Longan: health benefits and harms

Exotic fruit longan has a pleasant aroma and exquisite taste. It is also called the sweet "dragon's eye", longan plum and lam lam. The pulp is juicy, with a pronounced smack of musk. The skin is firm but easy to remove. You can buy the fruits of a longan tree in large grocery stores, the main thing is not to confuse them with lychee because of the external similarity.

What is a longan

The plant is tropical, respectively, thermophilic, rather high (on average 7–8 m). It can be grown in greenhouses and apartments (in pots). Relatively unusual name, in Vietnam there is the province of Long An, where they continue to grow these fruits. Basically, the fruits ripen from June to August, the crop is harvested during the summer. However, the climate in different parts of the province is different, therefore year-round harvesting is possible.

How it looks and where it grows

Fruits are small, about 2-4 cm in diameter, ripen in clusters. Under the brown shell hides a juicy pulp, which has the consistency of jelly. The fruit is white, translucent, with a dark bone inside, which is why it is called the dragon's eye. Longan differs from lychee in a less rough surface. The bone and peel are inedible.

There are several versions of the origin of the exotic fruit. According to one version in 200 BC. e. in China (Shaanxing Province), the ruler decided to plant the best, in his opinion, fruit trees (lychee and longan), but due to lack of heat they did not take root. But the fruits of longan ripen in other provinces - Fujian and Guangdong, from where they are still exported. China is the main exporter of fruit. No less popular fruits in Thailand. In official sources, there is a mention from 1896 of the traveler's visit to the Thai government. He brought seedlings from China, which were planted not only in the capital, but also in one of the kingdom's provinces - Chiang Mai. Since then, the fruits of Longan have been harvested in Thailand.

Fruit trees have taken root outside Asia - in Puerto Rico, Mauritius and Bermuda, in Australia. They are grown in Taiwan, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, Cambodia, India, Vietnam. The same list can include Sri Lanka, USA, Philippines, Malaysia. However, there longans are not as common as in China and Thailand.

In Southeast Asia, the sale of exotic fruits brings good profit. A third of fresh longans are sent to Europe and America, Asian countries. Most of the harvest is processed, so the "dragon's eye" can be bought not only fresh, but also dried or canned. The main suppliers of fruit are China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India.

What does taste like

The taste of the fruit is unique. It is sweet, combines several tastes at once - fresh kiwi, sweet melon, ripe berries. Feature is pronounced musky aroma. Although the longan is not as juicy as the lychee, it is more sweet. Some similarities with Spanish lime and rambutan are also noted.

Species and varieties

There are about 50 varieties of exotic fruit. But there are several varieties that are of the greatest value - Bieo khieo (there is a noticeable green hue on the peel), Do (the fruits have a flattened shape), Si chomphu (pink flesh, juicy).

Composition and calorie content

The product is low-calorie, because it is included in the diet if necessary, follow a diet. In 100 g of fruits, only 60 kcal.Of the minerals in the composition are potassium, manganese, iron, zinc. In addition, longan contains calcium, magnesium, copper and phosphorus.

The vitamin composition is represented by vitamins C and B (B1, 2, 3). Longan plum has a high level of ascorbic acid (84 mg), potassium (266 mg) and water (82 g). The content of carbohydrates, proteins, fats in 100 g of fruits is 15, 1.3, 0.1 g, respectively, and fiber is 1.1 g.

Useful properties of Longan fruit

General benefit

The product contains a lot of potassium, because when it is consumed, the heart rate normalizes, more oxygen enters the brain. As a result, there is a positive effect on mental activity and other important processes in the body.

Given the high content of ascorbic acid, the dragon's eye is an excellent tool for strengthening immunity, eliminating vitamin deficiency and colds. Positive changes also occur due to the intake of B vitamins. Thiamine favorably affects the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems. Riboflavin acts as a regulator of the nervous system, contributes to the production of energy from carbohydrates. Niacin helps maintain a healthy looking skin, promotes vasodilation and alleviates negative effects on the nervous system.

