There’s no denying that the Mekong Delta is home to some of the most famous fruit farms in all of Vietnam. Nature has blessed this region with an abundance of alluvium and a favorable climate for cultivating a variety of fruits, and the lychee fruit is one such delicacy. While it may not be as popular as some of its fruity counterparts, the lychee boasts a unique flavor and a host of surprising health benefits. Join us as we delve into the world of this sweet treat that few know about.
1 What is the Lychee Fruit?
The Lychee tree goes by many names, including Lychee Plum, Rose Apple, Waxberry, and occasionally, “Rose Apple” due to the distinct floral taste it imparts. Its scientific name is Litchi chinensis, and it belongs to the soapberry family. The Lychee tree is relatively small, growing to a height of about 3 to 5 meters when cultivated in gardens.
Despite its name and similarities to the plum, the lychee tree is less common and not as widely cultivated. Today, Lychee trees are predominantly found in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, with their harvesting season falling between December and March.
Lychee Fruit
2 Characteristics of the Lychee Fruit
The lychee fruit is considered a specialty in the “kingdom of fruits” that is the Mekong Delta, boasting a distinctive flavor. This tree has a large, woody trunk and a long lifespan. It grows to a considerable height and has many spreading branches.
In the Mekong Delta, the lychee tree is often cultivated for its fruit and as a substitute for plum trees. The lychee fruit is small and spherical. Unripe lychees have a beautiful white color that’s hard to look away from. As the season progresses, the lychee clusters turn a golden yellow. The aroma of lychees is captivating, and you can smell their distinctive fragrance even from a distance.
The lychee tree’s leaves are long and pointed at the tip, with a rounded shape near the stem. The leaf margins are entire, and the leaves themselves are large and a deep green color with prominent veins. Overall, the lychee tree’s leaves are larger than those of a plum tree.
The lychee tree’s flowers bloom in clusters and are a pure white, emitting a delicate fragrance. The numerous small stamens are clustered on the floral tube, and when they fall, the fruit begins to form.
Lychee tree’s flowers bloom in pure white clusters.
3 Benefits of the Lychee Fruit
The lychee fruit is not just delicious but is also considered a precious medicinal fruit, particularly effective in treating gastrointestinal issues. For indigestion or abdominal pain, simply use a few young lychee leaves or ripe lychees, and you’ll feel immediate relief. In countries like India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, lychees are often dried and combined with other leaves to create health supplements that aid digestion and soothe intestinal problems.
Lychee trees can be planted in front of houses or in gardens to provide shade and enhance the landscape.
For those who love potted plants, the lychee tree can also be grown in containers and shaped into a bonsai, adding a unique touch to your collection.
Benefits of the Lychee Fruit
From its intriguing origin to its delightful flavor and surprising health benefits, the lychee fruit is a wonderful addition to our diets.
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