Lychee

  • Bresug Cosmin Nicolae

  • Clasa a 12-a B

  • Colegiul Național “Mircea cel Bătrân”

General details

Lychee is one of the most delicious exotic fruits, imported more and more in Romania. Originating from South China, Lychee represents a traditional offering of the mandarins (public servants and military in China) for their leaders. 2000 years ago, the Emperor of China was eating these fruits, considered to be the most delicious in the Empire.

Lychee is cultivated in China, but also in the North of Thailand, Laos, Cambodgia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and South Japan. Recently it is cultivated in California, Hawaii, Florida, South Africa and Australia.

Lychee is a round fruit, with a diameter between 2-5 cm. It is covered by a flexible, ferm at touch shell which must not be neither cracked nor too soft. At maturity, the shell is pink or red. After gathering, the Lychee shell is greased with sulfur in order to limit its fragility while transporting the fruit. This conservation method is controlled and does not present any risks for the consumers. The taste of the fruit comes close to that of strawberries, roses and grapes, while its aroma varries depending on its maturity. Dried, the fruits look like raisins.

Chemical Structure of Lychees

100 grams of Lychee contain approximately 66 calories, 1,3 g fibres, 44g lipids, 15,23 g sugar, 16,53 g carbohydrates. The fruit also contains vitamin C, phosphorus, potasium, magnesium and calcium. Lychee contain vitamin C in proportion of 39,2 mg /100 g – as much as oranges.

Medical benefits of Lychee

The high concentration of vitamin C helps in the fight against infectious diseases and strengthens the bones and teeth. Moreover, it helps absorb iron.

Lychee contains riboflavin (vitamin B2) which plays a crucial role in the metabolism, red blood cell formation and maintaining the health of the skin, nails and hair. Lychee is rich in minerals: potasium, which reduces blood pressure, and magnesium, which is contained by numerous enzymes. Also, the fruit has positive effects on glands, tumors and stomach problems. The excesive consumation can produce feber and nose bleeds.

Culinary uses

Lychee is a delicious dessert, which can be consumed fresh or dry. Fresh, Lychee is kept 4-5 days in a box. It is not recommended to keep them in the freezer. Lychee is used in fruit salads, ice creams, cheese salads, but also as garnish for steaks. India and China even export Lychee compote. After you get rid of the shell and take the seed, Lychee can be used in salads with cucumber, carrot, green salad and pink shrimps. Served cold, with mustard sauce and mint, the salad has a great taste.

Salata de fructe si legume

Lychee

Time to prepare: Quick
Quantity: 4 persons
Complexity: easy

Ingredients

Dressing:
dressing with poppy
Salata:
300 g Lychee
4 kiwi, cleaned and cut
2 apio tulips, cut
100 g spinach leaves
1 avocado, cleaned and cut
1 big onion, cut
pecan nuts
blue cheese, mashed

Preparation

Put all the ingredients in a bowl, add the dressing and mix.