This video will be primarily showing the Longan Fruit, also nicknamed the “Dragon Eye Fruit”.

I am going to take you on a short tour with my favorite “big mans” toy called a “Skag Tiger Cat” zero turn mower of the lower farm, which is 14 acres and this property has approximately 300 lychee, 300 longan and 300 rambutan and many other species of mature trees anywhere from 15 – 35 years old.

I have done other videos on the 1,200 lychee trees we grow, fertilize, maintain the orchards, harvest the fruit, and handle daily airport shipments for about 6 to 8 weeks.

Having a farm is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work—usually 6 to 7 days a week—to keep the farm going and progressing. Most people have no idea what it takes to grow commercially produced food or vegetables.

In total, the three farms have approximately 2,500 mature food trees. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with farming active land. The orchard trees require a lot of care in many ways: fertilizing, pruning, mowing the 50 acres of grass around the trees (I don’t use any pesticides, fungicides, or insecticides, so that means more work or smarter work), keeping all the weeds down inside the trees, ensuring that no destructive boars or pigs get into the orchard, which means making sure all of the fencing is intact with no holes, managing the harvests on the property, and keeping up with maintenance and repairs. This gives you several responsibilities when operating a commercial farm.

One great thing about having this type of farm is that you are surrounded with food all year long.

Watch the video below and read the description on how we harvest, grade, box and ship lychee to Oahu daily for about 6-8 weeks – Harvesting and Processing Kaimana Lychee.

A Little Background on Longan Fruit

When I visited Hawaii and Indonesia, these were the first times I had a chance to try this golden-colored, sweet, perfumy-tasting fruit. These fruits were sold at farmers markets, grocery stores, health food stores, and sometimes on the side of the road.

I am picking some longan here on the farm – You can see the tree can hold a lot of fruit.

Longan is a Tropical tree species that produces edible sweet tasting fruit and lots of it. These trees can easily hold 100-200 pounds of fruit per tree.

“Dimocarpus longan, commonly known as the longan and dragon’s eye, is a tropical tree species that produces edible fruit. It is one of the better-known tropical members of the soapberry family Sapindaceae, to which the lychee and rambutan also belong. The fruit of the longan is similar to that of the lychee, but is less aromatic in taste.” Wikipedia

Longan Fruit, often called the “Eye of the Dragon,” is an exotic delicacy that’s gaining popularity for its sweet flavor, health benefits, and unique appearance.

Hawaii is known for its lush tropical landscapes and is quickly becoming a hotspot for growing and enjoying this incredible fruit, with lychee and rambutan being the main harvests of orchard trees on the Big Island.

Let’s dive into the world of longan and explore the farm a little as well as taking a look at what Longan fruit looks like on the trees.

What Is Longan Fruit?

Longan Fruit (scientific name is “Dimocarpus” longan) and is a small, round tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a thin, light brown, papery shell encasing a translucent, juicy pulp with a dark seed at its core.

Once again, this seed gives longan its nickname, the “Eye of the Dragon,” as it resembles a dragon’s eye when the fruit is peeled. With its succulent and juicy texture, mildly sweet flavor, and a hint of floral perfume, longan has captured the attention of fruit enthusiasts worldwide, especially here in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s fertile volcanic soil and warm climate provide the perfect conditions for cultivating exotic fruits like longan, lychee, mango, breadfruit, all types of citrus, guava, papaya, banana, and many others that love a 354 day growing season.

Hawaii has 165 varieties of avocados; almost any fruit will grow in Hawaii, making it an exciting destination for those eager to savor this tropical gem. The growing popularity of tropical fruits in Hawaii has also led to an increased interest in local farming – homesteading and sustainable agriculture, further boosting a wide variety of fruits and veggies.

Unveiling the Sweet Secrets of Longan

Flavor Profile and Unique Characteristics

Longan Fruit boasts a delicate sweetness with subtle floral or musky undertones. Its juicy pulp has a texture similar to lychee but is slightly firmer, offering a satisfying bite. Many compare its taste to lychee or rambutan, though longan has its own distinct charm. The balance of sweetness and light complexity in its flavor profile makes it an incredibly versatile fruit for various culinary uses such as in salads, margaritas and smoothies.

