Why the exotic lychee fruit is so useful (all properties)

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

We are already accustomed to the fact that our fruit and vegetable diet is replenished with new specimens of exotic fruits. Lychee fruit also has a number of beneficial properties, as well as a pleasant taste and aroma. However, before using this fruit of an evergreen plant for food, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the contraindications, as well as with how and to whom to eat it.

What does lychee fruit look like and where it grows

In the people, the exotic fruit of the oval ovoid shape of the fruit of the evergreen tree is called the Chinese plum. The size of lychee fruits is 3-4 cm, also corresponds to the popular name.

The color of the lychee fruit when ripe has a bright pink to red color.

Lychee has other names:

• lidzhi;
• lichi;
• lynches;
• fox;
• laysy.

The dense rind of the lychee fruit is covered with small pointed tubercles. When ripe, lychee is easily peeled from red skin.

In the middle of the fruit there is a brown oblong core, framed by white flesh. The photo shows how the cut of the fruit resembles the eye of an exotic animal. In China, this similarity gave another common name for lychee - "dragon's eye".

Flowering and fruiting

The flowers of the fruit resemble a panicle, consisting of yellowish stamens sticking out in all directions. Whitish flower petals are almost invisible. A characteristic picture on the crown of a lychee tree during the flowering period is a large number of long inflorescences, the length of which reaches 70 cm.

Despite the long inflorescences, there are not so many fruits on the brushes, most of the inflorescences crumble. The number of fruits in bunches reaches 15, each lychee fruit weighs about 20 g.

The ripening period of the fruits is extended for two months from April to June, depending on the zone of growth of the plant. An important influence on the ripening time is exerted by the temperature regime, which is most favorable precisely during these two months.

Taste characteristics

Lychee has not only beneficial properties, but also an amazing taste.

Under the skin of a ripe fruit, there is a white or creamy flesh with a jelly-like structure. The pulp is not only very pleasant to the taste, but also has an exquisite aroma.

The taste of lychee has a sour tint, some fruits have a slight astringency. The flavoring bouquet is reminiscent of a mixture of grapes with mint and citrus.

The tree itself

The evergreen lychee tree belongs to the sapindaceae family, striking the imagination with its gigantic size and dense crown on spreading branches. The height of the evergreen lychee reaches up to 30 m.

Dense dark green leaves have an oblong shape, their abundant presence in the crown gives the impression of the "curly" appearance of the huge "head" of the exotic tree as it is.

Growing zones

As mentioned, the evergreen lychee tree loves a subtropical climate characterized by high air temperatures and high humidity.

However, not all subtropics can provide this giant with the possibility of fruiting. In a humid subtropical climate, the tree grows and develops well, and bears fruit only in areas with a dry subtropical climate.

Lychee began its spread across the countries of Southeast Asia from the southern regions of China, even reaching America and Africa.

But basically, besides the largest plantations in China, the lychee tree grows in countries:

• Thailand;
• Cambodia;
• Vietnam;
• India;
• Philippines;
• Japan.

The composition and calorie content of lychee

The chemical composition of the lychee fruit and its beneficial properties are extremely diverse. All the main substances that have a beneficial effect on the human body are present in lychee in one amount or another.

Nutritional value and vitamins

The fruit in its composition contains mainly carbohydrates, with an insignificant protein content, which also determines the benefits of the fruit for a certain diet. Also, in small quantities, lychee contains:

• alimentary fiber;
• ash;
• alimentary fiber.

The vitamin composition is also diverse, consisting of:

• thiamine (B1);
• riboflavin (B2);
• choline (B4);
• pyridoxine (B6);
• folate (B9).

The high content of vitamin C, of which there is a lot of 71 mg per 100 g of edible pulp in lychee, also affects the benefits of the fruit on the body.

There is also vitamin E, K, PP.

Macro and micro - elements

The lychee fruit also contains a large list of macro and microelements, we will list the main ones.

Macronutrients:

• calcium (CA);
• potassium (K);
• magnesium (Mq);
• phosphorus (Ph);
• sodium (NA);

To get acquainted with the beneficial properties of the lychee fruit and its contraindications for use, it is important to know that it contains a large amount of potassium. Its amount in fruits reaches 171 mg, followed by magnesium, 10 mg and phosphorus, 31 mg. Other macronutrients contain a small amount, less than 1 g.

Trace elements:

• copper (Cu);
• manganese (Mn);
• iron (Fe);
• selenium (Se);
• zinc (Zn).

Most of the microelements are contained in the fruits of lychee copper, 148 mcg, the rest of the elements do not even reach 1 mcg.

