Rambutan: 15 Interesting Facts for This Exotic Fruit

Wikifarmer

Editorial team

3 min read
05/09/2024
Rambutan: 15 Interesting Facts for This Exotic Fruit
  1. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), often called the "Hairy Lychee," is a tropical fruit from Southeast Asia that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. The name rambutan comes from the Malay word "rambut," meaning hair, referring to its hairy skin. It is related to the lychee and longan. It is an evergreen tree growing to about 40 to 65 feet (15 or 24 meters) tall.
  2. There are over 200 varieties of Rambutans with varying colors, flavors, and appearances.
  3. It is rich in vitamin C, giving about 40% of the daily recommended amount per serving. This helps boost the immune system and keep the skin healthy.
  4. Rambutan is packed with antioxidants, especially flavonoids.
  5. This fruit contains minerals like copper, iron, and manganese. Copper helps make red blood cells, iron is vital for oxygen transport, and manganese supports bone health.
  6. Fresh rambutan is hard to find in Western countries because it spoils quickly, and there are strict import rules. It is often sold canned or as juice.
  7. Rambutan is a versatile tropical fruit that is best enjoyed fresh. Its sweet flesh can be savored or incorporated into various dishes. From simple fruit salads and desserts to savory curries and soups, rambutan adds a unique sweetness. Its juice can also be used in cocktails, syrups, and preserves. This exotic fruit pairs well with other tropical flavors, aromatics, and meats (poultry and beef).
  8. Rambutan has a hairy, spiky skin, making it easy to recognize and adding to its exotic appeal.
  9. The rambutan peel can be used as a natural dye, and its wood is used in local crafts.
  10. In Southeast Asia, rambutan symbolizes good luck and is often given as a festival gift.
  11. Their trees produce fruit twice yearly, making fresh rambutan a seasonal treat.
  12. It contains about 78% water, making it a hydrating fruit with a refreshing taste.
  13. It is a Southeast Asian native that has been cultivated for centuries. Its history stretches back centuries, with local populations integrating it into their diets. Arab traders brought it to East Africa around the 13th-15th centuries, and it was later introduced to the Americas and the Philippines in the 19th and early 20th centuries, respectively.
  14. Thailand is the world's top rambutan grower, producing more than half of the global supply. The story of rambutan in Thailand begins in 1926 when someone named K. Vong planted the first trees in Surat Thani province. Because of their beautiful flowers and tasty fruit, rambutan trees quickly became popular. Over time, they turned into a significant crop for the area.
  15. Nowadays, rambutan farming is also helping to bring tourists to the region. Surat Thani has a big festival with fun yearly activities like farm tours, contests, and parades.

References

  • Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)
  • University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) - College of Agriculture and Food Science
  • "Rambutan: Fruit Development, Postharvest Physiology, and Marketing in ASEAN" by SEARCA
  • "Tropical and Subtropical Fruits: Postharvest Physiology, Processing and Packaging" by Muhammad Siddiq
  • https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Rambutan_6744.php