The New Summertime Super-fruit, Litchi, The Seasons Favorite

Litchi hits the health market this summer season. Known for its unique flavor and high water content, litchi, often written as lychee, became the season favorite despite the strong competition given by mangoes and watermelons. The small fruit with a rough crimson exterior and luscious, juicy, translucent pulp makes it a popular choice for an ideal snack on scorching hot days. Lychees are also known to improve mood and energy while adding a refreshing taste and other health advantages.

History of Litchi or Litchi Chinensis

Lychee, or Litchi Chinensis Sonn, originated in the provinces of China, and its history dates back thousands of years. In the olden times, fresh and ripe litchis were considered a sign of refinement and elegance, and hence the Chinese emperors were quite fond of displaying them in their imperial court. It was considered a delicacy in Chinese court.

Litchi, The Nutritional Powerhouse

Litchi is known for its high profile in the field of nutrition. It is rich with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. The high water content makes it an excellent medium for keeping the human body hydrated. It is estimated that litchi consists of around 82 percent water. It is also observed that litchi fruit is high in vitamin C, which is 85%, which is recommended for daily intake. Vitamin C intake could help in strengthening the immune system, supporting healthy skin, and facilitating the process of iron absorption.

Furthermore, litchis are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, and important minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, which support heart health. Additionally, polyphenols, which contain antioxidant qualities and help combat free radicals and lower the risk of chronic diseases, are present in the fruit. 

Health Benefits 

Litchi is known to carry Vitamin E, which helps in healing sunburns and skin damage and helps to maintain a radiant and healthy skin texture. It acts as a shield against liver cancer due to its anti-cancer properties.

Researchers have found that litchi helps reduce belly fat. Japan was reported to have received a patent for a litchi skin and green tea blend that appeared to help with fatigue and belly fat reduction, followed by exercise.

Lychee contains B-complex vitamins, which are essential for metabolic functions. These vitamins promote neurological function, increase metabolic efficiency, and aid in the conversion of food into energy.

Litchi in the Field of Summer Culinary

Litchi can be very flexible in culinary applications because of its sweet, slightly fruity flavor. Both home cooks and professional chefs are experimenting with litchi in a range of savory and sweet recipes. Litchi gives a distinctive spin to traditional cuisine, ranging from salads and salsas to sweets and drinks.

Litchi blends very well in desserts with other tropical fruits like coconut, mango, and pineapple. Ice creams and sorbets made with litchi are especially popular since they deliver an appealing treat during the summer heat. Litchi’s aromatic sweetness complements drinks, and it can be used when creating unique cocktails and mocktails. 

Global Market for Litchis 

The global marketplace has been significantly influenced by Litchi’s rising popularity. The agricultural industries of the nations that grow litchis profit from the fruit’s rise to popularity as an export good. Based on the data supplied, China is the world’s largest producer of lychees, with Vietnam, India, other Southeast Asian nations, other South Asian countries, Madagascar, and South Africa following behind.

India export sales show that a sizable amount of litchis is sold to markets in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Precautions

Despite the many health advantages of litchis, there have been issues with their intake, especially when it comes to children. In certain instances, eating a lot of litchis on an empty stomach has been connected to hypoglycemia in kids, particularly in areas where the fruit is easily accessible and overindulged. It is advised that litchis be included in a balanced diet and consumed in moderation. 

Although litchi is the most popular fruit this season, mangoes, pineapple, grapes, watermelons, strawberries, and peaches are a few more fruits that could help you stay hydrated.