Question
I’ve got a recipe here for an Asian-style fruit salad and it calls for rambutans and lychees — I don’t know what they are or where I can buy them! Please can you help me.
Answer
Rambutans and lychees, native to south east Asia, are close relations in the wonderful world of tropical fruit.
Rambutans are oval-shaped with a red-coloured skin and are covered in bristle-like hairs. They have a sweet-sour, pale-pink flesh.
Lychees, also known as litchi, look similar to rambutans but are not covered in hair. They have a firm, rough skin which must be removed prior to eating.
Lychees are similar in taste to rambutans, but are usually a little bit sweeter. You can buy these two fruits canned, but like most fruits, they are far better consumed fresh. They’re readily available in Australian fruit and vegie shops and some supermarkets — particularly in warmer parts of the country — from November to March.
If you enjoy your Asian-style fruit salad, you can also try adding the fruits to stir-fries, cocktails, fresh juices and salads — they will add a delicious taste and texture.
Pics: bauersyndication.com.au
