We’re so lucky to have an incredible array of different exotic fruits to enjoy and there’s nothing more pleasing to the eye than a well-stocked and colourful fruit bowl. But what to put in it? Where to begin?
If you’re keen to have something a little different on your fruit platter, what about stocking up on some rambutan, a very tasty bright red fruit about the size of a small egg - but with a very hairy exterior! As unique offerings go, this really is up there with the best.
But what exactly is rambutan? What’s hiding beneath all that hair? Here are some of the more frequently asked questions we get about this little fruit that are sure to encourage you to give it a go. Enjoy!
1. What are rambutans?
Famed for their hairy red skin and sweet yet acidic pulpy flesh, rambutans are a particularly delectable fruit that hails from south-east Asia, with the word ‘rambutan’ taken from the Malay word ‘rambut’, which means ‘hair’.
Similar to lychees and longans, rambutans are full of vitamins and fibre, so they’re not just delicious, they’re nutritious, as well.
2. What are the health benefits of rambutans?
Rambutans are very nutrient-dense and you’ll get lots of vitamins and minerals when you tuck in, but they’re particularly rich in vitamin C, which is a really powerful antioxidant that helps support our immune system and skin health.
They’re also rich in phytochemicals, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, including polyphenols like flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids and coumarins, which have been found to be beneficial for health.
3. How do you peel rambutans?
Don’t let the strange exterior of the fruit put you off… it’s very easy to get into rambutan to access the pulp. All you need to do is make a little incision in the outside of the fruit and then squeeze lightly so that the edible part pops out. Once you’ve got the fruit out, make another small incision to remove and discard the inner seed.
4. What do rambutans taste like?
Rambutans are similar to lychee in taste, with a sweet and slightly tart flavour and similar texture to a grape, with a slightly firmer bite than you’ll get with lychee.
5. How many rambutans can you eat in a day?
The recommended daily intake of rambutans is between five and ten fruits, giving you lots of vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants.
6. What to do with rambutans?
Rambutans aren’t just a tasty little snack and there’s lots of other uses for them in the kitchen. Putting them in a smoothie is a great way to ensure you’re getting your five a day, for example, or what about making some yummy rambutan jam as gifts for friends and family?
If you’re looking for something savoury, meanwhile, you could whip up this rambutan curry recipe, which features the fruit alongside chicken and pineapple to deliver something fresh and unique. With summer just around the corner, this little dish is simply begging to be cooked!