FreshPoint

Description:

Rambutans are related to lychees and are sometimes known as " hairy lychees" . Originally from Malaysia but now grown in tropical Central America and Southeast Asia, they are larger than lychees (about 2 inches in diameter) and look quite different, but have a similar texture. The taste is similar too, but slightly sharper. To prepare, cut around the equator of the fruit with a sharp knife, penetrating the skin only. Lift off the top half of the skin, leaving the fruit on the half shell, like an egg in an (rather hairy) egg cup. They can be added to fruit salads, served with ice cream (coffee ice cream is particularly compatible) or made into jams or jellies, but are best eaten on their own. (This fruit is irradiated in Hawaii for export to the mainland)