I'm amazed at how superior your vanilla is!
– Des, The Grommet
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Longan, Dimocarpus longana, fruits are similar to lychees but come from a different family of plants, Sapindaceae. They are known in Chinese as “dragon eyes” and in Indonesian as “cat’s eyes,” as they are a perfectly round fruit. When their light brown shell (husk) is removed, they reveal translucent skin and a dark seed that shows through, appearing like the dark pupil/iris, which is what gives them their name.
Longan originated in Southern China. They grow in bunches on the trees and are harvested at the same time of year as the lychee. They are sweet and refreshing and are used in desserts, juices, sweet soups, and sweet and sour dishes. I had them first in China and later, in Hawaii, where I learned their Western name. If you have the opportunity to have longons, I recommend them as they’re quite good.
I was given a small bottle of Rain’s Choice in a gift basket and I have been hooked ever since. The flavor makes all of my baking so much better! I will never use grocery store vanilla again!
