RAMBUTAN – 10lbs

The rambutan is a small, oval to round fruit closely related to other tropical favorites like the lychee and longan. Native to Southeast Asia, this vibrant fruit features reddish, leathery skin covered with soft, fleshy spines. Inside, you’ll find translucent, juicy flesh with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor similar to grapes. In Vietnam, people call rambutans “chôm chôm” (meaning “messy hair”) because of their spiky appearance.

Rambutans are best suited for fresh applications as their sweet flavor is showcased when consumed straight, out-of-hand. The rind can be sliced and opened with a knife or peeled by hand, and the flesh can be consumed raw, discarding the seed.

How to Enjoy Rambutan

You’ll enjoy rambutans best when eating them fresh—their natural sweetness shines when you peel and savor them raw. To open one, slice the rind with a knife or peel it by hand, then discard the seed before eating the juicy flesh.

Ways to use rambutan:

• Toss sliced rambutan into fruit salads for a tropical twist.

• Top sorbet or ice cream with fresh rambutan pieces.

• Add them to curries or soups for a touch of sweetness.

• Muddle them into cocktails or simmer into a simple syrup.

• Cook them into jams or jellies for long-lasting enjoyment.

Nutritional Benefits of Rambutan

Rambutan consists of 78% water, 21% carbohydrates, and 1% protein, with almost no fat (based on canned fruit in syrup; raw fruit data is unpublished). This fruit also offers:

• Copper to support bone and nerve health.

• Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and fights inflammation.

• Fiber to aid digestion.

• Small amounts of iron, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium.

For more tropical fruit growing tips, visit Tropical Fruits Trees.