Have you ever been through an Asian market and came across a spiky, crimson fruit and wondered what on earth it was?
It is most likely a fruit called rambutan.
Despite it may seem scary at first, this fruit is surprisingly tasty and tastes similar to grapes.
That is, according to some; others think it tastes more like a mix between a lychee and a grape.
You’ll have to experiment to find out precisely what rambutan tastes like.
Yet, if you want to know exactly what to anticipate from this odd fruit, keep reading.
What is Rambutan?
Rambutan, sometimes known as Rambotan, is a Malaysian tropical fruit.
Rambutan gets its name from the Malay word for hairy, rambut.
It alludes to the fruit’s hairy, prickly surface.
Rambutan fruits grow on evergreen trees that may reach heights of 15 to 25 meters.
The trees have little white blossoms that mature into Rambutan fruits.
They are linked to a number of other tropical fruits, including pulasan, longan, guinep, and lychee.
In reality, rambutan is similar to lychee in appearance (without the spikes), flavor, and eating method.
There are two types of rambutans: red rambutans and yellow rambutans.
To mention a few, among of the most popular and best-tasting types of the fruit include Queen Zaida, Victoria, Laurel, Zamora, and Ponderosa Ferreras.
What Does Rambutan Taste Like?
Together with its beautiful color, the rambutan is well-known for its flavor.
Well, without further ado, let’s get into what it tastes like.
The flavor characteristic of rambutan is a blend of sweet and tart with flowery notes.
Close inspection reveals a grapey flavor with its own distinct tone.
The first taste of this prickly fruit is as terrifying as its appearance.
As the outer shell is cracked, however, a creamy and soft gelatinous texture washes away the first barrier.
Indeed, it is also juicy. The inside content of rambutans is creamy and tasty.
But what about its inner seed? Not at all. So be cautious.
The long seed is located in the middle and has a bitter taste that many people find unpleasant.
Some people eat the pit, but its poisonous nature may harm your health.
While rambutans are known for their sweet and sour taste, the flavor of rambutans may vary depending on their freshness.
This implies that canned rambutan cannot compete with fresh rambutan in terms of flavor.
Rambutans are high in antioxidants, which work as a fantastic immune booster against a variety of ailments.
It is also an excellent source of vitamins E, C, and A, which help to preserve eye health and prevent macular degeneration.
Rambutans are a very healthy fruit with minimal fat content.
As a result, the fruit is an excellent meal for a weight reduction plan.
And the best part is that it won’t keep you hungry all day.
How to Cook and Use Rambutan?
Don’t worry if you’ve never eaten or cooked with rambutan before.
It’s really fairly easy, and you don’t need to be a culinary expert.
The most important step is to choose the correct fruit.
You want ones that are strong to the touch and brightly colored.
Avoid those that are mushy or have brown patches.
It’s time to start preparing your fruit when you’ve chosen it.
The first step is to remove the external spikes.
This may be accomplished with a sharp knife or scissors.
It should be noted that the fruit’s skin and seed are both deemed inedible.
Be careful to get rid of them. Your fruit is now ready for consumption.
You may eat it raw or cook with it.
Rambutan may be added to fruit salads and smoothies, or it can be used to decorate cakes and other delicacies.
One of our favorite ways to consume this tropical fruit is in the form of a cocktail.
We prefer to combine rum, vodka, or even tequila with rambutans and ice.
As a consequence, you get a delightful and refreshing drink that is ideal for hot summer days.
You may also use rambutan to create jams, chutneys, and sauces if you want to get a bit more creative.
Conclusion
If you’re a fruit lover looking to try something new, a rambutan should be on your shopping list.
It’s delicious, juicy, and healthful.
What more could one want? Once you try a rambutan, you’ll find it tastes just as good as it looks.
During the summer, the fruit may be purchased in plenty at local farmers markets or grocery shops.
A rambutan may be a major breakfast component for people planning a meal.
But, if you want something heavier, try some of the dishes we listed previously.