Organic composition

The rich composition of various acids contributes to the fact that lychee has high antioxidant properties.

The complex of essential amino acids is represented in the lychee fruit by three main saturated fatty acids:

• palmitic;
• stearic;
• myristic.

Monounsaturated fatty acids:

• palmitoleic;
• oleic (omega-3).

Polyunsaturated fatty acids:

• linoleic;
• linolenic;
• omega - 3;
• omega - 6.

The low calorie content of lychee fruits, 66 - 76 kcal, makes them desirable in the diet of overweight people.

Rich in lychee fruit and niacin.

Useful properties of lychee

The beneficial effect on the body that the exotic lychee fruit has when consumed is due to its chemical composition. The greatest benefit to the body is exerted by the effects of those substances, the quantitative composition of which is the most significant.

High potassium content

Potassium, of which the fruits contain a fairly large amount, helps to remove excess fluid from the body. Thus, facilitating the work of the heart and kidneys.

In addition, potassium is known to strengthen the heart muscle. And in combination with the large amount of vitamin C contained in lychee, the production of leukocytes is stimulated in the body.

This fact suggests that the body significantly increases its protective resources against various infectious diseases.

What diseases is lychee useful for

Also, the use of lychee will not have any harm on the body, but, on the contrary, will help improve the general condition with such diseases:

• diabetes;
• the cardiovascular system;
• neuroses;
• atherosclerosis;
• disturbances in the digestive tract;
• liver and kidney disease;
• anemia.

It is useful to use lychee with increased physical exertion, as well as to increase immunity.

Lychee medicines

Valuable essential oils are prepared from this exotic fruit in the countries of growth, and extracts are prepared. The beneficial properties of lychee are taken into account when using it for the preparation of various biological additives to food, as well as homemade traditional medicine.

So in case of oncological diseases, a combination of certain medicinal herbs with lychee and lemongrass can alleviate the patient's condition.

Contraindications for lychee

In the countries where this evergreen tree grows, there was never any talk of any contraindications for lychee. Since ancient times, lychee has been considered a fruit that is eaten without any restrictions and, in addition to its beneficial properties, it cannot cause any harm.

Nutritionists and doctors of European countries are wary of this fruit. But there are still no grounds for such an attitude towards an exotic fruit. The emphasis in discussions on the topic of contraindications is made on its exoticism.

When using not only lychee, but also other exotic fruits, you must:

• conduct an "introductory reception". How your body will behave when receiving something that has never been tried is unknown and rather individual. Therefore, 2 - 3 fruits are enough for the first time.
• quantity control in the future. Even if the body has nothing against lychee, it makes sense to consume it in small quantities.

Contraindications to the use of lychee include a standard list:

• allergy;
• diabetes;
• stomach ulcer;
• gout.

Use during pregnancy

There are also no contraindications for pregnant women. On the contrary, during pregnancy, the lychee fruit is desirable for consumption, due to its beneficial properties. However, in order not to think about possible contraindications, it is better to try this fruit before pregnancy and consume it in small quantities.

In addition to the above beneficial effects on the body, there are also some indications for pregnant and lactating women.

For example, the folic acid contained in lychee is very important for the development of the fetus. Lack of it can lead to the appearance of an underweight baby, with all the ensuing consequences.

For nursing lychees, it will also be beneficial due to the content of niacin, which enhances lactation.

How to eat lychee fruit

Only the pulp is considered the edible part of the lychee fruit. Neither the skin nor the bone is eaten, at least in our country. In countries where the tree has been growing since ancient times, decoctions are made from the skin and bones for various purposes of traditional medicine.

The pleasant, jelly-like pulp of the lychee fruit can be eaten fresh without any pre-treatment. To do this, it is necessary to properly clean the fruit from the skin and bones.

Rules for cleaning lychee, provided that the fruit has a sufficient degree of ripeness:

• pry off the skin in the area of the stalk with any sharp object;
• pull on the pryed edge, remove the skin;
• cut the white pulp with a knife;
• remove the bone.

Lychee halves can be consumed both in a self-contained form and as ingredients in salads.

In the countries of growth, the use of lychee in cooking is much higher than in our country. Many dishes are prepared from this fruit and added to delicacies. Thanks to its beneficial properties, the exotic fruit can also be consumed by children without worrying about contraindications.

In addition, wine and vinegar are made from lychee fruits, syrups and sauces are boiled.

Lychee for weight loss

Due to some of its properties, this fruit can actually make weight loss easier.

