Lychee, or litchi, is a subtropical fruit from Asia with an unmistakably reptilian-looking exterior that perfectly showcases its juicy and flavor-packed flesh inside.
You can find them fresh, canned, or dried at select Asian grocers. In addition to making an irresistible summer drink in tropical cocktails, iced teas, and sangrias, they make for an interesting summer beverage as well.
Sweet
Lychees may look unappealing at first glance, like strawberries or large raspberries with red bumpy skin – but don’t let that deter you! They actually contain quite a bit of nutritional value!
Lychees may seem bland at first glance, but they’re actually quite delicious. Their delicate water-rich texture resembles grapes, while their sweet and floral flavor has hints of pear or strawberry.
Tropic fruits such as pineapples originated in China and thrive in warm, humid climates. Their thin red outer skin protects juicy white flesh inside.
Juicy and thirst-quenching, passion fruit is delicious on its own or added to recipes for an exotic twist. It also works great in cocktails; you’ll find many flavors at your local grocery store.
Lychees can be stored in the fridge for up to one week, or frozen for longer storage. They’re also great dried or canned or made into juice.
Create a refreshing drink with lychee juice by mixing it with lime or lemon juice and maple syrup. For extra sweetness and flavor, feel free to add ice cubes!
If you’re searching for an exciting way to add an exotic taste to your drinks, lychee liqueur is the perfect solution. Made from distilled natural Asian lychees, this sweet spirit has a citrus and rose petal aroma with a smooth and refreshing finish.
Sour
The lychee (Litchi chinensis) fruit hails from China but has spread across tropical Asia and beyond. This member of the soapberry family is commonly used in alcoholic drinks, particularly in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Vietnam.
Lychees have a sweet, refreshing flavor when ripe; their bright sweetness is perfectly balanced by their tart tartness. Enjoy them straight from the tree or add them to a glass of fruity drink for an irresistible treat.
Lychees can be used in many recipes, such as desserts, smoothies, and salad dressings. When shopping for lychees at your local grocery store, make sure they are of good quality so your dish tastes fresh and delightful when used.
To determine if lychees are ripe, test them out in your mouth. They should be soft and pliable but still easy to chew. When you bite into one, expect a sweet floral taste with subtle hints of grapes or strawberries.
Before buying lychee, start by visiting your local grocery store for fresh or canned options. Canned lychees tend to be easier to locate than fresh ones and can usually be found at most Asian grocery stores.
Floral
Lychee is a tropical fruit popular around the world, especially in Asia and the United States. It also finds use as an ingredient in cocktails, smoothies, and desserts.
This delicate fruit has a sweet and floral fragrance. This makes it an ideal complement to other fruit flavors like mango and passionfruit, as well as floral-infused drinks and desserts like elderflower, lemon, or pear.
Lychees typically feature red outer skin and translucent white flesh that’s slightly sweet. They’re distinguished by their large central seed, which gives them the appearance of being stone fruit.
Lychees come in a range of flavors and aromas; some are sweeter and floral while others have less sweetness and floral notes.
Lychees have an intriguing fragrance, as they contain various molecules that contribute to their unique aroma. These include guiacol, vanillin, linalool, furaneol, and (Z)-2-nominal.
Citrus
Lychees are a delectably sweet and fruity fruit with an irresistibly fragrant taste. Popular treats and ingredients in many recipes call for lychees when ripe; they taste like grapes, pear or watermelon with subtle floral and citrus undertones.
Lychees are not only delicious, but they’re also high in vitamin C and fiber. This makes lychees an ideal food choice for those looking to boost their well-being.
Lychees are best enjoyed when they are ripe and fresh. But if you’re uncertain when they will be ready, store them in your refrigerator for a few days until you’re ready to enjoy them.
Once ripe, lychees will have a deep reddish-pink hue and soft skin. To enjoy their best freshness, consume them within one day of picking.
Keep a bag of lychees in your fridge at all times for easy access. Not only can you use them in desserts and savory dishes, but you can also create various cocktails using them.
One of the most popular uses for lychees is as a dessert. They can be layered with pistachio ice cream and whipped cream, creating a sorbet, or adding to cheesecake. You may also puree them and use them in sherbet or gelatin salad recipes.