Nutritional Benefits of Longan Fruit

Longan isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
• Iron: Supports red blood cell production.
• Magnesium: Helps maintain healthy muscles and nerves.

Additionally, longan contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. Longan has a low calorie content and natural sweetness make it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent snack. Potential health benefits of longan include improved blood sugar control, enhanced immune function, and increased energy levels. Some traditional medicine practices even regard longan as a remedy for anxiety and fatigue.

The skin peelings of the fruit and leaves can be used as an antiparasitic medicinal tea.

I like to take ripe Longan and ferment the fruit for 2 weeks or so on my counter. You can also add 20-30 pieces of Longan with the shell/seed removed and add them directly to Brandy or Rum for a distinctive excellent tasting liqueur.

You can review this video course below for further study and experimentation – Probiotic Mineralized Fruit Liqueur.

I would also recommend learning how to make a variety of healthy live ferments. I have created many video courses on how to ferment just about any fruit or vegetable in a healthier and much less expensive way.

The video below is a good overview of how I make a variety of ferments in the kitchen.

How To Make Live Nutritional Ferments

Exploring Longan in the Hawaiian Paradise

Where Is Longan Grown in Hawaii?

Longan thrives in Hawaii’s tropical environment and is grown on various islands, particularly in regions with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Farmers on the Big Island, Oahu, and Maui cultivate longan, like I said, often alongside other tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas.

Some local farms offer tours, tastings, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Hawaiian agriculture firsthand.

When Is Longan Season in Hawaii?

Longan season in Hawaii typically runs from late summer to early fall, with peak harvest months being July through September. During this time, local farmers’ markets and roadside stands are brimming with freshly harvested longan. Visiting Hawaii during this season provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy longan at its freshest, often picked and sold on the same day.

Tips for Selecting Fresh Longan

When shopping for longan in Hawaii, I look for:

• Firm, plump fruit with an intact, papery shell.
• Avoid fruit with wrinkles or discoloration, as these indicate it may be overripe or have a fruit fly bite.
• If you have over ripe Longan or any fruit/veggies – this is the perfect time to ferment them and not put them in the compost pile.

With any fruit, be sure to handle the fruit gently to avoid damaging the shell. Fresh longan can be stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer shelf life, ensuring you can enjoy its delicious flavor for weeks.

Enjoying the Delicious Versatility of Longan Fruit

How to Eat Longan Fruit

Peeling longan is easy:

1. Gently crack open the shell with your fingers.
2. Remove the translucent pulp.
3. Discard the seed and enjoy the fruit!

Longan’s portability and simple preparation make it a convenient snack for any occasion, whether you’re lounging on a Hawaiian beach or enjoying a quick break at home.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Longan into Your Diet

Longan’s sweetness and versatility make it a delightful addition to various dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh: Add to fruit salads or enjoy as a standalone snack.
• Dried: Use as a healthy, portable treat. Dried longan is especially popular in Asian cuisine for making teas or soups.
• Desserts: Blend into smoothies, bake into cakes, or pair with coconut for tropical-inspired sweets. Longan’s flavor complements creamy textures beautifully, making it a perfect ingredient for ice creams or puddings.
• Savory Dishes: Enhance stir-fries, curries, or sauces with its natural sweetness. Try adding longan to a spicy Hawaiian stir-fry for a unique contrast of flavors.

For adventurous cooks, experimenting with longan in marinades, cocktails, or even homemade jams can unlock its full culinary potential.

Conclusion

Longan fruit is a true tropical treasure, offering a unique combination of sweet flavor, health benefits, and versatility. Whether you’re exploring Hawaii or simply seeking to expand your palate, longan fruit delivers a taste of paradise in every bite. From its captivating nickname, “Eye of the Dragon,” to its widespread use in both sweet and savory dishes, longan has something to offer for everyone.

When enjoying any fruit where you live, consider supporting local farmers and sustainable practices to ensure these juicy gems can be cherished for generations to come.

Indulge in the “Eye of the Dragon” and discover the secrets of longan fruit growing in the Hawaiian islands.

Let this exotic delight be one of your exotic fruit gateways to experiencing the freshness, richness of many of the fruits grown on Hawaii’s volcanic – tropical bounty.

Hope you enjoy this “Discover the Juicy Secrets of Longan Fruit in Hawaii” video 🙂

Dr. Robert

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