Rambutan: Amazing Fruit from Southeast Asia You Need to Try

Introducing the exotic powerhouse of Southeast Asia - rambutan! Bursting with flavour and packed with health benefits, this little-known tropical fruit has a vibrant red spiky exterior and juicy sweet flesh.

Have you heard of my favourite top 13 asian tropical fruits? Trying exotic and tropical fruits is a passion of mine and I love to create delicious healthy recipes with all types of fruits such as all of my smoothie recipes! Another one of my all time favourite fruits is papaya! If you get the chance, make sure to check out all of the wonderful ways to enjoy this delicious fruit.

What is a rambutan?

Rambutan is not just a tropical fruit with a vibrant appearance, but also a superfood packed with health benefits. From its high vitamin C content to its antioxidant properties, rambutan offers a range of advantages for your overall well-being. Whether eaten raw, added to salads, or blended into refreshing smoothies, rambutan offers a unique flavor and a nutritional punch that will leave you craving more. 

@simplegreensoul Do you know what this fruit is? I’m obsessed with rambutans now! If you ever get the chance make sure you try one of these delicious fruits that are native the Southeast Asia #rambutan #tropicalfruit #malaysianfruit #tropicalfruits #tropicalfruitbox #exoticfruitslover #tropicalfruitslover #simplegreensoul #aussieinmalaysia ♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) - 山口夕依

Where is rambutan from?

Originally grown in Indonesia, rambutan is now popular across Asia and is making its way onto the plates of health-conscious individuals worldwide.

Rambutan is primarily grown in tropical regions, with Indonesia being one of the largest producers of this fruit. The rambutan tree requires a hot and humid climate to thrive, making it well-suited for countries in Southeast Asia.

Rambutan trees are medium-sized and can grow up to 20 meters tall. They produce clusters of fruit that ripen in about three to four months after flowering. The fruit is typically harvested by hand, as the spiky exterior requires careful handling.

Why I love rambutan

Rambutan is rich in vitamin C, iron, and fibre, which can boost your immune system, improve digestion, and promote healthy skin. Its antioxidant properties may even help fight off chronic diseases and slow down the aging process! I personally love rambutans because I find they help tremendously with clearing up my acne!

But the amazing health benefits are not the only reason I love rambutan. Rambutans are also extremely sweet and delicious. Rambutans are much tastier than lychee's because they are sweeter and in my opinion have a much better texture. Also, they are extremely affordable and always fresh when I buy them here in Malaysia!

Health benefits of this delicious Asian fruit

Rambutan is not only a delicious fruit but also a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wide range of health benefits with just 68 calories per 100 grams. One of the key benefits of rambutan is its high vitamin C content. Just 100 grams of rambutan can provide you with over 40% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress and strengthens the immune system. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in boosting your immune system and protecting your body against various diseases.

Furthermore, rambutan is packed with fibre, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. The high fibre content of rambutan can promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation. This is another reason why I believe rambutan helps with clearing acne.

Rambutan as a source of antioxidants

One of the key reasons rambutan is considered a superfood is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body against free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to chronic diseases.

Rambutan is rich in a group of antioxidants called flavonoids. These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. They can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

In addition to flavonoids, rambutan also contains other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. These antioxidants work together to neutralize harmful free radicals and promote overall health and well-being.

How to incorporate rambutan into your diet

Adding rambutan to your diet is a great way to enjoy its unique flavor and reap its health benefits. There are many ways to incorporate rambutan into your diet but one of my all time favourite ways to enjoy rambutan is to peel a big bunch of them and them and keep them cool in the refrigerator! Its a simple hack but trust me its so delicious!

@simplegreensoul Replying to @lewlewkin I’m forever chilling my Rambutans now. Thanks!! Anymore tips for me? 🥰 #rambutan #tropicalfruitslover #tropicalfruits #eatingfruits #eatingfruit #simplegreensoul #aussieinmalaysia #malaysiafruit #malaysianfruit ♬ Pretty Girl Era - LU KALA

If you are looking for some more creative ways to enjoy this delicious asian fruit, then try some of these:

• Add to salads: Chop up some rambutan and add it to your favorite salads for a burst of sweetness and tropical flair.
• Blend into smoothies: Blend rambutan with other fruits and your choice of liquid to create a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Just make sure to remove the seeds!
• Make a salsa: Combine diced rambutan with diced tomatoes or mango, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of salt for a delicious tropical salsa
• Add as topping for yogurt, ice cream, or cakes. Its sweet flavour will elevate any dessert or savoury breakfast dish

The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating rambutan into your diet. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to discover your favourite way to enjoy this tropical superfood.