This statement is based on the following facts of the effect of lychee on the body with its regular and moderate use:

• low calorie content of 66 kcal;
• removal of excess fluid;
• increasing the level of metabolic processes;
• laxative effect. Food does not linger in the intestines, poisoning the body and reducing metabolic processes, but is "evacuated" in the shortest possible time;
• reducing the number of free radicals;

The antioxidant properties of lychee, which contribute to the normalization of the work of all the most important body systems, are confirmed by modern research. As a result, the body is rejuvenated, its defense systems are restored.

How to choose an exotic fruit and how to store

To choose the right lychee fruit, it is important to pay attention to the peel, it should be:

• without damage;
• bright red without spots;
• have a dense elastic shape.

In addition, it is worth remembering that lychees should always be sold in bunches, as they were collected from the branches. Some fruits spoil very quickly and can be harmful to health.

Also, in order to make sure of the quality of the fruit and their high degree of ripeness, you can break the lychee in half and remove the bone. If the quality of the fruit is correct, then the stone should be very easy to extract from the pulp.

If lychee fruits are on twigs, then they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, as practice shows.

How to grow lychees at home from a bone

Growing a beautiful evergreen lychee fruit tree from a seed is not difficult at all. It is unlikely that he will be able to please you with fruits and its beneficial properties, in any case, for this you need to try hard. However, it is quite suitable as a decorative house tree.

Important conditions and rules for seed germination:

• the bone must be from a fresh fruit;
• We plant several bones in the ground at once, sticking them manually. A low layer of soil should remain on top, about 1.5 cm;
• we use a pot with a diameter of up to 10 cm. Made of natural material with a hole and a drainage system from below;
• put in a warm place with a temperature of at least 25 * C;
• we constantly monitor soil moisture;
• stretch the film to create a subtropical effect.

After a couple of weeks, the sprout should appear. From this moment on, we provide the sprout with not only moisture and warmth, but also light for 15 hours a day.

In the first months, lychee grows quite quickly, then growth slows down for a number of reasons.

3 recipes with lychee fruit

With this exotic fruit, you can cook a fairly large number of dishes with real health benefits. Lychee will add its pleasant taste and exquisite aroma to all dishes.

Dessert with lychee

Both households and your guests will enjoy delicious sweets with exotic fruit without fear of harm to health. You definitely cannot buy such an exquisite delicacy, but it is prepared very simply.

Ingredients:

• cream 20% fat - 400 ml;
• butter - 200 g;
• vanilla - 1/3 tsp;
• sugar - 4 tbsp. l;
• coconut flakes;
• lychee - 200 g.

Preparation:

Pour cream into a saucepan, add sugar, vanillin and butter. We put the container with the mixture of ingredients on the fire

• Bring the creamy mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and boil everything until a light brown color appears.
• After removing the mixture from the heat, leave it to cool slightly and prepare the lychee. Why we wash the exotic fruit, peel it.

• Then we extract the seeds from all the fruits. Chop the pulp not too finely in an arbitrary way.
• Add chopped lychees to the fondant and mix everything.
• We pour the sweets into pre-prepared molds, put them in the freezer.

• After the sweets take shape, roll them in coconut flakes.
• We serve a delicacy with tea or coffee, without thinking about the dangers of the lychee fruit, which does not exist.

Lychee jam

Delicious and aromatic jam will impress the guests. Few have tried such an exotic jam, but it's worth it.

Ingredients:

• lychee - 1 kg;
• sugar - 500 g

Preparation:

1. If you have purchased sufficiently sweet fruits, then it is quite possible to put in a smaller amount of sugar.
2. We clean the lychees and cover with sugar. Leave the container with lychee and sugar for 3-4 hours.
3. After the lychees have given juice, we put on fire. Cook for 1 - 1, 5 hours, then leave to cool completely.
4. We repeat the procedure two more times. We use it after cooling down or seal it for future use by spreading the hot jam in jars.

Lychee and cherry liqueur

An alcoholic drink with a fantastically pleasant aftertaste will definitely not leave anyone indifferent.

Ingredients:

• alcohol or moonshine - 2 liters;
• lychee - 300 g;
• frozen or fresh cherries - 500 g;
• sugar - 200 g;
• honey - 1 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

1. Put the cherries, peeled lychee fruits, sugar and honey in a 5 liter jar. Fill everything with prepared alcohol, close the lid.
2. We insist for a month in a dark place, filter.
3. We consume a pleasant, refined drink in small quantities.

After reviewing the information about the lychee fruit, about what beneficial properties it has, we can safely include it in our diet, like other exotic fruits that have become familiar to us.