What Does Rambutan Taste Like? If you want to know more about this exotic fruit, you should go through this post as it will give you all the details about it.
To begin with, rambutan is a tiny tropical fruit that thrives in the hot Southeast Asian climate. Markets on the streets of Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand are packed with them in the summer months.
They’re striking with vibrant red spikes that appear like they’re threatening, but they’re actually flexible and soft. What does rambutan taste like? Do they merit a try or are they just an ideal table decoration? This article will take a look at their taste and texture in greater detail.
The exotic flavor of Rambutan is sweet and sour in a single bite, and an aroma of flowers that transports you to the tropical lands. The flavor is similar to grapes longan, lychee or lychee however, it is not as sweet.
The process of peeling away the flesh is easy even though it’s covered with soft spines. The flesh is mildly chewy texture that many are able to enjoy.
There’s some resistance at first when you bite into it however, when you break through the membrane that surrounds it there is a smooth soft gelatinous consistency, filled with juice.
What is the flavor of rambutan? Look for a long-stemmed seed that is located in the middle of the fruit. It is bitter in flavor which many are not a fan of, so it is recommended to get rid of it.
Though some people consume the pit, it is a source of saponin that can be harmful to humans as well as animals.
Rambutan is different in its flavor according to whether it’s canned or fresh. If it is picked from the trees there’s more resistance when you chew it. The fresh texture and natural sweetness are impossible to beat.
In the course of a single day, fruits shed certain of the sweet flavor. The canned version taste sweet because it usually has sugar added. In a canned version the texture becomes softer due to the process of preservation.
What should you look for in the best type of rambutan?
The biggest problem in many areas of worldwide is finding a shop that sells Rambutan. The best choice for anyone who isn’t located in Southeast Asia, is to go to your local Asian retailer. Choose fruit that has vivid red skin. However, the slightest hint of orange or yellow is acceptable as well. Avoid rambutan that has spines that are black as they’re too ripe. If the fruit is green, this is a sign of fruit that isn’t ripe.
Rambutan is not recommended for storage for too long since the flavor diminishes fast. To prolong their shelf life put them in the perforated bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for upto two weeks. Do not peel the skins off until you are ready to serve.
Quick facts: What Does Rambutan Taste Like?
The term “rambutan” is a Malay word. Malay refers to “hair” which is a fitting term for the fruit that appears like it’s covered in substance.
It is part of the Sapindaceae group and is closely related to the longan, the akee and the litchi (lichi). The botanical name for it is Nephelium lappaceum.
Rambutan skin is utilized by fashion designers to create an extremely dark dye.
It is a great source of health benefits as it is rich in iron, vitamin C and fiber.
The Rambutan tree is a medium evergreen. It can reach 45 feet in height and bears fruit two times in a year.
Culinary uses
If you have the chance the best method to consume the rambutan is fresh and not without a handle. The skins easily peel off just like an orange but wait until it’s time for eating.
In the kitchen using a paring knife, peeling the fruit is quite easy. The blade is positioned through the center of the fruit, and you can remove each portion of its skin. If the fruit is ready the fruit can be twisted, without cutting it will pop up.
They can also be a fantastic ingredient in desserts. Mix them with sugar and cloves, then put them in pie or cook them in the form of a Creme anglaise to make a delicious flavorful ice cream with a tropical flavor.
Like lychees and longans they’re great to add to the salad of tropical fruits or processed to make a the sorbet.
A traditional method to serve Rambutan is to take out the stone, then stuff it using fresh, ripe pineapple. The combination of these two kinds of fruits is delicious and Indonesians enjoy this meal.
If you’ve got a pineapple in your home and it’s like it’s a bit green, read our article on how you can speed up the ripening process of a pineapple.
Rambutan is also beneficial in savory dishes. You can add them to soup, casseroles or stir-fry toward the end of cooking. They add a new flavor to the dish.
Chutney and jam are excellent alternatives for making use of rambutan.
Health and Nutritional Benefits of Rambutan
Rambutans are high in antioxidants, which help to ease cancer symptoms and also boost the immune system to other illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes.
Recent research has shown that eating a rambutan meal daily for 3 years decreased the size of tumors in mice to approximately 60 percent.
Rambutans also contain Vitamins A, C, and E that help maintain eye health and stop macular degeneration.
They also help strengthen the immune system through providing an adequate amount of Vitamin C.
Vitamin B is crucial to bone growth, which is why it’s essential not just for kids, but adults too.
The juice of the fruit lowers the amount of free radicals accumulating in blood vessels thanks to its antioxidants.
They are extremely nutritious and have a low fat content which makes them ideal for those following a weight loss program or trying to shed some weight without feeling hungry all day.
Consuming rambutan keeps you energetic because they are packed with plenty of sugars (fructose) which provide immediate energy. In addition, the complex carbohydrates in rambutan help to reduce fatigue and to keep you energized.
It’s also a fantastic source of dietary fiber that helps people feel fuller and help regulate the flow of bowels.
The fruit is high in minerals like potassium which is vital to the balance of electrolytes within cells as well as normal blood pressure (since it regulates the retention of fluid) as well as heart health in addition to muscle tensions.
Potassium can also increase energy levels by improving the way our muscles perform during exercise.
