A medium sized tree from China, it can be pruned to maintain a small tree size. This lychee relative has stiffer leaves, more wind resistance and fruits more prolifically and regularly than its famous cousin. The 1 fruit is encased in a thick brown skin which, like the lychee, separates easily from the aril. The flesh is sweet and is usually eaten fresh but can be canned or dried. The crisp skin is easy to remove and the white flesh has a texture and sweetness reminiscent of litchi. They generally eat longan fresh at room temperature, but the canned fruit is often served over ice as a dessert.
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