When eating fruit, the following effects develop:

1. A slight increase in blood pressure.
2. Strengthening nails and hair, improving the condition of the skin.
3. Partial elimination of cholesterol and harmful substances from the body.
4. Diuretic effect, cleansing the kidneys, a positive effect on the urinary tract.
5. Normalization of the water level in the body.
6. Antibacterial and antiseptic effect.
7. Protecting the liver from negative effects.
8. Strengthening the nervous system, eliminating irritability, anxiety and insomnia, a better sleep as a result of the development of a sedative effect.
9. Prevention of cancer, cardiovascular and colds, flu.
10. Chemotherapy improvement.
11. Increased iron levels in the body with anemia.
12. Strengthening immunity, lowering high body temperature (dried fruits are especially useful for fever and fever).
13. Neutralization of the negative effects of free radicals due to the content of phenols (antioxidant activity due to the content of bile and ellagic acids).
14. Faster healing of lesions on the skin, improvement in skin diseases.
15. Elimination of apathy, signs of fatigue and the effects of stress, restoration of vitality, giving vitality.
16. Anthelmintic effect.
17. Elimination of symptoms of vitamin deficiency and scurvy.
18. Normalization of the digestive system.

Not only the fruits, but also the leaves of the plant containing quartzetine are useful:

• strengthening of blood vessels, maintaining normal functioning of the heart muscle;
• assistance to the body in the fight against cancer;
• treatment of any type of diabetes and allergies.

Like fruits, Longan leaves are a powerful natural antioxidant. Also, when using them, an antiviral and bactericidal effect is noted. On the basis of leaves, medicinal decoctions and infusions are prepared.

The bones contain a large amount of saponins. By grinding them and combining with water, a soapy foam is formed. Such a tool is used as the basis for shampoo.

The fruit is used as an aphrodisiac and tonic. Its pulp is added to funds intended for the treatment of disorders in the digestive tract. According to the results of one of the studies, regular use of fruits can significantly improve the condition of patients who have been diagnosed with damage to the liver and other organs.

In Vietnam, longan is used externally. For example, with the help of fruit, they eliminate the negative consequences of insect and snake bites. It is applied with a bone to the damaged areas. It is believed that it is able to draw out toxic substances and disinfect the site of the bite. It is important to apply longan in a timely manner.

Longan is used to maintain mental abilities and maintain a good memory. The substances contained in the exotic fruit protect against sudden cardiac arrest and cardiac attacks. Regular use of the product eliminates blood circulation problems.

Riboflavin, contained in Longan, is required to maintain a healthy eye. The daily norm for women is 1 mg, for men - 1.3 mg. A reduction in the risk of developing cataracts and other ophthalmic diseases with a sufficient level of vitamin in the body is confirmed by the study “Archiv oftalmologie” (2005).

Dried fruits are consumed with iron and copper deficiency. The rate of daily intake of copper with food for an adult is 900 mcg. If you eat 3.5 dried fruits per day, 19% of the required volume of copper enters the body. There is a positive effect of Longan not only on bones, but also on joints, muscle tissue.

For women

Maintaining a normal level of mineral substances improves health during the postmenopausal period and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Since only a few Longan fruits contain 19% of the daily value of copper, the product is recommended for regular use. Moreover, the fruit has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, reduces flabbiness, helps to eliminate age spots and dryness, and smooths out “crow's feet”.

Due to the high content of antioxidants, Longan has a rejuvenating, tonic, regenerating effect on the body. With its regular use, strength is restored, metabolic processes are activated.

For men

Longan refers to aphrodisiacs. It contains a large amount of zinc, an important trace element for the male body. Its normal level must be maintained for the full production of testosterone.

During pregnancy

During the period of bearing a child, it is worth restricting the use of the "dragon's eye", because with its frequent entry into the body in large quantities, the blood sugar can significantly decrease, which will lead to the development of such a dangerous condition as hypoglycemia. It is not necessary to completely abandon Longan, because it has a lot of iron. To maintain a normal level of this trace element, dried fruits are chosen.

When breastfeeding

“Dragon Eye” helps women recover faster after pregnancy and childbirth, so if possible you should regularly eat several fruits. You should not get carried away with the use of fruit for the same reason as during the period of gestation (risk of developing hypoglycemia). In addition, the child may experience an allergic reaction.

For kids

It is better not to give fruit to small children. Acquaintance with a longan is recommended to be postponed until 3 years.

When losing weight

The product is low-calorie, therefore it is allowed to eat it when losing weight. It is not necessary to include pure fruit in the diet, it can be used as an additional component for cocktails, smoothies, fruit purees and juices. It is also a good supplement for cottage cheese desserts and yoghurts.

