Lychee is the only member placed in the genus Litchi under the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. It is a tropical and subtropical tree which is native to China but now cultivated in all parts of the world. The fresh fruit bears a delicate, whitish pulp with a perfume flavor. The flavor is almost lost in canning so the fruit is generally eaten fresh. It is an evergreen tree attaining a height of 10-20 m and the fruits measure 5 cm in length and 4 cm in width. The fruit is covered by a pinkish-red and rough textured rind which is inedible and can be easily removed. The inner part of the fruit bears sweet and translucent flesh. They are consumed in a large number of desserts and are most popularly consumed in China, throughout South-East Asia, along with South Asia.
Their cultivation began somewhat 2000 BC in China. The bark of the tree is grayish black while the branches are brownish-red. Leaves are borne in leaflets of 2-4 pairs and measure 10-25 cm in length. The flowers grow on terminal inflorescence with many panicles. The panicles also grow in cluster which is 10-40 cm in length. The panicles bear hundreds of white, yellow or green flowers with characteristic fragrance. Fruits attain maturity in about 80-112 days depending upon the climate, location, and cultivar. The fruit is generally an aril. Different cultivars of lychee are popular in the varying growing regions and countries
Lychees are generally marketed as fresh. The rind becomes dark brown when refrigerated but the taste remains unaffected. They are also sold as canned fruits. The dried lychees are marketed under the trade name lychee nut but they are not nuts. Each 100 grams of lychee provides about 66 kilocalories of energy. Each 100 gram of fruit contains about 72 mg of Vitamin C. on an average nine lychee fruits can meet an adult's daily recommended Vitamin C requirement. A cup of lychee fruits provide copper, phosphorus and potassium. They contain lower amounts of saturated fats and sodium and are totally cholesterol free. Most the fruit is rich in carbohydrates. They are rich in polyphenols and are known to contain about 15% higher levels of polyphenols as compared to that of the grapes. Flavan-3-ol monomers and dimmers are the major contributors of the polyphenolic compounds in lychees. They are also known to contain anthocyanins and the major among them is Cyanidin-3-glucoside which contributes to about 91.9%. Small amounts of malvidin-3-glucoside are also found.
Navodita Maurice
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Navodita_Maurice
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Lychee Ices - The Perfect Romantic Dessert
Looking for a sweet, delicious, and exotic dessert that's actually good for you? Consider Lychee Ices. They're fast and simple to make, and they're the perfect final course for a romantic dinner for two.
Lychee fruit is a relative newcomer in the west, but it has been grown and enjoyed throughout Asia for centuries. Originally native to China, Lychee has a documented history that goes back thousands of years; legend has it that an eighth century emperor set up an elaborate network of riders to rush the fruits across the country to his palace so his favorite concubine could enjoy them at the absolute peak of freshness.
Lychee are valued for the unique sweet-tart flavor of their succulent flesh. The mature fruit is small, rounded, and roughly heart-shaped (which may be one of the reasons they're traditionally associated with love and romance). Under the thick, bumpy red rind the flesh is a delicate translucent pinkish white.
Fresh lychee may be hard to find in some areas, but most markets carry canned lychee packed in juice which are actually best for ices. the results will be low in calories and high in valuable nutrients. A full cup of lychee fruit weighs in at a very reasonable 125 calories, and it packs enough vitamin C to completely fill the daily requirement for an adult. Lychee is also high in potassium, phosphorus, copper, beta carotene, and fiber.
Lychee Ices
ingredients:
- two cans of lychee fruit, plus juice
- lime or lemon juice to taste
- a splash of vodka or sweet white wine (completely optional)
- Sliced fruits and/or berries (Kiwi fruits, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.) for layering and garnish
Put canned lychee along with the juice into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add the vodka or wine if desired and mix well, then start adjusting the sweetness by adding the lime or lemon juice, mixing well and tasting after each addition.
Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container and freeze. Check the mixture about once an hour, stirring with a fork each time to keep it from freezing into a solid block; you're aiming for a sherbet-like consistency.
To serve, remove from the freezer about a half-hour in advance to allow the mix to soften slightly. Layer the lychee ice with the fresh fruit in wine glasses or parfait dishes. A single serving will be just over 100 calories if you omit the alcohol and around 150 calories if you add the alcohol.
Coping with occasional incontinence is a problem for millions of men. Most find that special incontinence pants for men provide both security and comfort at an affordable price. Find out more at Incontinence Pants & Products - The Information You Need Before You Buy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Butters
Lychee fruit is a relative newcomer in the west, but it has been grown and enjoyed throughout Asia for centuries. Originally native to China, Lychee has a documented history that goes back thousands of years; legend has it that an eighth century emperor set up an elaborate network of riders to rush the fruits across the country to his palace so his favorite concubine could enjoy them at the absolute peak of freshness.
Lychee are valued for the unique sweet-tart flavor of their succulent flesh. The mature fruit is small, rounded, and roughly heart-shaped (which may be one of the reasons they're traditionally associated with love and romance). Under the thick, bumpy red rind the flesh is a delicate translucent pinkish white.
Fresh lychee may be hard to find in some areas, but most markets carry canned lychee packed in juice which are actually best for ices. the results will be low in calories and high in valuable nutrients. A full cup of lychee fruit weighs in at a very reasonable 125 calories, and it packs enough vitamin C to completely fill the daily requirement for an adult. Lychee is also high in potassium, phosphorus, copper, beta carotene, and fiber.
Lychee Ices
ingredients:
- two cans of lychee fruit, plus juice
- lime or lemon juice to taste
- a splash of vodka or sweet white wine (completely optional)
- Sliced fruits and/or berries (Kiwi fruits, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.) for layering and garnish
Put canned lychee along with the juice into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add the vodka or wine if desired and mix well, then start adjusting the sweetness by adding the lime or lemon juice, mixing well and tasting after each addition.
Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container and freeze. Check the mixture about once an hour, stirring with a fork each time to keep it from freezing into a solid block; you're aiming for a sherbet-like consistency.
To serve, remove from the freezer about a half-hour in advance to allow the mix to soften slightly. Layer the lychee ice with the fresh fruit in wine glasses or parfait dishes. A single serving will be just over 100 calories if you omit the alcohol and around 150 calories if you add the alcohol.
Coping with occasional incontinence is a problem for millions of men. Most find that special incontinence pants for men provide both security and comfort at an affordable price. Find out more at Incontinence Pants & Products - The Information You Need Before You Buy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Butters
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