What are the benefits of longan for our health? What kind of fruit is longan, where is it grown, how is it eaten and how is it useful? Small exotic fruit yellow longan

Not everyone knows such as longan. It grows mainly in China, but can be found in Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In this article we will take a closer look at what longan is and how it is eaten.

Longan: what kind of fruit is it?

Longan - exotic fruit(another name is "dragon's eye"). It grows on tall trees. The fruits are collected in clusters, like grapes. The diameter of one "" longan is about 2 cm.

"Dragon's Eye" is covered with a dense light brown peel, which is easy to peel when pressed with two fingers. There is transparent pulp inside. Its taste is sweet and specific, with a hint of musk. Before eating longan, you need to remove the bone, as it is very hard and unsuitable for consumption.

Fruits ripen from June to August; one tree can bear about 200 kg of fruit.

Important!To transport the fruit, it is necessary to harvest it while it is still unripe, because longan spoils quickly.

Calorie content and chemical composition of the "dragon's eye"

Longan has a low calorie content: 100 g contains approximately 60 kcal.

In its chemical composition 100 g of longan has:

water -82.8 g;
fat -0.1 g;
carbohydrates -15.1 g;
proteins -1.3 g;
fiber -1.1 g.

Also the fruit contains:

potassium -266 mg;
magnesium -10 mg;
calcium -1 mg;
phosphorus -21 mg;
manganese -0.05 mg;
copper -0.2 mg;
iron -0.13 mg;
zinc -0.05 mg.

Vitamins contained in 100 g of fruit:

C -84 mg;
B2 riboflavin -0.1 mg;
B1 thiamine -0.04 mg;
B3 niacin -0.3 mg.

What are the benefits of longan?

The exotic longan fruit not only tastes good, but can also provide benefits to the human body. The pulp of the fruit is used in Eastern medicine to treat inflammation, stomach diseases, or as an antipyretic.

In China, a decoction of the fruit is used for poor metabolism and as a sedative. Longan seed powder is used to stop bleeding, treat eczema, hernias, dropsy, enlarged lymph nodes

Did you know?In Vietnam, longan seeds are used to treat snake bites by pressing them onto the wound as an antidote.

How to select and store longan

"Dragon's eye" is sold in clusters, which are collected in a small corolla. When you lift the bunch, they should not crumble. To choose a ripe and tasty fruit, you need to look at its peel. There should be no cracks or any damage on it.

You shouldn’t pay special attention to the color of the fruit, since it depends not on ripeness, but by variety. The most delicious fruit is considered to be the one that lasts for several days after being picked.

But it is very difficult to determine this by appearance. So the best option choosing a ripe fruit - try it. If the flesh is slightly sour, it means the fruit is unripe. In this case, you need to put it in a warm place and wait until it is fully ripe.

Now let's talk about how to store longan. At room temperature the fruit will keep for about three days. If you are going to store it longer, it is better to use the refrigerator for this. Longan can survive there for 5-7 days, because it tolerates low temperatures very well. Thanks to its dense peel, the fruit will be able to retain its shape.

How to eat longan fruit

Longan fruits are mainly consumed fresh. They are also used to prepare fruit salads, desserts or used as decoration for cakes. In Thailand, sweet soups, snacks, and seafood sauces are prepared from the fruits. In addition, it is dried and preserved. Refreshing drinks are also made from the “dragon’s eye”, which help quench thirst and improve appetite.

Longan (Lam Yai) is the fruit of the evergreen longan tree, common in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The skin of longan is thin and dense, but in fact it is very easy to peel off. The color of longan varies from brown to yellowish-red, and the flesh of the fruit is translucent, white or pinkish. The juicy pulp of longan has a sweet, juicy, very aromatic taste, with a distinct musk flavor. Longan tastes like lychee and in general, these two fruits are very similar. Like the Chinese lychee, the longan fruit contains a hard, dark red or black seed. Longan grows in clusters on evergreen trees, which can reach a height of ten to twenty meters.

Harvest season: June-August. Longan grows mainly in the northern regions of Thailand, in the towns of Chiang Mai and Lamphun.

The homeland of longan is either the lands to the west of Burma, or the area of origin of litchi in China. It is in these regions that they are grown on a large scale. Longan has another name - “longyan” - which in Chinese means “dragon eye”. It is believed that longan was originally grown in southern India and the island of Sri Lanka.

Longan is sold like grapes, in bunches. The skin of a ripe fruit should be dense; cracks in the skin are unacceptable. It is not the longan that has just been picked from the tree that is considered more ripe, but the one that has already been lying on the store counter for a while. Try longan before purchasing, as the fruits can be sweeter or, conversely, more sour.