Every day you can eat no more than 100-150 g longan. Be sure to drink enough clean water, as the fruits have a diuretic effect on the body. When losing weight, only fresh longan is included in the diet, calorie dried fruits are discarded or their consumption is minimized.It is a fresh product that activates the metabolism and accelerates the process of losing weight.

Use in cosmetology and for treatment

For medicinal purposes, leaves and flowers are used. A positive effect is achieved due to the content of quercetin. This substance belongs to flavonoids, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improves the general condition of the body. Teas, infusions, decoctions are prepared from the obtained raw materials.

In the production of care and medical products, bones are used. Squeeze saturated with tannins and fats is obtained from this part of the fruit. This component in the composition of antiperspirants helps to combat increased sweating.

The fruit seeds contain sapotin, it is added to shampoos and balms as an ingredient that improves the condition of the hair. At home, the pulp is used for masks against peeling and irritation on the skin. Sapotin heals the skin, moisturizes it and saturates it with useful substances. As a result of prolonged use of masks, a lifting effect can be achieved.

Cooking Application

Fruits are not only consumed fresh, but also used for freezing, canning, preparing liquors and dried fruits. They are added to drinks, sauces, salads and desserts. For example, it can be mousse, ice cream or a cocktail. Also, longan is used as a filling for baking.

In Asian countries, coconut milk based longan soup is made. You can cook rice porridge with the fruits of the "dragon's eye" or make a tonic drink. To get a refreshing agent, the pulp is combined with sugar and boiled until it is dissolved, water is poured into the fruit puree with syrup.

In China and Thailand, the flesh is boiled and then dried. The taste of the finished dessert resembles raisins. And most importantly, the beneficial substances in this processing method are not destroyed. In regions where exotic fruits are grown, combinations of sweet fruits with fish and spicy foods are common. For Europeans, simpler combinations are preferred - cocktails and alcohol with an exotic fruit, salad or ice cream.

To get healthy dried fruits as an additional ingredient for meat and fish dishes or rice, the longan is boiled in syrup, then dried in a convenient way. You can use a dryer or oven. Another option is also possible - to place the product in the sun, drying it naturally.

Royal roll

It takes 2 hours to implement this recipe, the ingredients are listed in 6 servings of fragrant baked goods. For the filling, dates and longan plum are used.

Ingredients for the dough:

• 350 g of flour;
• 85 g of sugar;
• 50 g butter;
• 10 g of yeast (dry product);
• 120 ml of milk;
• 2 eggs;
• a pinch of salt.
• Filling:
• 200 g longan;
• 90 g of jam;
• 80 g of dates;
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder.

Cooking:

1. Heat the milk (it should be slightly warm, not hot) and combine with sugar (not all is taken, only 35 g), salt, butter, eggs.
2. Yeast is poured into a homogeneous mixture, the contents of the container are re-mixed.
3. Mix the flour in parts. The dough should turn out soft (well-kneaded dough does not stick to your hands). It is covered and left to fit in a warm place. This will take about 1 hour.
4. Pitted dates are combined with an exotic fruit, chopped with a blender and sent to jam (anyone will do, they are chosen according to their taste), mix thoroughly.
5. The resulting dough is cut into 8 equal parts and form balls. 3 balls lay aside and cover with a clean towel so that the dough is not weathered. The remaining balls are rolled into a circle.
6. To proceed to the next step, first prepare the pan. Cut a piece of parchment of the required size and lay it on a baking sheet, grease it with oil.
7. The filling is evenly distributed in four circles, they are laid out on a baking sheet on top of each other. On top of the future rolls lay the fifth circle without filling.
8. From the center to the edge, approximately 16 cuts are made (not completely cut, 1 cm should remain to the edge). The result should be 8 triangles. These petals are turned to the edge of the product.
9. Return to the previously deferred three balls. Each of them is cut in half. To work with the test at this stage, take 5 parts, one set aside. Form balls, then circles.
10. Four billets are sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, stacked on top of each other and covered with a fifth billet.
11. Using a knife, 8 triangles are obtained. A longitudinal section is made in the center of each workpiece, the tip of the workpiece is pushed downward from the upper side of the product and pulled outward. Do the same with the rest of the triangles.
12. The remaining ball is connected to the scraps and circles for roses are prepared.
13. Roses are formed from circles, for this they are lapped a few pieces and folded. Each tube is cut in half and laid out in a circle in the center of the future rolls.
14. If the dough is left, you can place a small ball in the center between the roses, and decorate the side petals with leaves from the remains of the mass.
15. The bun is baked in a preheated oven. Temperature - 180 ° С, cooking time - 30–35 min. Ready-made pastries can be sprinkled with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh longans.

