4 cm in size. The fruit has a fairly dense peel of red color with many pimples, so it looks a bit like a children's rubber ball. The peel is easily separated from the pulp, which is very tasty and aromatic. The inside of the fruit resembles grapes and has the same jelly-like consistency.
The color of the flesh is white or creamy. Inside it is a dark large bone. In China, the fruit is called the "dragon's eye" - it is precisely what the cut fruit looks like. Lychee is appreciated for its refreshing sweet and sour taste and delicate tart aroma, reminiscent of the smell of tea roses. But in addition to unusual taste, it has many useful properties. Therefore, not only as a treat, but also as a diet, lychee is used.
Fruit properties
The pulp is rich in vitamins and minerals. Especially in the fruits of vitamin C, nicotinic acid and salts of magnesium and potassium. They also include proteins, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Litchi pulp has a lot of structured water, calcium, sulfur, iron, iodine and zinc. This fruit belongs to low-calorie, therefore it is useful for obesity. It has a low glycemic index and low sugar content.
The benefits of lychee
- The fruit is a strong aphrodisiac, so in the East it is also called the fruit of love.
- Its use reduces cholesterol and improves the cardiovascular system. The beneficial properties of lychee are also manifested in the fact that it has a vasodilating effect and supports the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, so it is good to use it as a prophylaxis of atherosclerosis and stroke.
- The delicate pulp of the fruit freshens well, quenches thirst, and has a tonic effect.
- Eating fruit improves metabolism and normalizes digestion. They are low-calorie, therefore, contribute to weight loss.
- The beneficial properties of lychee make it indispensable for patients with diabetes, lowering blood sugar levels.
- The fruits are useful for gastritis and ulcers, diseases of the liver and pancreas, for constipation.
- The presence of protein and minerals makes it an excellent remedy for anemia and exhaustion. It easily satisfies hunger and saturates the body with energy.
- In oriental medicine, the beneficial properties of lychee are used in the treatment of kidney diseases. Decoction of the peel well removes excess water from the tissues.
- The fruit is useful for bronchitis, tuberculosis and other lung diseases.
- In China, they even treat cancer, consuming lychee with lemongrass.
Lychee: benefit and harm
Despite such many beneficial properties, lychee can harm the body, especially children. In some people, this fruit causes severe allergic reactions. When used in large quantities, flatulence begins. In addition, lychee is incompatible with protein products and starches, as it can cause intestinal upset and diarrhea.
How to choose lychee fruits
Best of all, you can feel the fresh taste and aroma of the fruit. But they retain their properties in dried, frozen form or in canned food. In the East, lychee refreshing drinks are popular. In our markets, these fruits are usually sold from July to October. They are stored for a long time and are easy to transport, but you need to be able to choose them correctly so as not to get overripe or rotten fruits.
- Be sure to shake each fruit. You should hear a light tapping - this is evidence of ripe and fresh lychee.
- Fresh fruit emits a light, delicate aroma of tea rose. It should be pleasant and not strong.
- Fresh fruits should have a red, not too dark and not too soft peel, on which there should not be any damage and white spots of mold.
How to use this fruit
Lychee is tastier and healthier when fresh. It is peeled and put on a plate. You can consume these delicious fruits in canned or processed form. They make delicious ice cream, delicate jam, marmalade and jam. From the pulp they also make a filling for sweet cakes, drinks or syrup. And in China they make aromatic wine from lychee. Pulp can be added to tea, sauces and alcoholic cocktails. It goes well with meat and fish dishes, it is added to light salads and roasts. This fruit can be dried and frozen.
Interesting facts about lychee
- Although these fruits are very common in Asia, only a small part of the huge amount ripens.
- In ancient times, only the rich could eat this fruit; peasants were forbidden.
- Every year in Thailand, a traditional holiday is held - Lychee Festival.
- This fruit has one drawback: it is advisable to eat it immediately after harvest. The fruits torn from a tree quickly lose their taste.
In oriental medicine, lychee fruit is very actively used, the beneficial properties of which are well known since ancient times.