Some recipe ideas

Rambutan is not just a tasty fruit to enjoy on its own; it can also be used in a variety of culinary creations. Here are a few recipes and culinary uses that showcase the versatility of rambutan:

• Rambutan and coconut smoothie: Blend rambutan, coconut milk, frozen banana, and a handful of spinach for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
• Rambutan and mango salsa: Combine diced rambutan, diced mango or tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of chili flakes for a tropical salsa
• Rambutan and avocado salad: Toss sliced rambutan, avocado, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and colorful salad.

These recipes are just a starting point, and you can let your creativity flow when it comes to using rambutan in your culinary creations. Whether you're looking to add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes or create refreshing beverages, rambutan is sure to impress with its unique flavor and texture.

Where to find and buy it

While rambutan is native to Southeast Asia, it is becoming more widely available in supermarkets and specialty stores around the world. Look for rambutan in the fresh produce section or the tropical fruit aisle of your local grocery store.

If you can't find fresh rambutan in your area, you may be able to find it in canned or frozen form. Canned rambutan is a convenient option that allows you to enjoy the fruit year-round. However, I honestly have never tried canned rambutan and I highly doubt that the canned option would do this delicious tropical fruit any justice.

Alternatively, you can explore online retailers that specialize in exotic fruits. They often have a wide selection of fresh rambutan available for delivery, allowing you to enjoy this tropical delight no matter where you are.

AND if you truly want to try the best rambutans in the world, then pack your bags and make your way to South East Asia! The most delicious rambutans are those that a fresh and locally grown. Malaysia or Thailand are the top of my list for the bestest and freshest rambutans!

Rambutan vs lychee

The most common thing I hear, see, or read when I'm sharing a photo or video about rambutan is someone saying "that's called a lychee" OR someone asking "hey that looks like lychee! What is the difference?" Just take a look at any of my posts on my social media profiles about rambutans and you are guaranteed to find one of these comments!

So what is the difference? Rambutan and lychee are both tropical fruits that belong to the Sapindaceae family, and they share some similarities, but they also have distinct differences. Here's a comparison of the two:

Rambutan:

1. Appearance: Rambutan fruit is small and round, about the size of a golf ball. It has a hairy, spiky outer skin that is typically green or yellow when unripe and turns to red or orange when ripe.
2. Texture: The hairy skin of the rambutan is relatively thick and leathery. When you peel it away, the flesh underneath is translucent, juicy, and somewhat gelatinous. The flesh is loosely attached to the seed, making it easy to separate.
3. Taste: Rambutan flesh is sweet and slightly acidic, with flavors reminiscent of grapes and lychee. The taste can vary depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruit.
4. Growing Regions: Rambutan is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly grown in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Lychee:

1. Appearance: Lychee is also a small, round fruit, but it's a bit larger than rambutan. It has a thin, rough, and bumpy reddish-brown outer skin.
2. Texture: The skin of a lychee is thinner and easier to peel than that of a rambutan. The flesh is also translucent, juicy, and slightly firmer compared to rambutan flesh. It tightly adheres to the seed.
3. Taste: Lychee has a delicate and floral sweetness with a hint of tartness. The flavour is distinct and not quite the same as rambutan.
4. Growing Regions: Lychee is native to China but is now grown in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It's particularly popular in countries like China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In summary, while these fruits share some similarities in terms of size and texture, they have distinct differences in appearance, taste, and how the flesh attaches to the seed. Rambutan tends to have a more gelatinous flesh that's loosely attached to the seed, while lychee has firmer flesh that tightly adheres to the seed. Their flavours also differ, with rambutan being sweeter and slightly acidic, while lychee has a delicate floral sweetness.