Longan can be stored for two to three days at room temperature or five to seven days in the refrigerator.

Beneficial properties of longan (lam yaya)

Longan contains many vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as large amounts of vitamins and.

Recent research on Euphoria has shown that the fruit also contains phenols such as gallic acid, ellagic acid and corylagic acid, indicating that the fruit may have antioxidant properties, reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy drugs and protect the liver.

Longan contains riboflavin and is a natural source of polysaccharides, supporting health at the cellular level.

The exotic longan fruit has a pleasant aroma and exquisite taste. It is also called sweet dragon's eye, longan plum and lam yai. The pulp is juicy, with a pronounced musky taste. The skin is dense, but easily removed. You can buy the fruits of the longan tree in large grocery stores, the main thing is not to confuse them with lychees due to their external similarity.

What is longan

The plant is tropical, therefore heat-loving, quite tall (on average 7–8 m). It can be grown in greenhouses and flats (in pots). Regarding the unusual name, there is a province in Vietnam called Long An, where these fruits continue to be grown. The fruits generally ripen from June to August and are harvested during the summer. However, the climate in different parts of the province differs, so year-round harvesting is possible.

The fruits are small, about 2–4 cm in diameter, and ripen in clusters. Under the brown shell lies a juicy pulp that has the consistency of jelly. The fruit is white, translucent, with a dark seed inside, which is why it is called the dragon's eye. Longan differs from lychee in having a less rough surface. The pit and peel are inedible.

There are several versions of the origin of the exotic fruit. According to one version, in 200 BC. e. In China (Shanxing province), the ruler decided to plant what he thought were the best fruit trees (lychee and longan), but due to lack of heat they did not take root. But longan fruits ripen in other provinces - Fujian and Guangdong, from where they are still exported. China is the main exporter of the fruit. Fruits are no less popular in Thailand. In official sources there is a mention from 1896 of a traveler’s visit to the Thai government. He brought seedlings from China, which were planted not only in the capital, but also in one of the provinces of the kingdom - Chiang Mai. Since then, longan fruits have been collected in Thailand.

Fruit trees have also taken root outside Asia - in Puerto Rico, Mauritius and Bermuda, and Australia. They are grown in Taiwan, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, Cambodia, India, and Vietnam. The same list can include Sri Lanka, the USA, the Philippines, and Malaysia. However, longans are not as common there as in China and Thailand.

In Southeast Asia, the sale of exotic fruits brings good profits. A third of fresh longans are sent to Europe and America, Asian countries. Most of the harvested crop is processed, so the “dragon’s eye” can be bought not only in fresh, but also dried or canned. The main suppliers of the fruit are China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.

The fruit is unique in taste. It is sweet and combines several flavors at once - fresh kiwi, sweet melon, ripe berries. A distinctive feature is the pronounced musky aroma. Although longan is not as juicy as lychee, it is sweeter. There is also some similarity with Spanish lime and rambutan.

Types and varieties

There are about 50 varieties of exotic fruit. But there are several varieties that are of the greatest value - Bieo khieo (there is a noticeable green tint on the peel), Do (the fruits have a flattened shape), Si chomphu (pulp with a pink tint, juicy).

Composition and calorie content

The product is low-calorie, so it is included in the diet if necessary to follow a diet. 100 g of fruit contains only 60 kcal. Among the mineral substances, the composition contains potassium, manganese, iron, and zinc. In addition, longan contains calcium, magnesium, copper and phosphorus.

The vitamin composition is represented by vitamins C and B (B1, 2, 3). In longan plum high level ascorbic acid (84 mg), potassium (266 mg) and water (82 g). The content of carbohydrates, proteins, fats in 100 g of fruit is 15, 1.3, 0.1 g, respectively, fiber is 1.1 g.

General benefit

The product contains a lot of potassium, so when it is consumed, the heart rate is normalized and more oxygen enters the brain. As a result, there is a positive effect on mental activity and other important processes occurring in the body.

Taking into account the high content of ascorbic acid, “dragon eye” - excellent remedy to strengthen the immune system, eliminate vitamin deficiency and colds. Positive changes also occur due to the intake of B vitamins. Thiamine has a beneficial effect on the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems. Riboflavin acts as a regulator of activity nervous system, promotes energy production from carbohydrates. Niacin helps maintain healthy skin, promotes vasodilation and mitigates the negative effects on the nervous system.

