The longan, also known as "Dragon Eye"It's a tropical gem that, with its exotic appearance and unmistakable flavor, has conquered both traditional Asian cuisines and Western culinary and health trends. Prized for its sweet, juicy flesh, this fruit offers a combination of tradition, nutritional value, and versatility that makes it one of the most fascinating fruits in the plant world.
What is longan and how do you recognize it?
El longan, whose scientific name is Dimocarpus longanLongan is a small, round fruit with a thin, light brown to beige skin. It has translucent, juicy, and gelatinous flesh with a characteristic sweet flavor and musky undertones. Inside, it houses a hard, black, and shiny seed, which, when exposed after peeling, gives the fruit its famous nickname of "dragon's eye." The longan tree is evergreen, large, and green-leaved, and can grow to over 20 meters in height.
In different regions it receives other names, such as dragon eye In addition to its nutritional value, the longan is used in traditional medicine, carpentry (for its resistant wood) and is associated with good fortune in Chinese culture.
Origin, habitat and global expansion
Native to southern China, this exotic fruit grows naturally in humid and warm regions of Asia such as Thailand, Vietnam , Indonesia y Taiwán. It has subsequently been successfully cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Central America, and parts of Australia, as well as in Hawaii. Its widespread popularity is due both to its culinary value and its relative resistance to cold compared to other tropical fruits, although it cannot tolerate severe frost.
El Longan requires tropical and subtropical climates, with warm temperatures for most of the year. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter, and although it tolerates heat, it requires regular watering during prolonged dry periods. It is sensitive to salinity in the soil and water, so it is recommended to grow it in areas with low salt concentrations.
In Europe, the case of Axarquía (Málaga) stands out, a subtropical region where longans are successfully cultivated thanks to a favorable microclimate unique on the continent.
Botanical characteristics and life cycle
- Family: sapindaceae.
- Large evergreen tree (can exceed 20 m).
- Large leaves, initially reddish, turning dark green.
- Clusters of small, yellow or yellowish flowers that bloom in spring. They are key for attracting pollinators such as bees and insects.
- Fruiting: The fruits grow in clusters and ripen in late spring and throughout the summer, presenting smooth, thin, light-brown skin. The interior is juicy and white.
- The tree requires pruning of training and annual maintenance to optimize their health and production.
Longan propagation is preferably done by grafts to preserve the quality of the fruit, although it is also viable through seeds.
Nutritional values of longan
- Water: 82-83%
- Calories: 60 kcal per 100 grams
- Proteins: 1,3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15,1 g
- Fiber: 1,1 g
- Fat: 0,1 g (virtually fat-free)
- Vitamin C: up to 84 mg (covering more than 80% of the daily requirement in adults)
- Vitamins of group B: riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and folic acid
- Minerals: Potassium (266 mg), magnesium (10 mg), phosphorus (21 mg), calcium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Longan is low in calories and fat, making it ideal for light diets and healthy.
Properties and health benefits
- Powerful antioxidant effect: The high concentration of vitamin C and polyphenols combats the free radical, preventing cellular aging and protecting against chronic diseases.
- Strengthening the immune system: Regular consumption increases defenses and helps prevent infections and colds.
- Cardiovascular health: Thanks to its potassium, acts as a vasodilator and helps reduce blood pressure, decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
- Improved circulation: It promotes iron absorption and red blood cell formation, making it useful for preventing or treating mild anemia. Its iron content is particularly high in dried fruit.
- Younger, more radiant skin: Antioxidants and vitamin C stimulate collagen synthesis, improve elasticity, and help heal wounds, delaying the appearance of spots and wrinkles.
- Relaxing and adaptogenic properties: Widely used in traditional medicine to combat Stress, insomnia and mental fatigue, providing well-being, relaxation and improving memory.
- Improves intestinal transit: The fiber in longan promotes good digestion and helps maintain a balanced intestinal flora.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Its phytochemicals may be useful in controlling allergies, inflammatory skin lesions, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
In addition to its use in Chinese medicine, bioactive extracts of longan are being studied for their anticancer potential and antifungal.
How to consume and prepare longan
Longan is a very easy fruit to consume:
- Cool: Peel back the thin skin with your fingernails or a knife. Remove the black seed and enjoy the pulp.
- Dehydrated: Dried longan is typical in Asian infusions, teas and sweet broths.
- In syrup: Ideal for desserts, mousses, cheesecakes and yogurts.
- In fruit salads: It provides an exotic and sweet touch, ideal for combining with pineapple, mango and other tropical fruits.
- In savory dishes: In some cultures it is used in sweet and sour sauces for meats, especially chicken or pork.
- In ice creams, juices, smoothies and cocktails: Its intense and refreshing flavor is highly valued.
Season, cultivation and care of the longanero
- Availability: The fruits ripen between late spring and summer, depending on the climate and variety.
- Cultivation: It prefers fertile, well-drained, low-saline soils. It is essential to avoid waterlogging to prevent root damage.
- Solar exposition: It requires direct sunlight for optimal growth; in extremely hot climates, some shade is beneficial during the peak hours.
- Irrigation: Regular, especially during growth and fruiting, but without flooding.
- Sensitivity to cold: It tolerates cool temperatures better than lychee, but does not withstand severe frosts or sudden temperature changes.
- Pruning and maintenance: Light pruning and removal of dry or diseased branches stimulates the tree's production and health.
- Fertilization: Add organic matter and balanced fertilizers before flowering and fruiting to ensure a bountiful harvest.
La harvest The fruit is picked manually and carefully, cutting the bunches to avoid damaging the plant.
Most notable commercial varieties
- Biew Kiew: Originally from Thailand, very productive and of high quality.
- River Diamond: Medium size, good quality, also Thai.
- Kohala: Originally from Hawaii, it is known for its excellent flavor.
- Sri Chompoo: It stands out for the large size of the fruit and its high quality.
- Wu Yuan: Small, bitter fruit, mainly used in the canning industry.
Curiosities and alternative uses
- in chinese cultureThe longan is a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Its Chinese name, 龙眼 (dragon's eye), is associated with longevity and vital energy.
- Its seeds They have saponins, used in the manufacture of soaps and shampoos.
- In traditional medicine, it is used as a tonic for the heart, memory, nervous system, and to stimulate sexual desire.
- There is a popular belief that this fruit beautifies women and provides vigor.
- In modern European cuisine it is even used in cocktails as a decorative and aromatic ingredient.
Contraindications and side effects
Longan is safe for the vast majority of people, although moderation in its consumption is recommended, especially for those who suffer from diabetes Due to its natural sugar content, people with allergies to exotic fruits should try small amounts before incorporating it regularly into their diet. Its consumption is not recommended during pregnancy in some Eastern countries, although conclusive evidence is lacking. In cases of irritable bowel syndrome, excessive consumption could cause mild digestive discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Longan
- Can you eat during pregnancy? It's traditionally not recommended, although there's no clear scientific evidence. Always consult your doctor.
- Does it help lower blood pressure? Yes, thanks to its high potassium content.
- Does it promote rest? Traditional medicine uses it against insomnia and stress.
- Is it acidic or alkaline? When fresh it is alkaline; it can vary when dehydrated.
- How long does it take for a tree to bear fruit? If propagated by seed, it can take up to 6 years; with grafting or air layering, it can take 2 to 3 years after planting.
- Can you eat during menstruation? Yes, its iron content can be beneficial.
El longan It has become a staple food for its exotic flavor, nutritional value, and multiple applications in cooking and natural health. It's an ideal choice for those looking to experiment with superfoods, enjoy a balanced diet, and discover new culinary sensations without neglecting the benefits for physical and mental well-being.
