The sweet and juicy lychee is a delicacy enjoyed around the world. But it’s more than just a tasty treat! This tropical fruit is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. In this post, we’ll explore the health benefits of lychee, share some delicious recipes, and discuss ways to incorporate this fruit into your daily routine. We’ll also look at the various cultivars of lychee and how they differ from one another. By the end of this post, you’ll be a lychee expert!
Lychee Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart
The lychee is a tropical fruit that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. It is believed that the lychee was first introduced to China during the Han Dynasty, which ruled from 206 BC to 220 AD. The fruit was so popular that it was presented as a tribute to the emperor. From there, the lychee spread throughout Asia, eventually making its way to Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The lychee also made its way to India, where it was cultivated by the Mughal Empire in the 17th century. Today, lychees are grown in many parts of the world, including China, South Africa, the United States, and Australia. The fruit is often enjoyed fresh or in sweet dishes like desserts and candies. It is also used to make drinks and even alcoholic beverages. How many calories in 1 lychee? Check out nutritional value per 100 g lychees:
- Biotin: 0.000038 mg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Carbohydrates (Carbs): 15.23 g
- Chloride: 8 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Choline: 0.2 mg
- Chromium: 0.000003 mg
- Copper: 0.039 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4 g
- Energy (Calories): 66 kcal
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Iodine: 0.00004 mg
- Iron: 0.45 mg
- Magnesium: 10 mg
- Manganese: 0.093 mg
- Molybdenum: 0.00005 mg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.095 mg
- Phosphorus: 20 mg
- Potassium: 171 mg
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Saturated fat: 0.037 g
- Selenium: 0.00008 mg
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Sugars: 11.8 g
- Vitamin A: 447 IU
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.06 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.04 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.379 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.095 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.054 mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 15 mcg
- Vitamin B12: 0 mg
- Vitamin C: 48.8 mg
- Vitamin D: 0 IU
- Vitamin E: 0.22 mg
- Vitamin K: 0.5 mcg
- Water: 83.09 g
- Zinc: 0.09 mg
Rambutan vs Lychee
Rambutan and lychee are both exotic fruits from tropical climates. Both have a sweet taste, with rambutan being slightly sweeter than lychee. The major difference between rambutan and lychee is in their appearance. Rambutan has a spiky red skin, while lychee has a smooth, brownish-red skin with small bumps. Rambutan has a white, jelly-like flesh that is slightly sour, while lychee has a white, sweet flesh. Both fruits contain a large seed in the middle, though the seed in rambutan is larger than the one in lychee.
Lychee In India
Litchi is a tropical fruit that is native to India, Bangladesh, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Litchi production is concentrated mainly in Bihar and the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh. Bihar is the largest producer of litchi in India, with about 68% of the total production. The litchi is usually consumed fresh, but can also be canned, preserved, or dried. It is a popular snack and can be used in desserts, juices, and other recipes. In India, litchi is often associated with festivals and the summer season.
- Scientific Binomial: Litchi chinensis
- Common English: Leechee / Lychee / Lichi / Litchi
- Ayurvedic:
- Unani:
- Sanskrit: Kshudrapanasah / kshudrapanas
- Hindi / Urdu: Lichi
- Bengali: Lichi
- Marathi: Lichi
- Telugu:
- Tamil: Lichi hannu
- Gujarati:
- Kannada: Lichi hannu
- Malayalam:
- Oriya: Lachu
- Punjabi / Sindhi:
- Assamese:
- Kashmiri:
- Konkani:
- Manipuri: Lichi
- Dogri:
- Bhojpuri:
Best Litchi Crush in India
When selecting the best litchi crush brand, look for brands that use only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Read the label to make sure the brand uses only natural and organic ingredients. Choose a brand that offers a variety of flavors and tastes so you can find one that best suits your tastes. Some brands offer more intense flavors, while others have lighter, more subtle tastes. Research reviews and ratings of the different brands to see what other people are saying about them. This can help you determine which brands offer the best quality and taste.
Traditional Beliefs and Uses
In traditional Chinese culture, lychees were believed to have a magical quality that could bring good luck. They were often given as gifts to bring happiness and good luck to the receiver. Lychees were also believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect the home from bad luck. Additionally, lychees were thought to be a sign of fertility and abundance, and were often given as gifts to newlyweds. Litchi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to help treat anemia, indigestion, high blood pressure, and other ailments. Lychee is also a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese cooking, often used in soups and stir-fries. In some parts of the world, lychee is used to make a type of alcoholic beverage. Additionally, the leaves and flowers of the litchi tree are sometimes used to make a tea.
