Litchis

 

Litchi, like citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C providing 119% of daily recommended value of vitamin C per 100 g

 

Litchis have very good shelf life. Fresh fruits can be kept at room temperature for up to five days and can be stored for up five weeks in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen, dried and canned.

 

Using a small serrated knife, slice the outer tough litchi skin lengthwise all the way around down to the seed. Then, carefully peel away the tough outer skin along with the inner thin membrane to expose the beautiful, jelly textured white flesh.

 

Clever ideas with litchis

 

• In a saucepan, melt sugar over a medium to high heat. When caramelised, drizzle over peeled litchis and use to garnish desserts.
 

• Add litchi juice to sifted icing sugar, mix to a thick consistency and use to ice cupcakes or vanilla biscuits.
 

• Freeze puréed litchis with vodka in ice trays and use to garnish cocktails or add to pitchers of iced tea.