When consuming the fruit, the following effects develop:

Slight increase in blood pressure.
Strengthening nails and hair, improving the condition of the skin.
Partial removal of cholesterol and harmful substances from the body.
Diuretic effect, kidney cleansing, positive effect on the urinary tract.
Normalization of water levels in the body.
Antibacterial and antiseptic effect.
Protecting the liver from negative influences.
Strengthening the nervous system, eliminating irritability, anxiety and insomnia, more sound sleep as a result of the development of a sedative effect.
Prevention of cancer, cardiovascular and colds, flu.
Feeling better during chemotherapy.
Increased iron levels in the body during anemia.
Strengthening immunity, reducing high values body temperature (dried fruits are especially useful for heat and fever).
Neutralization of the negative effects of free radicals due to the content of phenols (antioxidant activity is due to the content of bile and ellagic acids).
More fast healing damage to the skin, improvement in skin diseases.
Eliminating apathy, signs of fatigue and the effects of stress, restoring vitality, giving vigor.
Anthelmintic effect.
Elimination of symptoms of vitamin deficiency and scurvy.
Normalization of the digestive system.

Not only the fruits are useful, but also the leaves of the plant containing quercetin:

strengthening blood vessels, maintaining normal functioning of the heart muscle;
helping the body fight cancer;
treatment of diabetes of any type and allergies.

Like the fruit, longan leaves are a powerful natural antioxidant. Also, when used, antiviral and bactericidal effects are observed. Medicinal decoctions and infusions are prepared based on the leaves.

The seeds contain a large amount of saponins. By grinding them and combining them with water, soap suds are formed. This product is used as a base for shampoo.

The fruit is used as an aphrodisiac and tonic. Its pulp is added to products intended to treat disorders of the digestive tract. According to the results of one study, regular consumption of fruits can significantly improve the condition of patients who have been diagnosed with damage to the liver and other organs.

In Vietnam, longan is also used externally. For example, the fruit helps eliminate the negative consequences of insect and snake bites. It is applied with a bone to the damaged areas. It is believed that it is able to draw out toxic substances and disinfect the bite site. It is important to apply longan in a timely manner.

Longan is used to maintain mental abilities and preserve good memory. Substances contained in the exotic fruit protect against sudden cardiac arrest and cardiac attacks. Regular use of the product allows you to get rid of problems with blood circulation.

Riboflavin contained in longan is required to maintain healthy eyes. The daily norm for women is 1 mg, for men – 1.3 mg. A reduction in the risk of developing cataracts and other ophthalmological diseases with sufficient levels of vitamin in the body is confirmed by the Archiv oftalmologie study (2005).

Dried fruits are used for iron and copper deficiency. The daily intake of copper in food for an adult is 900 mcg. If you eat 3.5 dried fruits per day, the body will receive 19% of the required amount of copper. There is a positive effect of longan not only on bones, but also on joints and muscle tissue.

For women

Maintaining normal levels of minerals improves postmenopausal well-being and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Since just a few longan fruits contain 19% of the daily value of copper, the product is recommended for regular consumption. Moreover, the fruit has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, reduces sagging, helps eliminate age spots and dryness, and smoothes out crow’s feet.

Due to its high content of antioxidants, longan has a rejuvenating, tonic, and regenerating effect on the body. With its regular use, strength is restored and metabolic processes are activated.

For men

Longan is an aphrodisiac. It contains a large amount of zinc, an important microelement for the male body. Its normal level must be maintained for the full production of testosterone.

During pregnancy

During the period of bearing a child, it is worth limiting the use of “dragon eye”, because when it is frequently introduced into the body in large quantities, the blood sugar level can significantly decrease, which will lead to the development of such a dangerous condition as hypoglycemia. There is no need to completely give up longan, because it contains a lot of iron. To maintain normal levels of this microelement, dried fruits are chosen.

When breastfeeding

“Dragon Eye” helps women recover faster after pregnancy and childbirth, so if possible, you should regularly eat several fruits. You should not get carried away with eating fruit for the same reason as during pregnancy (the risk of developing hypoglycemia). In addition, the child may experience an allergic reaction.

For children

It is better not to give fruit to small children. It is recommended to postpone introduction to longan until 3 years.

When losing weight

The product is low-calorie, so you can eat it while losing weight. It is not necessary to include the fruit in its pure form in the diet; it can be used as an additional component for cocktails, smoothies, fruit purees and juices. It is also a good additive for curd desserts and yoghurts.

You can consume no more than 100–150 g of longan daily. Be sure to drink enough clean water, because The fruits have a diuretic effect on the body. When losing weight, only fresh longan is included in the diet; high-calorie dried fruits are abandoned or their consumption is reduced to a minimum. It is the fresh product that activates metabolism and accelerates the process of losing weight.

Use in cosmetology and treatment

IN medicinal purposes Leaves and flowers are used. The positive effect is achieved due to the content of quercetin. This substance belongs to flavonoids, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improves the general condition of the body. Teas, infusions, and decoctions are prepared from the obtained raw materials.

