Fresh Longan (Lamyai)

Description

Longan (500g) Thai Name: Lamyai Longan is the fruit produce of the Lamyai tree, and is mainly grown in the North of Thailand, in the regions of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Chiang Dao. Longan requires a somewhat cooler climate than most other fruits found in Thailand, and these mountainous areas are always much cooler than the South. The dark outer skin is almost crispy, and is easy to remove by pushing a thumbnail through and simply peeling it off. The inner flesh of the Longan is white, almost translucent, and very soft. The taste of Longan is very similar to the taste of a lychee, in fact, both fruits are comparable in almost every way, although a fully ripe Longan is somewhat sweeter than a lychee. Longan is mostly eaten fresh, with nothing added, usually bought by the kilo and consumed in a single sitting with the druit being served at room temperature. However, there is one famous Thai dish which relies upon the Longan to provide flavour, and this is Khao Nieow Lam Yai, a kind of desert or sweet meat, consisting of sticky rice, flavoured with coconut and Langon. Alternatively, canned Longan may be served with ice, as a simple and nutritious desert. The nutritional value of Longaon is fairly high, with just a handful of fruit proving the daily recommended dosage of both phosphorous and calcium. Longan has a fairly short harvest period, from June until August. This combined with the fact it is only grown in a limited area, means that it is almost impossible to purchase fresh when out of season. Canned Longan is available readily, and makes an excellent substitute if no fresh Longan can be found. A wonderful fruit, sweeter than the lychee, which most Thai people consider to be one of the best locally grown fruits available.