Rambutan is an intriguing fruit found primarily in tropical regions. Its distinctive appearance leads to a sweet and refreshing taste that you won’t soon forget.
However, it can present a choking hazard for small children. To reduce this risk, peel away both ends of the fruit before eating it.
How to EatRambutan
Rambutan is a tropical fruit commonly grown around the world, closely related to lychee and longan. Whether you’re already an expert or have never tried it before, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this delightful snack.
To enjoy a rambutan, begin by peeling away its skin and discarding the central seed. Do this and you’ll be able to access the fleshy portion of the fruit easily. You can eat it whole or cut it up for smoothies or marinades.
When eating rambutans for the first time, opt for fresh ones that are still firm. Avoid those that appear mushy or soft as these have likely been left out too long and could contain harmful bacteria.
Rambutans should have bright red or pink skin that’s free from brown spots or watery patches, plus they should smell sweet and fresh. If it tastes slightly sour or has an odor, then it could not be as fresh and may already be overripe.
Fruit is an excellent source of insoluble fiber and polyphenols, both essential for proper digestion and bowel function. Furthermore, it offers a good amount of potassium and calcium.
Rambutan can be enjoyed fresh, frozen or dried. It also makes delicious jellys, mashes, marinades and smoothies that you’ll want to try your hand at making yourself.
Preparation
Rambutan, also known as “hair,” is a tropical fruit named for its red shell with soft, hairlike green spikes. Similar to lychee and longan, rambutan grows best in hot climates and is grown around the world.
Rambutan has a sweet, tart taste similar to grapes and strawberries. It often pairs well with other tropical fruits for an irresistibly refreshing snack.
When selecting a rambutan, look for one with deep crimson skin free from any blemishes or defects. This helps guarantee the fruit is ripe and fresh. Furthermore, inspect its spikes for any signs of decay or breakage.
Once you’ve identified a ripe and ready-to-eat rambutan, here are a few easy steps for preparation:
- Starting at the top of a rambutan, use a sharp knife to slice away any rind at the top. A paring knife works best for this task.
- Gently peal the rambutan by carefully cutting through its tentacley skin with a knife. You may do this by hand, but using a paring knife makes it easier to handle.
- Slice the rambutan peel in half.
- The skin on rambutans is relatively easy to peel, so do this just before serving so that the outer layer doesn’t become too dry and sticky when you’re trying to consume them.
- Thoroughly rinse the rambutan under running water to remove any dirt or dust.
- Gently peel away its rind with a paring knife, being careful not to exert too much pressure as this can make peeling much harder if you aren’t careful.
- To enjoy a tasty rambutan, simply cut through its outer rind and scoop out any white flesh within.
Rambutan is an easy and delicious fruit to consume. Not only that, but it’s also packed with essential vitamins C, copper, manganese, iron and fiber – making it a perfect option for anyone looking to incorporate nutritious snacks into their diet.
Nutrition
Rambutan is an Asian fruit widely grown throughout tropical regions worldwide. It has a sweet and tart taste similar to grapes or strawberries. Furthermore, this nutritious fruit boasts various vitamins, such as vitamin C and copper; plus it provides fiber, potassium and calcium.
Iron and magnesium are abundant in this fruit, helping to build strong bones. Therefore, it’s an ideal choice for those suffering from osteoporosis since it can reduce bone loss and enhance mobility. Furthermore, vitamin B6 also prevents and treats gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea, stomach cramps, or constipation.
Rambutan fruit can be enjoyed straight up, or used in many recipes. It makes an excellent addition to both savory and sweet dishes alike. Furthermore, you can use it to craft an irresistible cocktail or smoothie!
Rambutan, with just 1 cup serving size, provides 31 grams of carbohydrates, 1.4 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Plus it’s low in fat with less than 1/2 gram saturated fat per cup.
This fruit is packed with antioxidants, making it beneficial for maintaining a strong immunity and fighting off diseases. Additionally, it shields the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. As an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C as well as minerals like potassium, iron, copper and manganese, this fruit should not be missed!
It is an excellent source of dietary fiber and it has been known to reduce blood cholesterol levels and control diabetes. Furthermore, its low calorie content makes it a perfect option for those trying to shed some pounds; other sweet fruits may have more calories but this fruit offers more nutritional value.
Storage
Rambutan is a fruit that spoils quickly if not properly stored. To ensure freshness, always store rambutan in the refrigerator or freezer.
When storing rambutan, the first step is to make sure it’s ripe. To check this, roll your fingers over the skin of the fruit; if it appears bright red then it is ready for consumption; otherwise, if its skin appears yellow or green then refrigerate until then.
Once you’ve identified a ripe rambutan, wrap it in paper towel and place it inside a perforated bag. This will prevent condensation and moisture loss while the paper towel prevents peeling of the skin.
Another option is to freeze whole rambutan fruits. Doing so offers you more flavor options and keeps the flesh from spoiling. However, be aware that freezing rambutan will reduce its shelf life by two weeks.
You can also flash freeze rambutan fruits to keep them round and prevent splitting, while also helping retain their texture.
When freezing rambutan for storage, it’s best to remove the skin and keep the seeds inside so they don’t dehydrate while in the freezer. Once frozen, store in an airtight container in your freezer where they can stay fresh up to one year.
When you’re ready to eat your rambutan, take it from the freezer and allow it to thaw for around an hour before eating. You may also microwave it if desired for faster warming up.
Rambutan are an enjoyable and healthy snack, but should not be eaten too frequently. Due to their high sugar content and potential alcohol content, it’s best to limit how much you consume.