In the production of care products and medicinal products use bones. From this part of the fruit a pomace is obtained, saturated with tannins and fats. This component in antiperspirants helps fight excessive sweating.

The seeds of the fruit contain sapotin; it is added to shampoos and conditioners as an ingredient that improves hair condition. At home, the pulp is used for masks against peeling and irritation on the skin. Sapotin heals the skin, moisturizes it and saturates it with useful substances. As a result of long-term use of masks, a lifting effect can be achieved.

Use in cooking

The fruits are not only consumed fresh, but also used for freezing, canning, making liqueurs and dried fruits. They are added to drinks, sauces, salads and desserts. For example, it could be mousse, ice cream or a cocktail. Longan is also used as a filling for baked goods.

In Asian countries they prepare soup with longan based on coconut milk. You can cook rice porridge with dragon eye fruits or make a tonic drink. To obtain a refreshing agent, the pulp is combined with sugar and boiled until it dissolves; water is poured into the fruit puree with syrup.

In China and Thailand, the pulp is boiled and then dried. The taste of the finished dessert resembles raisins. And most importantly, beneficial substances are not destroyed with this processing method. In regions where exotic fruits are grown, combinations of sweet fruits with fish and spicy foods are common. For Europeans, simpler combinations are preferred - cocktails and alcohol with exotic fruit, salad or ice cream.

To get healthy dried fruits as an additional ingredient for meat and fish dishes or rice, longan is boiled in syrup, then dried in a convenient way. You can use a dryer or oven. Another option is to place the product in the sun, drying it naturally.

Royal bun

This recipe takes 2 hours to implement, the ingredients are indicated for 6 servings of aromatic pastries. Dates and longan plums are used for the filling.

Ingredients for the dough:

350 g flour;
85 g sugar;
50 g butter;
10 g yeast (dry product);
120 ml milk;
2 eggs;
a pinch of salt.
Filling:
200 g longan;
90 g jam;
80 g dates;
1 tsp cinnamon powder.

Preparation:

The milk is heated (it should be slightly warm, not hot) and combined with sugar (not all of it, only 35 g), salt, butter, eggs.
Yeast is poured into a homogeneous mixture, and the contents of the container are mixed again.
Mix the flour in parts. The dough should be soft (well-kneaded dough will not stick to your hands). It is covered and left to rise in a warm place. This will take approximately 1 hour.
Pitless dates are combined with an exotic fruit, crushed using a blender and added to jam (any kind will do, choose according to your taste), mix thoroughly.
The resulting dough is cut into 8 equal parts and formed into balls. Set 3 balls aside and cover with a clean towel to prevent the dough from drying out. The remaining balls are rolled into a circle.
To move on to the next step, first prepare the baking sheet. Cut a piece of parchment of the required size and place it on a baking sheet, grease with oil.
Divide the filling evenly into four circles and place them on top of each other on a baking sheet. Place the fifth circle without filling on top of the future bun.
Approximately 16 cuts are made from the center to the edge (do not cut completely, there should be 1 cm left to the edge). The result should be 8 triangles. These petals are turned towards the edge of the product.
Return to the three balls set aside earlier. Each of them is cut in half. To work with the test on at this stage take 5 parts, put one aside. Form balls, then circles.
Four pieces are sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, stacked on top of each other and covered with the fifth piece.
Using a knife, get 8 triangles. A longitudinal cut is made in the center of each workpiece; the tip of the workpiece is inserted into it from the top side of the product in a downward direction and pulled outward. Do the same with the remaining triangles.
The remaining ball is combined with the scraps and circles are prepared for the roses.
Roses are formed from the circles; to do this, they are overlapped in several pieces and rolled. Each tube is cut in half and laid out in a circle in the center of the future bun.
If there is dough left, you can place a small ball in the center between the roses, and decorate the side petals with leaves from the remaining mass.
The loaf is baked in a preheated oven. Temperature – 180°C, cooking time – 30–35 minutes. The finished baked goods can be sprinkled with powdered sugar and decorated with fresh longans.

Rice with exotic fruit

The dish can be eaten hot or warm, or cold. To give it an appetizing look, place the rice in a deep bowl covered with cling film. It is pressed down and transferred to a plate. For convenience, you can attach the plate to the bowl, turn it over and then remove the film.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. glutinous rice;
6 tbsp. + 1 and ¼ tbsp. water for cooking the product;
¼ tbsp. sake;
20 longans (both dried and smoked are suitable);
1 tbsp. Sahara.

Preparation:

Combine rice and water (6 tbsp.), Leave to swell for 8 hours.
The pulp is prepared by removing the peel and seeds from the exotic fruit.
Rice is cooked in a rice cooker or boiled in a saucepan. Next, the remaining water and sake are poured into it.
Place the pan on low heat for about 25 minutes. The contents are stirred regularly. Before finishing cooking, add sugar and distribute it evenly.

