Lychee for Delivery or Pickup

Lychees are summer fruits native to Southern China, specifically Guangdong and Fujian provinces. They are widely grown in tropical and warm regions but are most common in Southeast Asian countries. Lychees also thrive in some U.S. states such as Florida, California, and Texas. Also known as lychee nuts or alligator strawberries, these fruits have three layers and vary in shape depending on the variety. They may be oval, heart-shaped, or round and have a diameter of 1.5 to 2 inches. Lychee skin is green when immature, but on ripening, it turns pinkish-red.

This skin is leathery, scaly, and tough, but easy to peel off. Peeling off its bumpy skin unveils a firm jelly-like translucent flesh. The flesh has a high water concentration, and its taste is a balance between sweet and tart. These fruits have a large brown seed at the center and a fruity- floral fragrance that compares to watermelon, grapes, and pears. Its taste is a hint of rose with a citrus-like undertone. 

Finding fresh lychees at your local grocers may be difficult, although it is common to find them canned in the supermarket or local Asian markets. Though rare, you might also find dried crunchy lychees.

When selecting lychees at the supermarket, always ensure that they measure more than 1 inch in diameter. Their skin color should be a vibrant red or pink. Remember that not all lychee varieties have this color. Some varieties are orange-yellow with a pink hue. Lychees that have a greenish color are not yet ripe. Considering that the ripening process halts once you pick them from the tree, it is best not to buy such. Ripened lychees should have a bouncy skin and a floral smell. To check this, press the skin using your thumb.

Lychees can stay fresh for a long time due to their hard husk. A cut husk may shorten the lychee's shelf life. Be careful handling these fruits from the time you purchase to when they get home. 

Immediately unpack and thoroughly but gently wash them under running water. If you will consume them in about six hours, place them in a fruit basket. On an hourly basis, spray them with cold water or put them under running water for a few seconds to keep them fresh. Be keen not to soak them as they could rot. Do not put too many of them in a single basket as the bottom ones could crack.

Lychee ferments as it ages but can last up to a week when refrigerated. Use a perforated resealable bag to ensure they retain moisture. Refrigerate at 41 degrees Fahrenheit and set the humidity at 90% to 98%. Lychees can also be frozen for up to six months. Freeze them in a reusable plastic bag with no excess air. Although the outer skin might discolor, the flesh will retain its taste.

Even though you can store lychees, the best way to enjoy their unique flavor is by eating them fresh.

To make your day a little easier, use the Instacart app and add fresh lychees to your cart to try out your favorite lychee dessert recipe. Instacart shoppers will have your package delivered in as little as 2 hours!