Distinguishing Hung Yen longan and Chinese longan

TThere are many longan products originating from China on the market, which have many similarities with Hung Yen longan. If you pay attention, you can distinguish between these two types of longan.

Chinese Label:

- The fruit is bigger, the skin is thinner, the leaves are also bigger and thicker than Hung Yen longan leaves.

- The pulp looks thick, has a bland sweet taste, and is not fragrant.

- