Longan is not just a delicious fruit to eat fresh, but it’s also used in various culinary delights such as longan with yogurt, longan soup, and longan ice cream, to name a few. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.
There are several varieties of longan, but the most well-known and sought-after type is the “longan Hung Yen.” This variety is named after the province of Hung Yen, where it is predominantly grown and considered a specialty. The longan Hung Yen is characterized by its large size, light brown color, thick aril, and small seed. Its taste is a perfect balance of sweetness and crispness, with a delightful aroma. This variety is quite versatile and can be used in a multitude of dishes, earning its reputation as the most popular choice among consumers today. Due to its high demand and limited production, the price of longan Hung Yen tends to be relatively high, averaging around 50,000 VND per kilogram.
Longan Hung Yen
2 Cow Skin Longan
Native to the Mekong Delta region, cow skin longan is a variety that is widely loved for its unique characteristics. As the name suggests, this type of longan features a thick aril and tiny seeds that resemble peppercorns. Its outer shell has a distinctive yellow color, reminiscent of cowhide, hence the name “cow skin.”
When you bite into a cow skin longan, you’ll be greeted by a refreshing aroma and a delicate sweetness that lingers on your tongue and throat. The older the longan tree, the thicker the aril, resulting in sweeter and more fragrant fruit. Despite its popularity, cow skin longan is relatively affordable and widely available in traditional markets, with prices as low as 10,000 VND per kilogram.
3 Xuoong Longan with Golden Aril
A famous specialty from Vung Tau, the Xuoong longan gets its name from its distinctive shape, resembling a small boat. The outer shell of this longan variety is a beautiful golden-brown color, adorned with tiny black spots. When you break open the shell, you’ll find a white aril with a hint of yellow, emitting a sweet fragrance. Xuoong longan is primarily consumed fresh due to its crisp, sweet, and aromatic nature.
4 Rock Candy Longan
Grown predominantly in Hung Yen, the rock candy longan is considered the finest variety in the region. Historically, this type of longan was reserved for royalty, as it was offered to the king to enjoy. The rock candy longan is distinguished by its golden aril and red seed. When you bite into it, you’ll find a thick, soft, and crisp aril with small bumps resembling rock candy. The juice is slightly cloudy, and the taste is akin to sweet honey with a hint of fragrance.
Due to its exceptional quality, the rock candy longan is often kept for personal consumption or given as a gift, making it challenging for outsiders to purchase.
5 Huong Chi Longan
Another renowned variety from Hung Yen, the Huong Chi longan, boasts large fruit with thin skin, small seeds, and thick aril. When eaten, it delivers a crisp, sweet, and aromatic experience, making it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth. The Huong Chi longan is known for its high yield and consistent quality, which justifies its slightly higher price of around 30,000 VND per kilogram.
6 Purple Longan
Recently, a unique variety of longan has been creating a buzz in the community—the purple longan. With its eye-catching color and exceptional taste, this variety has become highly sought-after, driving its price up significantly. Grown primarily in the Mekong Delta region, the purple longan boasts a thick aril, thin skin, and a refreshing sweet taste with a pleasant aroma.
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Longan is a beloved fruit among Vietnamese people, and there are many delicious varieties beyond just the well-known longan Hung Yen and cow skin longan. Explore the options mentioned above to discover new flavors for your family.
Identifying the Differences Between Hung Yen and Chinese Longan
Are you wondering how to tell the difference between a Chinese and a Vietnamese label on a piece of fruit? Bach Khoa GREEN has some helpful tips to help you out!
