Longan fruit is native of China and countries of south East Asia. It is also known as euphoria fruit. The fruit is cultivated in china and Thailand and harvested during the end of summer. Longan fruit has many similarities with lychees. It has a single seed and the skin is leathery brown or dark brown. Compared to lychees, the pulp of longan fruit is less juicy but sweeter.
Longan Fruit Recipes
The fruit can be eaten raw or in dried form. Canned longans are also available in recent times. Usually the people of China and Thailand eat longan in desserts and snacks.
Longan fruit is becoming popular in many other countries, due to its sweet taste, and fragrance. Let us know the nutritional content of longan fruit.
Longan Fruit Nutrition
200 gms of longan contains:
- Calories: 120 kcal.
- Carbohydrate: 30gms.
- Protein: 1.6gms.
- Fats: 0.20gms.
- Magnesium: 20mg, potassium: 500 mg, vitamin C: 150 mg, calcium 2mg, iron: 0.30mg.
- It also contains vitamin B1, B2, B3 in minute quantity.
Health Benefits Of Longan Fruit
- It improves blood circulation of heart and promotes spleen qi (energy) according to Chinese medicine therapy.
- It soothes the nervous system and therefore used as an anti-depressant.
- Traditional Chinese medicine uses dried longan fruit decoction in treating insomnia.
- The kernel of the longan seed is used for wound healing.
- Due to its potassium content, longan is useful in maintaining normal blood pressure.
- Traditional Chinese medicine uses longan for stomach problems.
- It also boosts the immune system and favors iron absorption.