Rice with Exotic Fruit

The dish can be consumed both hot or warm, and cold. To give an appetizing appearance, rice is laid out in a deep bowl covered with cling film. It is pressed down and transferred to a plate. For convenience, you can attach the plate to the bowl, turn it over and then remove the film.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. glutinous rice;
• 6 tbsp. + 1 and ¼ Art. water for cooking the product;
• ¼ Art. sake;
• 20 longans (suitable for both dried and smoked);
• 1 tbsp Sahara.

Cooking:

1. Combine rice and water (6 tbsp.), Leave to swell for 8 hours.
2. Prepare the pulp, for this, remove the peel and seeds from an exotic fruit.
3. Rice is cooked in a rice cooker or cooked in a pan. Next, the remaining water and sake are poured into it.
4. Put the pot on a small fire for about 25 minutes. The contents are regularly mixed. Before completing the cooking, sugar is poured and evenly distributed.

Alcoholic cocktail

Ingredients:

• vodka and orange juice in a ratio of 2: 1 - 60 and 30 ml, respectively;
• 40 ml of Blue Curacao liquor;
• 8 fruits of longan;
• ice to cool the drink.

Cooking:

1. Alcohol is combined with juice, longan and ice.
2. The ingredients are mixed using an electric mixer, distributed into 2 cups. If desired, use aplsin slices for decoration.

Liquor

This drink is served chilled. If desired, use lime for decoration. Cool the liquor with ice. Liquor can be consumed in pure form or added to cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 0.5 kg of exotic fruit;
• 1 liter of vodka;
• vanillin stick;
• 1 lime fruit.

Cooking:

1. Using a knife, the longan is peeled and pitted. The pulp is cut into medium or small pieces, transferred to a glass jar.
2. Squeeze juice from lime, pour it into a jar. The vanilla stick is cut and thrown there.
3. Lastly, pour alcohol, mix, and, having reliably clogged the jar, send it to the refrigerator for 3 hours, then filter it. For these purposes, you can use gauze or a fine sieve.

Harm and contraindications

In general, the product is safe, but in some cases you should abandon its use:

1. Individual intolerance to the components, accompanied by manifestations of an allergic reaction.
2. Age less than 3 years (for the first time give no more than 6-8 fruits).
3. Excess Vitamin C.
4. Violations of the digestive tract (laxative effect develops).

Fruit damage occurs when unripe fruits are consumed (asthma may develop).

An overdose of vitamin C is dangerous for the body. Among the signs of this condition are diarrhea, vomiting. White blood cells may even be damaged.

How to choose and store a longan

In Asian countries, fruit is sold year-round. In appearance, it is difficult to assess whether he is ripe or not. For this reason, it is recommended that you first buy several fruits per sample. If the taste is sour, longan can be left in a warm place for several days. After ripening, you need to move it to the refrigerator for storage.

There are no spots on the peel of a quality fruit, the color is uniform. You should also inspect the fruits for rot and violation of the integrity of the peel. There should not be any defects. Deformed fruits with damage lose their taste and benefit.

After harvesting, the fruits are dipped in ice water. Thus, overriding of the fruit is prevented. The same thing is done with a longan when it is not planned to use it immediately.

Bunches of "dragon's eye" are collected unripe, consumed at least 1–2 days after collection. Ripened fruit is stored for 7 days (if it was placed in a cold place), then it begins to deteriorate. It should be borne in mind that when buying fruits in the autumn, the shelf life is reduced.

How to clean and eat longan

Only pulp is used in food, not more than 150-200 g per day. Vitamin C in such an amount of “dragon's eye” is already 84 mg, while the daily norm is 75–90 mg.

To cleanse the fetus, it is strongly compressed. The skin is cracking and can be easily removed. You can go the other way and make a small incision. It is not difficult to remove the bone; it easily leaves the pulp. The fruit can be pre-sprinkled with sugar with cinnamon or sugar only and eaten.

Interesting Facts

1. Longan contains a huge amount of vitamin C, it can be used as a complete source of this substance.
2. The fruit really looks like a dragon's eye due to the unusual appearance of the pulp and the presence of a dark bone.

The taste of the fruit is unlike anything, therefore, you must definitely try longan at least once in your life!

Photo of Longan fruit