Sassy Chopsticks

  • Flavorful Asian-inspired Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

×
Home » How-To

How To Eat Longan: The Complete Guide

Published: Apr 18, 2023 by Yuan

30 shares
  • Facebook3
  • Flipboard
  • X

What is longan

How to eat longan? Longan is a tropical Asian fruit that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. Grown on a tropical longan tree, the fruit has a yellow-brown skin featuring a leathery texture. Underneath the skin lies the translucent fruit that resembles lychee. Longan contains a black-colored seed at its core. The circular white flesh of the fruit combined with black seed gives it the appearance of an eyeball – one of the reasons it is commonly known as a ‘dragon’s eye.’

longan fruit
Jump To
  • What is longan
  • What does longan taste like?
  • How to eat longan
  • Other ways to enjoy longan
  • Health benefits of longan fruit
  • Storage
  • Where to buy longan
  • Final thoughts
  • YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Longan is an ancient fruit utilized as traditional Chinese medicine for centuries across Southeast Asia. It is consumed fresh, canned, dried, and cooked. There are wide commercial varieties of this juicy fruit produced in subtropical and tropical climates worldwide.

What does longan taste like?

Longan tastes similar to lychee fruit and has a sweet, juicy flavor. However, there is a difference. As compared to lychee, longan is less floral. It also has a muskier aftertaste which many people find pleasing. 

The texture of the fruit is soft and fleshy, with a thin and delicate skin that can be easily peeled away. The juiciness of the fruit makes it very enjoyable to eat. Apart from this, the fruit has a lovely subtlety and freshness, which is why it works great as a juice. Dried longan has a drier sweetness which is relatively milder.

How to eat longan

Eating fresh longan fruit is very easy. If you have eaten lychee before, you should have no trouble eating longan the same way. Most people enjoy it out of hand as it is considered the best way to consume the whole fruit. Here are some guidelines on how to eat longan:

  • Before eating Longan, it’s a good idea to thoroughly wash it as it can get messy due to its juiciness.
  • Next, pull the skin of the fruit from the flesh. You can use your fingers to break it in two and then remove the dark seed.
  • Alternatively, you can put the sweet fruit directly into your mouth and pop out its seed.
  • Another method is to create a tear in the shell by making a small cut near the fruit's stem using a knife.
  • The longan seeds inside the fruit are hard as a stone, so be careful not to chip a tooth.

Other ways to enjoy longan

Longan is very versatile. Apart from consuming raw, you can enjoy it in many other ways. Some popular options include making a smoothie, making tea, adding it to savory and sweet dishes in Asian cuisine, etc. Here are your options:

dried longan
  • You will need dried longan to make longan tea. Boil some water and add 3-4 pieces of the fruit. Let it steep for a couple of minutes then you can enjoy your hot tea.
  • Longan is an excellent addition to fruit salads or desserts as it can enhance their taste.
  • Mix banana and coconut milk with dragon eye fruit to make a flavorful smoothie or ice cream. Depending on your preferences, you can add any fruits you like.
  • You can also use longan in your dishes, such as sauce or fry, to balance the taste.

Health benefits of longan fruit

Longan fruit is a nutrient-dense fruit that offers several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of longan fruit:

  1. Rich in antioxidants: Longan fruit is a rich source of antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also has Potassium and vitamin B. 
  2. Boosts immune system: Longan fruit contains Vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and supports healthy skin and tissue.
  3. Promotes healthy digestion: Longan fruit is rich in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation.
  4. Improves heart health: Longan fruit contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and promotes heart health.
  5. Enhances brain function: Longan fruit contains several B vitamins that support healthy brain function and may help improve memory and concentration.
  6. Helps in relaxation: Longan fruit has a calming effect on the nervous system and is often used in traditional medicine to promote peace and reduce stress.

Overall, longan fruit is a healthy addition to your diet and can provide several health benefits when consumed regularly. However, like with any fruit, it's best to finish it in moderation as it contains natural sugars.

Storage

Longan is a delicate fruit that requires careful handling and storage to maintain its freshness and flavor. Because of their high sugar content, storing longans inside the refrigerator is recommended. Here are some tips on how to keep longan properly:

how to eat longan
  1. Choose fresh longan: To ensure that your longans last longer, select fresh and firm longan without any signs of bruising or damage.
  2. Store at room temperature: Longans can be stored for a day or two. However, they are best stored in the refrigerator.
  3. Refrigerate: Store the longan in a plastic bag or airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Make sure to remove any damaged or bruised fruit before storing it.
  4. Use within a few days: Longan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, but it's best to consume them within two to three days to enjoy their optimal freshness and flavor.
  5. Freeze: If you have an excess of longan, you can freeze them by removing the skin and seeds and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Longan can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Remember, longan is a perishable fruit, so always use your best judgment and dispose of any fruit that appears spoiled or smells foul.

Where to buy longan

Longan is very common in southern China and Asian countries, but unfortunately, they are difficult to find in other parts of the world. But you can buy them by visiting Asian or specialty grocery stores.

Since fresh longans are so difficult to find in other regions, dried or canned ones are more common in grocery stores. However, remember that these preserved longans usually contain more sugar than frozen or fresh fruit. Generally, fresh longans are a superior choice because they taste the best, and their new flavor makes them so delicious.

Final thoughts

If you have not tried the juicy and sweet longan, the above information will encourage you to act. The longan fruit taste may vary depending on the taste buds. Fresh longans are available seasonally, but their canned or dried versions are available year-round in the stores or market. All versions offer various nutritional benefits. Overall, it is worth giving this tasty treat a try. Even if it doesn’t suit your taste, you can still enjoy Longan in several other ways. So what do you think? Leave your comments below. 🙂

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Cilantro in a bowl.
    How to Prep, Store, and Cook with Fresh Cilantro
  • A juicy piece of steak with a fork resting on top.
    Steak Temperature Guide for Perfect Doneness
  • Chinese scallion chicken in a white blue bowl.
    Classic Chinese Scallion Chicken Recipe in 30 Minutes
  • A pile of frozen green beans is ready to be cooked.
    How to Freeze Green Beans Without Losing Flavor

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




me

Hey there! Welcome to SassyChopsticks.com!

I'm Yuan, a writer, world traveler, web developer, and photographer based in the U.S. My journey has taken me across multiple countries, from Malaysia to England, before I settled in Tennessee, where I've called home for nearly two decades.

More about me →

Popular

  • Homemade Chinese steamed chicken soup loaded with wood ear mushrooms, shiitake, dried lily buds, and served with steamed rice and green onions.
    Moist and Flavorful Chinese Steamed Chicken Recipe
  • A bowl of black sticky rice pudding garnished with mango slices and sprinkled with coconut flakes.
    Easy Black Rice Pudding: A Hearty, Delicious Dessert
  • A colorful strawberry banana smoothie in a clear glass, showcasing a blend of strawberries and bananas on a cutting board.
    Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Without Yogurt
  • Close-up of warm red bean soup in a pretty blue and white color bowl 252.
    Easy Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe You Must Try

Trending recipes

  • rolls
    Chinese Egg Rolls
  • stir fry Taiwanese spinach
    Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic
  • Creamy coconut shrimp buffet style
    Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy
  • Chinese sponge cake
    Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT