Exotic Tropical Fruits – Rambutan

Rambutan is one of the wonderful fruits of the world growing in tropical countries in South Asia like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Rambutan also grows in countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Central America. The hot weather, long hours of sunshine, along with the tropical rain provides the best atmosphere for these fruits to grow.

The climate required for Rambutan is around 25 to 30 degree Celsius. Best areas for growing Rambutan are around 15 degrees within the equator and heights of around 500m above sea level. Hill terrain is a good cultivation ground for the Rambutan tree as it provides good drainage.

In shape and size, the Rambutan takes an oval shape and is around 5 to 7cm in diameter. The Rambutan skin takes a red colour with thick thorn like hairs that are around the skin. Inside the Rambutan takes a shade of white in its inner skin. The fruit is grown around a brown seed, which is typically 2 to 3cm in diameter. The edible flesh like substance is milky white and somewhat transparent. The taste is unique and is generally sweet. Rambutan can be opened by pulling the skin apart until it splits. This releases the seed with the white flesh ready to eat. You can eat around the seed or scrape the flesh off the seed.

This tropical fruit grows in a bundle of around 10 to 20 fruits. Rambutan trees are around 15m to 20m in height. The tree bares fruit from around the age of 2 to 3 years old. The Rambutan tree fruits twice a year.

The Rambutan is known by various names. Its scientific name is Nephelium lappaceum and it is part of the Sapindaceae family. The fruit is closely related to other fruits such as lychees and longans. Thai people know the Rambutan as ngoh and Central American countries refer to it as mamon chino. The word ‘Rambut’ in Malay means ‘hair’ referring to the hairy skin of the Rambutan.

As for nutrition value, the vast majority of the Rambutan contains water followed by carbohydrates. As for vitamins, this tropical fruit is high in vitamins C and B. Vitamin A can also be found. The fruit also contains calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorous and magnesium.

The Rambutan is not just a fruit. It has many other benefits. The leaves are used to heal headaches, while the roots are boiled and consumed to cure fever. The Rambutan seed is oily. The oils are used to produce candles and soap. The wood from the Rambutan tree is used in the construction industry.

The Rambutan is an exotic tropical fruit that is unique, especially in the western world where it is not common. However, no doubt with time and improved distribution, it may just be a matter of time before the Rambutan is widely available in local supermarkets.

You may also be interested in ......

The Medical Benefits of Mangosteen

Exotic Tropical Fruits – Mangosteen