Longan in the hot summer is good for your appetite and spleen. Enjoy the sweet taste now.

Taiwan is the kingdom of fruits, and longan is a favorite of gourmets, especially in the hot summer. Fresh longan fruit is rich in nutrients, and in traditional Chinese medicine it has the benefits of nourishing and strengthening the body, as well as replenishing the body and improving intelligence. This summer, while longan is in season, take a few bites of its chewy, sweet flavor to nourish your body and mind.

Zhang Lanyan from the Fruit Tree Research Laboratory of the Tainan District Agricultural Improvement Station pointed out that due to the abundant spring rains, the longan this year is slightly less than in previous years, but the quality is as good as before. In July, the longan season will gradually be available on the market, reminding consumers that they should taste the sweet taste in time.

Taiwan longan was introduced from mainland China in the early days. Due to its wide adaptability, it has evolved into an economic fruit tree with strong local characteristics. The plants have undergone natural mutations and artificial selection, forming a variety of longan varieties, starting with the early-maturing "May Eye" and "Zhuqi Early" varieties harvested in mid-to-late June, followed by the most common "Fen Ke", "Ren Di" and "Shui Gong" in July and August, and the "Fanlu Late" and "October" harvested from October to December are the perfect ending, allowing everyone to have sweet tastes in summer and autumn.

Fresh longan fruit is rich in carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, as well as rich nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, C, K, carotene, folic acid and trace elements. The Tainan District Agricultural Improvement Station emphasizes that when consumers are purchasing, they should look for fruits with healthy and intact peels that have not turned black, are smooth and not rough, and are elastic and thin when lightly pressed by hand! Fresh longan is easy to peel and not sticky. The flesh is crystal clear and the texture is sweet and refreshing. After purchasing, put it in a plastic bag and refrigerate it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

In addition to eating fresh fruits, processed fruit wine and dried fruits are also full of flavor, especially the old-fashioned dried longan baked in traditional earth kilns using longan branches as fuel. It has a mellow flavor and a fragrant texture when eaten with your fingers, and is sweet and delicious when added to dishes. In addition, the "longan flower tea" recently collected and prepared by fruit farmers can be drunk directly after brewing with hot water or chilled. It not only fights against heat, but also has an antioxidant effect.