Alcoholic cocktail

Ingredients:

vodka and orange juice in a ratio of 2:1 - 60 and 30 ml, respectively;
40 ml Blue Curacao liqueur;
8 longan fruits;
ice to cool the drink.

Preparation:

Alcohol is combined with juice, longan and ice.
Mix the ingredients using an electric mixer and distribute into 2 glasses. If desired, orange slices are used for decoration.

Liquor

This drink is served chilled. If desired, use lime for decoration. Cool the liqueur with ice. The liqueur can be consumed neat or added to cocktails.

Ingredients:

0.5 kg of exotic fruit;
1 liter of vodka;
vanillin stick;
1 lime.

Preparation:

Using a knife, the longan is peeled and pitted. The pulp is cut into medium or small pieces and transferred to a glass jar.
Squeeze the juice from the lime and pour it into a jar. The vanilla stick is cut and thrown in there.
Lastly, add alcohol, mix and, having securely sealed the jar, put it in the refrigerator for 3 hours, after which it is filtered. For these purposes, you can use gauze or a fine sieve.

Harm and contraindications

In general, the product is safe, but in some cases you should avoid using it:

Individual intolerance to the components, accompanied by manifestations of an allergic reaction.
Age less than 3 years (for the first time they produce no more than 6–8 fruits).
Excess vitamin C.
Disturbances in the digestive tract (a laxative effect develops).

Harm to the fruit appears in cases where unripe fruits are eaten (asthma may develop).

An overdose of vitamin C is dangerous for the body. Signs of this condition include diarrhea and vomiting. White blood cells may even be damaged.

The fruit is sold in Asian countries all year round. It is difficult to judge by appearance whether it is ripe or not. For this reason, it is recommended to first buy a few fruits to try. If the taste is sour, the longan can be left in a warm place for several days. After ripening, you need to move it to the refrigerator for storage.

There are no spots on the peel of a quality fruit and the color is uniform. You should also inspect the fruit for rot and damage to the integrity of the peel. There should not be any defects. Deformed and damaged fruits lose their taste and benefits.

After harvesting, the fruits are immersed in ice water. This prevents the fruit from overripening. The same is done with longan when it is not planned to be used immediately.

Clusters of “dragon eye” are collected unripe and consumed at least 1–2 days after collection. Ripe fruit is stored for 7 days (if it is placed in a cold place), then it begins to deteriorate. It should be taken into account that when purchasing fruits in the autumn, the shelf life is reduced.

How to properly clean and eat longan

Only the pulp is used for food, no more than 150–200 g per day. Vitamin C in this amount of “dragon eye” is as much as 84 mg, despite the fact that the daily norm is 75–90 mg.

To clean the fruit, it is squeezed tightly. The skin cracks and can be easily removed. You can go the other way and make a small incision. Removing the pit is not difficult; it easily comes away from the pulp. The fruit can be pre-sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or just sugar and eaten.

Longan contains a huge amount of vitamin C and can be used as a complete source of this substance.
The fruit really looks like a dragon's eye due to the unusual appearance of the pulp and the presence of a dark pit.

The taste of the fruit is unlike anything else, so you should definitely try longan at least once in your life!

Longan is a delicious exotic fruit, familiar to everyone who has been to Asia at least once. Under the inconspicuous-looking skin hides aromatic and exquisite-tasting pulp: this fruit does not leave anyone indifferent. An additional bonus is that the composition is rich in substances beneficial to the body, which can give a head start to many more popular fruits.

Where does it grow?

There are two versions of the origin of longan: the birthplace of the fruit can be China or Burma. The first mention of it dates back to 200 BC. At that time, in the Chinese province of Shenxing, the ruler of the Han Dynasty decided to plant beautiful orchards. Of all the fruits he knew, he chose the most beautiful ones - longan and lychee, but they did not take root in the cold climate of the northwestern part of the country.
However, in the warmer southern Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, where a subtropical climate prevails, the fruits ripen well: the country is their main exporter. They are no less popular in Thailand, where they are called lamayaj (Lam Yai). These fruit trees can be found in Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Laos, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.
Back in the 19th century, longan was exported outside of Asia. Since then, it has been successfully cultivated in Australia, Puerto Rico, and the island of Mauritius. But in Florida and other warm regions of the United States, the plant has not gained popularity among gardeners and farmers, so you won’t find large plantations in the region.

