The longan is a small, round fruit, with thin brown skin. It’s closely related to the lychee, and their flesh and flavour are very similar. Longan flesh is white to translucent in colour, with a sweet, refreshing flavour. It has a similar texture to grape flesh, and surrounds a small inedible brown stone. Available between December and May, longans are delicious eaten fresh from store, added to salads, or poached in sweet or savoury dishes.
To Buy
Look for firm, plump longans, with no splits in the skin.
To Store
Store longans in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To Prepare
Simply peel and serve whole, or cut in half and discard the seeds.
Longans are an excellent source of vitamin C. Among other benefits, this vitamin helps to boost the immune system.
| Quantity per serve (100g) | Quantity per 100g | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 286kJ | 286g |
| Protein | 1.1g | 1.1g |
| Fat, total | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| -saturated | 0.0g | 0.0g |
| Carbohydrate | 14.0g | 16.2g |
| -sugars | 14.0g | 16.2g |
| Dietary fibre, total | 1.3g | 1.3g |
| Sodium | 1mg | 1mg |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 49mg |
| Potassium | 150mg | 150mg |
QUANTITIES STATED ABOVE ARE AVERAGES ONLY
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