Description

The lychee is a small, tropical fruit known for its rough, pinkish-red rind and translucent, juicy white flesh. It offers a unique floral aroma and a sweet, grape-like flavor with a hint of rose. It’s perfect as a refreshing snack, a cocktail garnish, or a light dessert.

Native to Southern China, lychee cultivation dates back over 2,000 years. It was once a prized delicacy in the Imperial Court; legend has it that Emperor Xuanzong used a dedicated pony express to deliver fresh lychees to his favorite concubine. It eventually spread across Southeast Asia and reached the West in the 18th century.

Lychees are a summer fruit. Depending on the region, the peak harvest typically runs from late May through July. They have a very short window of peak ripeness, making them a seasonal treat to look forward to.