What does Rambutan smell like?
Rambutan is a berry that smells similar to pineapple when it is ripe. It also is the same in texture as cherries.
The taste of it can range from sweet to sour depending on the method of growing it or when you are eating them.
The uncut rambutan does not have an aroma that is distinctive, however those that are cut have a distinct smell.
They’re a little more fruity and herbaceous as opposed to the shell, which is a green scent.
What does Rambutan taste like?
Rambutan is a delicious fruit that is discovered throughout Southeast Asia.
It’s also often referred to as “the “Queen of fruits” because it is delicious and has such a gorgeous hue.
The inside is like pure white, while the exterior is a range of magenta to pinkish-red, with black spiky bumps that are dark at the top.
Rambutan’s flavor is a mixture of sweet and tart with floral undertones.
It has a similar flavor to that of grapes, but is distinct in its flavor.
The shell-like, thin skin that covers the sweetness of the fruit is coated lightly with needles that are removed with ease.
In its outer layer, there is the chewy inner layer with an attractive gelatin-like appearance and liquid that explodes when you bite into.
If you’re someone who likes to experiment with various fruits then the rambutan will definitely be worth the effort.
It’s easy to find at the supermarket or at the farmers market between June and August and will surely become one of your top fruits.
Rambutan has a distinctive texture and flavor that could be difficult for some to accept but once you’ve tried it, there’s any turning back.
It is recommended to have this fruit with every breakfast as it will aid in reducing hunger throughout the day.
It’s a must to try this exotic fruit, particularly if you enjoy spicy foods.
Be aware that these should be eaten fresh (preferably within 3 days).).
Make sure you keep the rambutan fruit in your refrigerator always so that you’re never ever hungry again or be without any new fruit to taste.
Does Rambutan Taste like Lychee?
The unique red and yellow skin of rambutan has been covered with spines elastic.
The flavor of rambutan is distinct from lychee as it has more flesh and offers a distinctive crunch.
Additionally, lychee comes with an unique scent and sweet flavor, while the flesh of rambutan has a bitter flavor when consumed.
The texture and shape of rambutan differ from lychee. It has an oval-shaped, more round fruit that is slightly larger than an apricot however its skin makes up for the smaller dimensions by its thicker texture.
What is the best way to Eat Rambutan?
Rambutan is an extremely juicy fruit with unrefined flavor.
The skin of this tasty sweet must be removed by hand before it is eaten with hand.
Rambutan is also consumed through cutting the meat in two prior to peeling off the skin and scooping it out using an ice cube.
If you’re eating this fruit in the form of an appetizer to accompany your meal or dessert, it’s ideal to cut it in smaller pieces that can easily be placed on plates or in bowls.
Now, you are able to have the opportunity to eat.
There’s usually a seed (the pit) in the middle but it’s best to get it out.
How can you use the Rambutan ingredient in Recipes?
Rambutan can be consumed fresh or used in delicious and sweet dishes.
It is possible to make an energizing and delicious smoothie, and use them to make delicious salads, or even eat the smoothies as an appetizer served with dip.
Rambutan is typically consumed as a fruit for snacking It is sometimes refrigerated prior to eating.
While it isn’t typically utilized in Thai cuisine, it can frequently be included in other desserts and fruit salads.
Additionally, they can be puréed and used in a variety of desserts, such as drinks, juices, sorbets, cocktails and Granitas.
Rambutans can be added into curries to reduce the spice.
Comparing 5 different rambutan varieties
As with all kinds of fruit, the taste of the aroma, scent, weight and texture can differ depending on the variety that you select. Here are some common types of rambutan that you can compare.
- Rapiah
Rambutan is a popular choice due to its beautiful soft texture and tiny seeds. The Indonesians love the rapiah and favor it over longan and lychee. It’s interesting that the rapiah has small or no hairs on it.
- Binjai
The binjai is an everyday species that is bigger than the majority of fruits with lots of hair. The flesh is dense and is dripping with juice. The seed however is larger than those found in the Rapiah.
- Si Nyonya
If you like the bitterness of the food you eat, si nyonya could be an ideal choice for you. It is extremely sour in taste , and is extremely sweet.
- Antalagi
The antagli is sweet fruit that has flesh that’s dense and separate from its pit. It has a short hair, and has a strong aroma that is distinctive.
- Bahrang
Bahrang is a larger variety than other varieties listed and can be orange when it is mature. The yellow flesh provides distinct jelly-like taste and is very sweet.
Wrapping up
What Does Rambutan Taste Like?
The rambutan is a native of the Malay Peninsula. But it is currently being grown across Hawaii, Central America, and some other warmer countries. As the fruit becomes more widely available, it becomes increasingly visible on the market. It can also be seen on the menus in restaurants.
Though some exotic fruits possess strange and bizarre flavors Rambutan is one fruit that will be a hit with the majority of people. The taste of rambutan can vary based upon the type. However, it is typically described as a blend of sweet and sour flavors in one bite, along with an undertone of floral. The closest comparables should be grapes or lychee or longan.
If you’ve not had the flavor before, we’d recommend trying it.
The flesh of this delicious tropical treat will melt into your mouth with each bite.
If you do go looking for groceries, make sure that you check for Rambutans in the produce department.
