Lychees - A Frivolous Fruit???

[Sara Emily]

A number of issues back, CL ran an article about foods that help to nourish the eyes and, mentioned kiwis for their benefits in this respect. In the next issue, one of the letters to the editor was from a reader who commented that they were glad to learn the value of kiwis, as they had always just sort of considered them a "frivolous fruit!"

That phrase came back to me when I adventurously tried my first fresh lychees a couple of weeks ago! They were pleasant tasting (sort of like a cross between a grape and a cherry in flavor), but there was not much to them and, other than eat them raw, I could not think of anything WONDERFUL to do with them. I'm sure there are multitudes of recipes out there utilizing them, but any that you can personally vouch for? And ... are there any lychee fans out there or BBers who are able to "sell me" on the benefits of this interesting little fruit? Are they WORTH the effort other than just for the sake of having something DIFFERENT?

[djoygirl]

sara, I can see how some would consider this a "frivolous fruit". Where I lived in Miami we had trees in my neighborhood. I tried them a few times, but didn't care for their slimy texture. Nobody I knew every did anything with them; as you said, I'm not sure they're worth the trouble.

[Luv to Cook]

I love lychees...I cannot think of anything better to do than just eat them straight up...but if you must they do taste great with vanilla ice cream!

Anita

[JHolcomb]

I have a recipe for lychee sorbet. Haven't tried it myself, but may- I find myself intrigued by the little buggers every time I go into the Chinese grocery.

[comabri]

Halloween - peel them, put them in a bowl of punch, and they look like a bunch of eyeballs floating around. Or sit them on a plate with sliced black olive for the pupils.

Anyone else think they look like eyeballs? I have to admit though, they are tasty. Resemble a peeled green grape a little too.

[AdGirl]

i love lychees! although i guess it's kind of annoying to have to peel them and then spit out the pit, but it's not that far of a jump from a cherry. in fact, pomegranates are wonderful but are a pain in the butt to eat! i guess it's only worth eating if you really like the taste...

[lorilei]

I really must say that I like lychees too http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif The slimey little buggers are just so good... definitely better than grapes (I drink grapes, but don't eat them very often! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

Lychee are actually very good with seafood (especially scallops). I remember baking them once with scallops and cilantro... but would have to dig up the recipe.

They're very good in shrimp or chicken salads, as well (use them similarly to the way you would use grapes).

I've been known to use them at summer dinner parties. I've been known to drop pieces of the fruit in sparkling wine or champagne for an aperitif or combine with pineapple and papaya chunks for a yummy tropical dessert.

[Sara Emily]

I'm getting a real "lychee education!" Thanks, gals! Your responses are encouraging, and I am now unwilling to give up on the little rascals, and will try them in some of the ways suggested, as well as just nibbling! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif