Lychee.

Lychee comes in a thin, bumpy shell, red or pinkish when fresh, that cracks open easily with a thumbnail. Inside is a ball of clear, white, very juicy flesh around one smooth brown seed. The flavour is sweet and floral, with a little sharpness that keeps it from tasting flat. Lychees have a short season in the hot months, which is part of why people look forward to them.

Ways to use it

• Peel and eat them cold, spitting out the seed.
• Add peeled lychees to a fruit salad or a bowl of shaved ice with syrup.
• Drop a few into a glass of iced tea or soda water with lime.
• Toss peeled, seeded lychees into a spicy seafood or chicken salad for a sweet contrast.
• Simmer them gently in light syrup and keep them chilled for dessert.

Storing it

Lychees don't keep long at room temperature. The shells dry out and turn brown within a day or two, even though the flesh inside may still be fine. Keep them unpeeled in the fridge, in a closed bag or box so they don't dry out, and eat them within a few days. Rinse them under running water before peeling.

Where it comes from

Grown to certified organic standards. The certificate for each lot is shown when you trace your pack.

Every pack will carry a lot code. Enter it on the Trace your pack page and you will see the farms in that lot, the harvest date and the certificate.