All around my flat at the moment are large and tall longan trees heavy with fruit. They will either be eaten by the birds or by my clever neighbours who have specially designed hooks on long poles enabling them to pull down bunches of ripe fruit.

For me they are a poor second to the lychee, which are also in season around the same time, but many prefer the slightly less aromatic and sweet fruit. Like the lychee they are considered a "heating" food so you should not consume too many in one sitting unless you need more internal heat.

Fact and Fiction

The tropical tree is native to Southeast Asia, and its fruit is commonly called Dragon's Eye or Cat's Eye because when shelled the fruit is said to resemble an eye with its round black seed (and white spot at the base of the seed) visible through the translucent fruit.

There are many health or healing properties associated with the fruit and while some are more wishful thinking than fact, some no doubt have merit due to the nutrient properties of the fruit.

My favourite of the first category is the belief held in Vietnam that the "eye" or seed of the fruit will absorb the venom from a snake's bite when pressed against the skin. Maybe it is true, but I am not about to test this belief.

Several sources also claim that it is a "fantastic marital tonic" and as such is made into a tonic for women "who wish to be both beautiful and sensuously active". This belief is said to date back some 2,000 years and according to legend one of China's "Four Beauties of Ancient China", Yang Guifei, consumed the fruit, either dried or fresh everyday.

Health Properties

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective the dried fruit is used to treat stomach problems, poisonings and insomnia. The fresh fruit is said to boost the immune system, keep the skin healthy and young, especially around the eyes, and reduce fevers.

It is associated with the Heart and Spleen meridians and as such is used to relieve rapid heartbeat, forgetfulness and anxiety associated with blood and qi (energy flow) deficiency. It is often combined with other herbs to promote tranquility and a calm spirit (nervous system) and increase physical stamina.

Other claims include it being a cure for gum and teeth problems.     

The leaves of the tree contain the compound quercetin, which has antioxidant and antiviral properties, and are used to treat allergies, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The crushed seeds produce foam due to the presence of saponin, and are used to make a shampoo in some parts of Southeast Asia.

The fruit is a good source of Vitamin A and C, calcium and iron.

Culinary Uses

Squeezing the fruit is one way to test the fruit for freshness and ripeness. If it is ripe and recently harvested the fruit will easily pop out of the thin, bark-like skin. The skin of those that have been prematurely harvested or stored for a period of time will have more moisture content and will be softer making the fruit harder to peel.

Fresh longan can be kept at room temperature for a few days and in the fridge for a couple of weeks. They can also be frozen, in the skin, in an airtight container without suffering any loss of quality when thawed.

The fruit is often used fresh and dried in Asian soups. In herbal medicine the dried fruit, which is dark brown to black in colour, is thought to aid relaxation and is often added to healing soups or refreshing herbal drinks.

During my research for this article the most common pairing (non Chinese) is with chicken and something bitter or salty. I would imagine this would also be true of pork.

They can also be added to salads to give a sweet note. And, they also pair well with ice cream and liqueurs with fruit notes, such as Grand Marnier.

I have included links to a couple of these recipes below, as well as some more traditional recipes.

http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/7201/chicken+with+longan+macadamia+salad

http://www.chinese-food-delight.com/longan-drink.html

http://chowtimes.com/2007/03/13/longan-jelly/

http://www.tropicalfruitgrowers.com/?page_id=554

http://wanderingchopsticks.blogspot.com/2008/11/longan-chicken-radicchio-wraps.html