Have you ever encountered a small, red, spiky kind of fruit and asked yourself what these are? Chances are these tropical and exotic fruits are Rambutan Fruit. It is a fruit native to Southeast Asia. In the past few years, this fleshy and succulent fruit has become a favorite of Malayalis. This is native to the Malaysian-Indonesian region and is now widely farmed in Kerala, too.
Today, we will tell you about one of the most exotic fruits from Southeast Asia. Also this complete guide will also tell you about its health benefits, how to eat it, and much more useful information.
About Rambutan Fruit:
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is an exotic fruit native to Malaysia that is now grown throughout Southeast Asia. It is also grown in Central America, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The name derives from “Rambut,” a Malay word for ‘hair.’ This fruit usually has a brownish-pink hairy exterior.
Rambutan fruits are rich in Vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant. Just 100g (3.5 ounces) of rambutan contains 59 mg of vitamin C. This comes under the recommended amount for adults of 65 to 90 mg daily. 100 g (3.5 ounces) of Rambutan flesh contains around 75 calories. Additionally, it is rich in soluble fiber as well as being a rich source of copper.
Rambutan is a cousin of the well-known fruit Lychee. Both these fruits are members of the soapberry family. Rambutans are cousins of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), including longan and lychee fruit. Just like jackfruits or mangoes, rambutans also possess just one big seed.
The outer spiky shell may seem dangerous and hard to peel, but once you pick up the fruit, you will realize it is not as sharp as it looks. The outer layer is just like hairs and nothing else, with white succulent flesh and a slightly tart flavor.
Rambutan fruit is slightly sweet and sour with some floral hints. You can eat it alone and also find it in some ice creams or other desserts to enhance the flavor of it. The outer layer is also used for garnishing but is not suitable for eating.
How To Eat Rambutan Fruit?
Rambutan fruit is mostly enjoyed fresh but also sometimes cooked. It is also used to prepare dishes like rambutan jam or it is also added to curries to moderate the heat. They are easily transportable because of their hard shell. You can also pack them for lunches and picnics.
You can easily peel the shell with your nails and spread it back just like an orange. Fresh rambutans can make a very healthy, sweet snack during any time of the day. You can have this fruit in a no-cook dish, including a smoothie, fruit salad, and salsa. You can also use it as a fruit topping on yogurt, ice cream, or any other dessert.
What Are Some Health Benefits Of Rambutan Fruit?
Rambutan Fruits are not only a delicious fresh snack but also have some amazing benefits. We have mentioned some of the Rambutan fruit benefits below:
-
- Lowers The Risk Of Cancer: Rambutan has Vitamin C, which helps to eliminate free radicals in the body, which may cause cancer if left in your bloodstream.
-
- Supports heart health: Rambutans contain potassium, which can be an amazing dietary addition for those suffering from heart problems and hypertension.
-
- Decreases Bad Cholesterol: This fruit contains flavonoids known to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. This ultimately reduces the chances of heart disease.
-
- Boosts the immune system: Vitamin C strengthens the white blood cells and has a major role in your immunity system. Rambutan fruit contains Vitamin C, which can be eaten during the flu season.
-
- Promotes Weight Loss: Rambutan is suitable for losing weight as it contains fiber and water to help you stay full between meals.
-
- Works as an antiseptic and antibacterial: A study has shown that Rambutan rinds have an antibacterial effect because of their cytotoxicity. The extracts which are drawn from its peels are also neutralized “Staphylococcus aureus” bacteria.
-
- Improves Digestive system: Eating fruit rich in fiber like Rambutan fruit, makes you less affected with constipation.
-
- Supports Bone Strength: Rambutans contain minerals like calcium, which help to strengthen your bones.
-
- Can help treat Anemia: Iron is also found in Rambutan fruit and helps boost the production of red blood cells. By eating this fruit, you will have more RBCs in your body, reducing the low-energy signs of anemia.
-
- Favors the healing of wounds: The vitamin C, which is in the rambutan, enhances the speed of healing after an injury.
Where To Buy Rambutan Fruit?
If you want to buy fresh rambutan fruit, you must research your nearby grocery stores. You can find this fruit in specialty health stores and also online. Rambutan fruit price may vary depending on where you are buying this fruit. However, if you are buying rambutan online, you will not have the opportunity to select the fruit based on its ripeness.
How To Store Rambutans?
You can easily avoid the rambutan fruit rotting too quickly by storing them in the correct way. You can put them on the countertop for 1-2 days. Also, they stay fresh and ready in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Removing this fruit’s peels will stay fresh for a few days in the refrigerator. However, we recommend not to peel it to retain its moisture for a longer period of time.
The Bottom Line:
Rambutan fruit is a brownish-red exotic fruit from Southeast Asia. These fruits are rich in minerals and nutrients, and they are delicious to eat the way they are. You can enjoy this fruit in various forms, including desserts, smoothies, salads, and many more. Rambutans have various health benefits, including digestion, anemia, weight loss, and much more.
You can also Read: Dive into the Delights of CosMcs – McDonald’s Cosmic Edition Restaurant!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. What does Rambutan taste like?
Many people define the flavor of this fruit as similar to that of lychee, ripe pear, or grapes. It has a sour, sweet, and a hint of floral taste with a firm and juicy texture.
Q. What is rambutan fruit good for ?
Rambutan fruit has many health benefits, including weight loss, heart health benefits, immune system boost, and many more.
Q. Can you eat Rambutan raw ?
Yes, you can surely eat this tropical fruit raw to experience its juicy and succulent taste. Also, you can have this in many other forms, like smoothies, desserts, etc.
Q. How many rambutan can I eat a day ?
You can have this fruit every day. These fruits are rich in natural sugars and can raise the blood sugar. It is recommended to have 5-6 fruits per day.
Also Read About: 5 Easy Recipes with Thai Spices