46 



BULLETIN 77, HAWAII EXPERIMENT STATION 



LITCHI 



(Litchi chinensis) 



Description: The litchi is a small, oval or ovate fruit about iy 2 

 inches in diameter. In most varieties, the outer shell-like covering is 

 red and the flesh surrounding the single brown seed is white. The seed 

 varies considerably in size with different varieties and seedless fruits 

 have been grown. The fruit is produced in clusters of 3 to 20 or more 

 and is marketed in clusters. The flavor of the fresh litchi is sweet and 

 slightly acid, reminding many people of that of the Muscat grape. (The 

 dried fruits, known as "litchi nuts," are very different from the fresh 

 and bear somewhat the same relation to them as raisins do to fresh 

 grapes.) 



History: The litchi is a native of South China (19, p. 4), where 

 it has been cultivated for many centuries and from there has spread 

 gradually to many other tropical and sub-tropical countries. The first 

 litchi tree to be brought into Hawaii is believed to have been planted on 

 the property of Mr. C. Afong in 1873 and has usually borne abundantly 

 (19, p. 5). Within recent years, many other trees have come into bearing 

 throughout the Territory. 



Nutritive value: Of the two varieties of fresh litchis analyzed in 

 this series, the Kwai Mi has nearly twice the sugar content (20.6 per- 

 cent) of the Hei Yeh variety which has 11.8 percent of sugar. The 

 Kwai Mi, though a smaller fruit with a larger percentage of refuse, is 

 considered to be of superior flavor and quality. 



Both varieties are very poor sources of calcium, good sources of 

 phosphorus and fair sources of iron. 



No vitamin tests were made at the station laboratory and none are 

 reported in the literature. 



Supply: The season for the litchi is a short one, usually during 

 June and the early part of July. Small quantities of litchis reach the 

 Honolulu markets, Chinese stores and fancy grocers. The supply on the 

 retail market never meets the demand so that they command a high price 

 per pound. 



Use: The litchi is a delicious fruit highly prized by the Orientals, 

 the canned fruit as well as the dried being imported from China. Litchis 

 are most frequently served fresh, eaten out of the shell, but shelled 

 fresh litchis make a pleasing addition to a fruit cocktail or fruit salad. 

 The fruit may be successfully canned at home in a medium syrup with 

 the addition of lemon or lime juice to improve the flavor. Canned 

 litchis may be served as a dessert, added to fruit combinations or cock- 

 tail and salad, or may be used in a sauce served with fried fish or shell- 

 fish, Chinese style. 