Season

Longan fruits ripen on evergreen trees. The harvest is harvested once a year: in Thailand and other southeastern countries, peak fruiting occurs summer period, from June to August. However, the diversity of climatic conditions allows harvesting all year round in different parts of the region.
In this regard, the fruit can be found on supermarket shelves at any time of the year. Since a well-ripened fruit can be stored for no more than a week even in the refrigerator, it is harvested slightly unripe for export. This does not affect the taste of the fruit, on the contrary, it improves taste qualities It is recommended to eat it no earlier than 1-2 days after collection.

What does it look like

Longan grows on trees of the same name, the height of which is on average 10-12 m, but some specimens can reach 40 m. Their feature is a bushy, dense evergreen crown, which can grow up to 14 m in width. The bark of the tree is wrinkled, hard and dense, dark brown in color.
The main thing that attracts people to this plant is its fruits. They ripen on the branches in clusters similar to grapes. The size of the fruit is small - about 2-2.5 cm in diameter: they look like large grapes or nuts. The fruits are covered with a dense, hard, rough skin, the color of which, depending on the variety, can be pale yellow, light beige or brown.
Under the inedible skin lies white or slightly pinkish translucent pulp, the consistency of which resembles jelly: this is what is eaten. The fruit has a unique, unlike anything else taste, which combines the sweetness of melon, the freshness of kiwi and berry flavor. A special feature is a bright musky aroma. Longan is slightly sweeter than its close relative, lychee, but less juicy. Other similar fruits include rambutan and Spanish lime.
Under the pulp lies a round or oblong bone, the color of which can be dark or slightly reddish. It should not be eaten because of the abundance of tannins and sapotin. However, the seeds are used to create medicines, used in cosmetology and folk medicine.

Name

Longan is known as “dragon eye”: this is the translation of the Chinese word longyan. Associated with his appearance ancient legend about a young man named Longan who figured out how to rid an entire village of an evil dragon. The legend says that he proposed to lay out the carcasses of cattle soaked in rice wine on the seashore from which the dragon emerged. The monster was tempted by the offerings, but became tipsy and quickly fell asleep.

Then the brave Longan pierced one of his eyes with a spear and pierced the other with a knife. But even the monster, deprived of sight, entered into a fierce battle that lasted all night. In the morning, the villagers saw the defeated dragon, but the brave young man was also dead. Soon a tree grew on his grave, producing fruits that looked like those gouged-out eyes of the monster.
There really is some truth in this legend. If you separate half the fruit pulp, the large dark bone remaining in the second part will indeed resemble the pupil of a monster.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Longan is classified as a low-calorie product. It can be included in a balanced diet and eaten during a diet: energy value is approximately 60 kcal. It contains practically no fat; 100 grams contain 1.3 and 1.1 grams of protein and fiber. The presence of 15 grams of complex carbohydrates does not bother you either: due to their composition, they are not stored as fat, but are processed into clean energy.
Despite the unsightly appearance and modest size, longan is a real storehouse of vitamins. It contains more vitamin C than an orange: 84 mg in the exotic “nut” versus 60 mg in citrus. In this regard, a drink made from longan pulp is prescribed to increase immunity, prevent colds, and treat vitamin deficiency. In addition, the fruit boasts the presence of B vitamins:

B1, or thiamine. Helps in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, problems of the digestive tract, and nervous system.
B2, or riboflavin. The most important element involved in the “construction process” at the intracellular level. Regulates the activity of the nervous system, participates in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy.
B3, or niacin. Takes care of the beauty of the skin, the health of the nervous system, and has a pronounced vasodilating effect.

Longan also contains a lot of microelements that are important for the body, the main one of which is potassium, the content of which reaches 266 mg in 100 grams. Its main task is to normalize the heart rate and saturate the brain with oxygen, which has a positive effect on mental activity and other processes in the body. In addition to potassium, longan contains:

manganese
phosphorus
calcium
magnesium
iron

Benefits and harms

The abundance of vitamins, microelements, amino acids and other components gives longan a number of beneficial health properties. One recent study showed significant improvement in patients with liver damage and other internal organs, which occurred after regular consumption of this fruit.
In addition, longan:

Increases immunity and tone, gives vigor, fights apathy, insomnia and irritability, relieves signs of fatigue.
Due to its iron content, it is prescribed for anemia.
In folk medicine it is used as an anthelmintic.
Used for prevention oncological diseases and during chemotherapy.

Contraindications

Its balanced composition and the absence of toxic components make consuming longan absolutely safe. The only serious risk is individual intolerance, which can cause allergic reactions. For this reason, you should not give it to children under three years of age, and also approach introduction to the fruit with caution: eat no more than 6-8 berries for the first time.
In addition, longan has a mild laxative effect, so people suffering from problems gastrointestinal tract It is necessary to eat it in moderation. Like all exotics, longan is not familiar to European people, which can cause similar problems when overeating the fruit while traveling.

