🔥 In a nutshell#
Jade-like flesh bursts sweet in one bite — the most coddled summer flavor.
📋 Basics#
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Also called | litchi |
| Family | Sapindaceae, Litchi |
| Nature | sweet, warm |
| Calories | ≈ 71 kcal/100g |
👅 Taste & Texture#
Translucent flesh like jelly, juicy and sweet, delicate aroma; small stone best.
💪 Nutrition & Benefits#
- Vitamin C and polyphenols are antioxidant;
- Traditionally taken to tonify and calm;
- Quick energy in small amounts when tired.
🌍 Where It Grows#
Maoming (world’s largest), Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan; Vietnam, Thailand too.
🍂 Harvest Season#
Early to high summer (Jun–Jul), very short.
🛒 Picking & Storing#
- Pick sharp spikes, red, springy shell;
- Chill to keep; bring to room temp for sweetness.
⚠️ Cautions#
- Warm — limit to ~10 at once to avoid «heat»;
- Large fasting amounts can cause hypoglycemia («lychee sickness»), esp. children.
✨ Fun Facts#
«A steed raises red dust, the concubine smiles» refers to lychee; fast horses then, cold chain now — same race against time.
Note: the above reflects general nutrition knowledge and is not medical advice.