- Litchi Tea: Boil 2 cups of water and add 10-15 lychee fruits to it. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and add honey to taste. This tea can be taken to reduce fever, sore throat and cough.
- Lychee Juice: Peel and de-seed 10-15 lychees and blend them in a blender. Add honey to taste. This juice can be taken to reduce body heat and to treat fever.
- Litchi Face Pack: Peel and de-seed 2-3 lychees and mash them in a bowl. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey and apply it on the face. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. This face pack can help to keep the skin hydrated and glowing.
Litchi Juice Health Benefits
Litchi juice is a sweet and refreshing beverage made from fresh litchis, a tropical fruit native to China. It is usually made by blending litchis with water and sugar, and then straining it. The juice can also be made with litchi syrup or concentrate, which is available from some supermarkets and specialty stores. Litchi juice is generally served chilled and is a popular drink in Southeast Asia, especially during the hot summer months.
- Boosts Immunity: Litchi juice is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immunity. Vitamin C helps boost the production of white blood cells, which is important for fighting off infections.
- Prevents Anemia: Litchi juice is a rich source of iron, which is essential for preventing anemia. It helps maintain healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin.
- Improves Digestion: Litchi juice is rich in dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion and prevent constipation. It also helps regulate the absorption of nutrients from food.
- Promotes Skin Health: Litchi juice is packed with antioxidants and vitamins, which are important for skin health. The antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, while the vitamins help nourish and moisturize the skin.
- Regulates Blood Pressure: Litchi juice is a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels. It helps reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Lychee contains various nutrients that can help improve heart health, such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- May Help Reduce Blood Sugar Levels: Litchi contains polyphenols, which can help reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Additionally, lychee has a low glycemic index, which means it won’t cause a large spike in your blood sugar levels.
Home Remedies
In Chinese mythology, the lychee is seen as a symbol of love and romance. The fruit is said to be the favorite food of the moon goddess, Chang’e, who is often depicted with a basket of lychees in her hand. It is also believed that the fruit was a favorite of the mythical hero, Hou Yi, who is widely considered to be the symbol of marital fidelity. The lychee is also said to symbolize a happy marriage, as the sweet, tart flavor of the fruit is thought to represent the sweetness and bitterness of married life. Litchi is a good source of ascorbic acid. Leaves are used in bites of animals. Eating lychee frequently is good for people with heart palpitation. Litchi seeds are prescribed in Malaya for neurological disorders and orchitis.
- Treat Coughs: Boil one cup of water and add a few lychee leaves. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink the tea twice a day to help relieve coughing.
- Improve Digestion: Make a lychee tea by boiling two cups of water and adding a handful of lychee leaves. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes and drink twice a day to help improve digestion.
- Treat Skin Issues: Make a paste from crushed lychees and honey. Apply it on the affected areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
- Strengthen Bones: Lychees are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bones. Consume lychees regularly to maintain healthy bones.
- Treat Anemia: Lychees are a rich source of iron, which can help treat anemia. Eat a handful of lychees every day to help increase your iron levels.
Growing Lychee Plants
Lychee is a tropical fruit tree that is native to China and can be found throughout Southeast Asia and India. It is a popular and widely cultivated fruit that has been grown for centuries. The tree is an evergreen that can reach up to 30 feet in height and produces a small, round, red-brown fruit with a sweet, juicy flesh. It prefer warm climates with temperatures between 65°F and 95°F and plenty of sunshine. They prefer moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. The trees also require good air circulation, so the soil should not be compacted. Lychee cultivation requires a warm climate and plenty of full sun exposure. The trees are quite drought resistant and can survive in temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree requires regular pruning to keep it looking healthy and to promote new fruit production. It is important to water the tree regularly and fertilize it every couple of months. China is the world’s largest producer of lychees, followed by India, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Plant lychee in well-draining, sandy soil in a sunny, outdoor location. The best season to plant lychees is during the spring or early summer. Lychees require a mild climate and plenty of sunlight in order to produce the best fruit, so it is best to plant them in warm, sunny areas.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the lychee tree.