How to choose

In Asian countries, longan can be found on the shelves of supermarkets and shops all year round. It is almost impossible to determine by appearance whether the fruit is ripe or not, so it is worth taking a couple of berries for testing. If they have a sour taste, the fruit is still “green”: you can choose another batch or leave the unripe fruits for 1-2 days in a warm place, then eat. It is worth paying attention to the peel. It should be even in color, without stains, rot, cracks or damage.

When, how, how much there is

Only longan pulp is eaten raw. If there is no individual intolerance, you can eat it regularly, at any time of the day. The only caveat is that you should not consume more than 150-200 grams at a time. The fact is that longan contains a large amount of vitamin C - 84 mg, with the daily requirement for an adult being 75-90 mg. This vitamin is extremely beneficial for the immune system, but an overdose can cause serious consequences, from vomiting and diarrhea to damage to vital white blood cells.
The skin of the fruit is dense and tough, but peeling it is not difficult. The easiest way is to squeeze the fruit with two fingers and press hard, after which the skin will crack and come off easily. The second option is to make a thin cut a couple of millimeters deep along the entire fruit, and then remove the peel. The pulp is easily separated from the stone: by hand or by biting.

Growing

Longan can be easily grown at home: in an apartment, greenhouse or winter garden. To do this, the seed of a freshly peeled fruit is washed and placed in damp soil, after which the container is placed on the battery. After 10-15 days, the sprout will hatch, then it, along with the soil, should be transplanted into a large pot with soil sprinkled with river sand or pebbles.
Longan will grow without shoots, with an even, straight stem, until it reaches a height of 15-20 cm. After this, growth will slow down: do not worry, you must continue to water the plant in a timely manner and keep it in a warm, sunny place. To wait for the fruits, you will have to be patient: the first ovaries appear no earlier than 4-5 years after planting.

Application

Fresh longan fruits are used in cooking, canned or frozen, made into liqueurs or dried, as in the production of dried fruits. The wood is used to make furniture.
The flowers and leaves of the tree are used for medicinal purposes: they contain the natural flavonoid quercetin. It has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes the condition of blood vessels, and improves immunity. Because of this, longan leaves, fresh or dried, are added to teas, decoctions and infusions are made based on them.
The seeds, which are poisonous when consumed but useful in other situations, are of particular value. Thus, from ancient times they were applied to the sites of snake bites, since they have the ability to disinfect the wound and draw out the poison. This can save the victim in the first minutes before qualified assistance is provided.
Seed extracts are also used in the beauty industry. Due to the abundance of fats and tanning elements, they are used to make antiperspirants, as a substance that reduces the secretion of sweat glands. Sapotin contained in the seeds improves the health and appearance of hair, which is why it is often used in the production of balms and shampoos.
Longan pulp is used in home cosmetology, as it perfectly moisturizes and nourishes the skin, fights imperfections, relieves irritation and peeling. At long-term use Masks made from fruit puree have a noticeable lifting effect and increase skin elasticity.

Recipes

Traditionally, this sweet fruit is used in desserts and drinks: added to cocktails, ice cream, mousses, and cakes. In Asia, a popular soup made from coconut milk and longan or sweet rice porrige with the addition of this fruit. It is worth noting the traditional refreshing drink, which has a tonic and refreshing effect. To prepare it, the seedless pulp is boiled in sugar syrup and filled with water.

The method of drying longan is interesting. To do this, the pulp is first boiled in syrup and then placed in the sun, in a dryer or oven for several hours. The result is higher calorie content - about 250 kcal, but even sweeter dried fruits that taste like raisins. They are often added to salads or used as a seasoning for rice, fish or meat dishes.

Exotic longan is a traditional Asian delicacy that is rarely found in regular supermarkets. However, its excellent taste and abundance of useful substances make the fruit a welcome guest in every person’s diet, regardless of the time of year.

Video

Why not try this exotic fruit? If you see it on a supermarket shelf, be sure to buy it. Just don’t confuse it with lychee, these are different fruits, although very similar. Each has its own valuable properties. What effect does longan have on health? What is it the nutritional value? How to eat this exotic fruit? Let's figure it out.

About Longan

Longan ( Dimocarpus longan) – a fruit belonging to the family Sapindaceae.

Longan and lychee are very similar fruits, but they belong to different types. Longan, which originates from China, contains a high dose of vitamin C and other active substances. This is a tropical plant that grows up to 7-8 m. The tree loves the sun, warmth, and does not tolerate frost (it’s not for nothing that it is tropical). If you want to grow it, give preference to growing it in a pot in an apartment or in a greenhouse.

