Lychee, a delicious and delicate fruit, requires proper storage to maintain its freshness and quality. Without proper care, lychees can spoil quickly, usually within 1-2 days of purchase, and even when refrigerated, they only last about a week.
To extend their shelf life, consider the following steps to preserve lychees.
Select Ripe and Fresh Lychees
Start by choosing freshly harvested lychees that are pinkish-red in color with smooth, unwrinkled skin. Look for lychees with open eyes (the small holes on the surface) and avoid those with brown or cracked skins, as they are likely older and more susceptible to bacterial growth.
If possible, taste a lychee to ensure it is sweet and juicy, with a refreshing aroma. Fresh lychees should have firm, green stems, and the leaves should be securely attached to the fruit. Avoid lychees with dry, brittle, or blackened stems, indicating they have been sitting for a while.
A ripe lychee will have a soft, plump texture but should not be mushy.
Remove Stems Before Storage
Cut the lychees from their stems to make them easier to store and prevent the sharp stems from piercing other fruits when stacked. Use scissors to snip the stems, leaving a small portion attached to make peeling easier later.
Pat Lychees Dry
Lychees are often sprayed with water to keep them looking fresh, but this moisture can lead to rapid spoilage. Ensure you pat the lychees dry with a clean cloth or paper towel before storing them.
Wrap Lychees in Newspaper
Line a container with newspaper and arrange the lychees in a single layer. Wrap them completely and divide them into smaller packages. Newspaper absorbs moisture well, helping to keep the lychees dry and prolonging their freshness. If newspaper is unavailable, use paper towels or kitchen towels instead.
Store Lychees in Airtight Bags or Containers
Place the wrapped lychees into airtight bags or containers. If using vacuum-sealed bags, remove the air to create a vacuum. Otherwise, try this: place the lychees in a plastic bag or ziplock bag, and slowly lower it into a basin of water, ensuring no water enters the bag. The water pressure will force the air out, creating a vacuum effect. Once the bag is compressed, seal it tightly.
Alternatively, you can use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed boxes to store the lychees.
Refrigerate Lychees
Store the packaged lychees in the refrigerator’s cool compartment, where they will stay fresh and juicy for about a month. For longer storage, freeze the lychees. When ready to eat, take them out and enjoy immediately—the flesh will be firm and icy, like fruit ice cream. If you prefer softer lychees, let them thaw at room temperature for a bit before consuming. Avoid leaving frozen lychees out for too long, as they may become mushy and watery.