- Place the tree in the hole and backfill the soil around the root ball.
- Water the lychee tree thoroughly after planting.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the tree, but keep it at least 4 inches away from the trunk.
- Water the lychee tree once a week during the growing season.
- Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- Provide supplemental fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Protect the tree from frost in colder climates.
- In terms of pests and diseases, lychees are mostly resistant to major issues. However, they can be affected by fungal diseases, such as anthracnose, which can cause the fruit to rot. To protect against this, it is important to keep the trees properly pruned and to spray them with fungicides when necessary.
- Harvest the lychees when they turn a deep red and begin to soften. When harvesting lychees, it is important to pick them when they are ripe. The fruit should be firm and the skin should be a bright red color.
- Lychees can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but will last longer if frozen.
It takes approximately 3-4 years for a lychee tree to begin producing fruit. The lychee tree will typically reach full production at 7-8 years of age, and can continue to produce fruit for up to 30 years. It is also possible to grow lychees in a pot or home garden. Start by purchasing a lychee tree from a nursery. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the tree’s root ball, and use a well-draining potting mix. Plant the tree in the pot and water it regularly. Place the pot in a sunny spot and fertilize the tree every two weeks. In the winter, prune back branches and leaves to keep the tree healthy.
Popular Healthy Recipes
Litchi is a subtropical to tropical fruit, originated in China. The edible portion of litchi is sweet and very fragrant. The most common variety is nearly round, about an inch and a half in diameter, with a thin, brittle shell of red color covered all over with rough, wart like protuberances; others are larger and heart shaped. When fresh, they are filled with a white, almost transparent, sweet, jelly-like pulp. It has been cultivated for ages in China and furnishes a large amount of food to the people, a single tree often producing four bushels of fruit. It is now cultivated in Bengal and the West Indies. In India, now cultivated mainly in Northern Bihar, particularly in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga districts, and Saharanpur, Dehra Dun, Muzaffarnagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Gonda, Basti, Faizabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Bahraich, Kheri and Pilibhit districts of Uttar Pradesh.
1. Litchi Ice Cream
A sweet and creamy ice cream flavor made from lychee fruit. It has a unique flavor that is slightly sweet and floral, and it is often served in a cup or cone with a topping such as chopped nuts or sprinkles. Lychee ice cream is popular in many Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Thailand.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup lychee fruit, peeled and pitted
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Instructions:
- In a blender or food processor, puree the litchi fruit until it is completely smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar and heat over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the pureed lychee and the vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours.
- Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let thaw for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
2. Litchi Sorbet
Lychee Sorbet is a refreshing, light and fruity dessert made with lychee fruit and simple syrup. It is often served as a light and refreshing end to a meal or as a palate cleanser. The delicate, sweet flavor of lychee adds an exotic touch to any dessert. Lychee Sorbet is easy to make and can be customized with different flavors or colors. This delicious treat can be served in a bowl or scooped into individual cups.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of lychees
- 1/2 cup of coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of coconut water
- Instructions:
- Pit and peel the lychees, then blend them into a puree in a blender or food processor.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lychee puree, coconut cream, lime juice, honey and coconut water.
- Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the sorbet is frozen, remove it from the ice cream maker and transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
- Allow the sorbet to freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
3. Lychee and Coconut Panna Cotta
It is a creamy, light dessert made with fresh lychees, coconut milk, and agar-agar. It is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, and it is an easy, no-bake dessert that can be prepared in advance.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups litchi puree
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lychee puree, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is warm (about 5 minutes).
- In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder and cold water and stir until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Pour the gelatin mixture into the saucepan and stir until it is completely incorporated into the lychee mixture.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into 4-6 ramekins or small bowls and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
4. Lychee Mojito
A Lychee Mojito is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic mojito cocktail. It is made with litchi fruit, light rum, mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda. The lychee adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the mojito, while the mint and lime give it a refreshing taste. This cocktail is perfect for hot summer days and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
5. Lychee Martini
A Lychee Martini is a type of cocktail made with vodka, lychee liqueur, and litchi syrup. It is often garnished with a lychee fruit, and is a popular drink in many bars and restaurants.
6. Litchi and Mango Salsa
It is a sweet and spicy condiment made with fresh lychee and mango, plus red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic. It can be used as a topping for tacos, a dip for chips, or a sauce for grilled vegetables.
- Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe litchi, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the mango, lychee, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Mix until all ingredients are combined.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
7. Litchi Curd
Lychee curd is a creamy, sweet spread made from lychee fruit, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. It is a popular topping for pancakes, waffles, muffins, toast, and other breakfast items. It can also be used as a filling for cakes and tarts. Lychee curd is a great way to add a sweet, tropical flavor to a variety of dishes.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups lychee juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the lychee juice and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a small amount of the lychee juice until completely dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the lychee juice, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter and egg yolks until fully incorporated.
- Whisk in the lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into a heat-safe jar or bowl and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. Enjoy!
8. Lychee Cake
A lychee cake is a type of cake that has lychees as a main ingredient. It is usually a light, fluffy cake made with a combination of flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and lychee fruit. The cake is often topped with a creamy frosting, fresh lychee pieces, or a mixture of both. Lychee cakes can be served as a dessert or as a snack.
- Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cans (15 oz each) lychee fruit in syrup, drained
- Cream cheese frosting (see below)
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat until just combined.
- Fold in the drained lychee fruit. Pour into prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting (see below) and top with a few more pieces of lychee fruit, if desired. Enjoy!
9. Lychee Coconut Smoothie
It is a refreshing and nutritious drink made with lychee fruit, coconut milk, and other ingredients such as honey, ginger, and ice. The lychee fruit is sweet and juicy with a unique flavor, while coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. The smoothie is an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of both lychee and coconut together.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of frozen lychee
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup of ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
- Instructions:
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy!
10. Lychee Coconut Jelly
It is a type of jellied dessert made with lychee and coconut milk. The jellied dessert is served cold and often has a light, sweet flavor. It is popular in many Asian countries and is often seen as a snack or dessert treat.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 can (14 ounce) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup lychee juice
- 1/2 cup diced lychee (optional)
- Instructions:
- Place the gelatin in a large bowl and cover with 1/4 cup cold water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
- Pour the hot coconut milk over the gelatin and stir to dissolve.
- Add the honey, lime juice, and lychee juice and stir until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch pan.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until set.
- Cut into 1-inch cubes and serve with diced lychee, if desired. Enjoy!
Side Effects and Disadvantages
- Lychees have a high sugar content. Eating too many lychees can lead to weight gain and obesity.
- Lychees contain toxins which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Therefore, people with allergies should avoid eating lychees.
- Lychees contain a compound called methylene cyclopropylglycine, which can be toxic in large amounts.
- Some people may have an intolerance to lychees, which can cause digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
- Lychees can cause stomach problems in people with a sensitive digestive system.
- Eating too many lychees can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which can cause dizziness, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
- Lychees contain a toxic compound called hypoglycin A, which can cause vomiting and nausea if eaten in large quantities.
- According to Ayurveda, do not drink water immediately after eating litchi, which suppose to believe a cause of “kapha dosha”.
FAQs.
Q. How many lychees should I eat a day?
It is difficult to answer this definitively as it depends on a number of factors such as your age, gender, health status, and dietary needs. As a general guideline, it is recommended to consume no more than 2-3 servings of lychee per day.
Q. Can we eat lychee seeds?
No, lychee seeds are not edible and can be toxic if ingested.
Q. What are health benefits of litchi leaves?
Lychee leaves are edible and are often used to make tea. They can also be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries. The leaves contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are thought to have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
Q. How to make lychee crush at home?
- Begin by washing and peeling 3 cups of fresh lychee.
- Place the peeled lychee in a blender and blend until the lychee has been completely pureed.
- In a pot, add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour the lychee puree into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
- Once cooled, transfer the lychee crush to a pitcher or jar and store in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy your homemade lychee crush with ice cubes or over a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy!
Q. How to store extra lychees for a year long?
You can store extra lychees in the freezer for up to a year in crush form. Start by washing the lychees and removing the pits. Place the lychees in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once the lychees are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Crush the frozen lychees with a fork or a potato masher and store in the freezer. You can also store whole lychees. Select the ripest, most blemish-free lychees and discard any with soft spots or mold. Place the lychees in a single layer on a sheet tray and freeze them. Once the lychees are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to one year. When using the lychees, remove only the amount that you need and put the container back in the freezer immediately.