Vitamin C dominates in longan, which strengthens the immune system, protects cells from free radicals, cleanses the urinary tract, and improves digestion. This is a fruit whose fruits are similar to our grapes. The shell most often ranges from yellow to yellow-orange in color and has the size about 4 cm. The aroma is expressive, the taste is juicy, slightly sour. Under the skin is a tender and tasty kernel, the heart of the fruit is a hard bone that is not consumed as food.

Health value of longan

Longan is part of traditional Chinese medicine because, due to its active ingredients, it has many positive health effects. It can protect the body from free radicals, i.e. It has antioxidant properties and generally has a positive effect on the immune system and cleanses the body. Since the fruit is involved in lowering cholesterol levels, it also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The fruit helps improve digestion, maintain appetite, eliminate nausea and other stomach problems.

This tropical fruit is used for prevention of various infectious diseases(particularly colds and flu). Some studies even suggest its positive effects in preventing and supporting cancer treatment. The influence of longan on the nervous system is invaluable - it calms psychological problems, helps eliminate sleep disorders, and improve memory. In addition, the fruit has antiseptic and diuretic (diuretic) properties. It can be used externally for problems with skin, nails, and hair. The healthy fruit also has a positive effect on muscles and joints.

List of the most expressive effects:

Supports the immune system, protects cells from free radicals.
Prevention of cancer, flu, colds.
Cleansing the body of harmful substances.
Antiseptic, antibiotic action.
Slight increase in blood pressure.
Reducing cholesterol levels.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Calms the nervous system, improves sleep quality.
Providing energy and vitality.
Supports digestion and appetite.
Elimination of stomach problems, nausea.
Cleansing the digestive tract, normalizing stool.
Supports the healing of skin diseases and injuries.
Improving the condition of skin, hair, nails.
Diuretic effect, regulation of water in the body.
Cleansing the urinary tract and kidneys.

Effect on weight loss

Longan have low calorie content, so it can be added to the diet when losing weight (for example, as a component of smoothies, juices, purees, yoghurts, curd desserts, cocktails). You can also eat longan as a snack ( 100-150 g pulp daily). Be careful, it contains large amounts of vitamin C.

Due to the diuretic effects, be sure to drink enough water when consuming the healthy fruit.

Strengthening Bones

Research has shown that postmenopausal women with low levels of minerals, particularly copper, have a significantly increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Adults should consume about 900 mcg copper daily. 3.5 pcs. fresh longan fruits provide more than 19% of this dose. Dried fruits are an even better source.

Iron

Vegetarians and vegans are more likely to be iron deficient than people who eat meat. This is due to the fact that iron supplied to the body with plant foods is not as easily absorbed as that coming from animal products. Pregnant women, athletes, and teenage girls may also require more iron than other groups. Dried fruits will help increase your iron intake.

Preventing eye problems

Riboflavin is an important vitamin that is part of the B-complex. Men need 1.3 mg this vitamin every day, for women - 1 mg. According to a study conducted by the Archiv of Talmologie, published in 2005, adequate intake of riboflavin reduces the risk of eye diseases, especially cataracts.

Compound

Nutritional value of longan (100 g):

kJ – 235.2.
kcal – 56.
Protein – 1.6 g.
Carbohydrates – 13 g.
Fiber – 2 g.
Fat – 0.08 g.
Water – 82 g.

Minerals (mg/100 g):

Potassium – 266.
Phosphorus – 21.
Magnesium – 10.
Manganese – 0.052.
Calcium – 1.
Zinc – 0.05.
Iron – 0.13.

Vitamins (mg/100 g):

B1 – 0.031.
B2 – 0.14.
B3 – 0.3.
C – 84.

Contraindications

Longan can harm the body only if individual intolerance. There are no general contraindications to the use of this fruit.

Consumption, use and storage

Cut the peel with a sharp knife (be careful not to cut your fingers!) and remove it. You've reached the pulp, but that's not all, keep going. Using a knife, scrape the white flesh from the pit and discard it. Eat the pulp.

Longan, like any other fruit, can be added to fruit salads, yoghurts, cereals, cottage cheese, cocktails, drinks, baked goods, or simply eaten peeled. Choose your consumption method according to your taste.

The collected fruits are placed in ice water to avoid overripening. If you buy fruit and don't want to use it right away, place it in a bowl with cold water, put it in the refrigerator. If the skin begins to change color, consume the fruit as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Longan, the little brother of the popular lychee, contains 80% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C, making it an ideal natural remedy for supporting the immune system. Healthy fruit Used as a natural antidepressant, particularly for its B vitamins, especially niacin. It reduces stress, fatigue, has a beneficial effect on the human heart, blood, and skin. In Chinese medicine, the seeds (drops) are used to retard the appearance of gray hair.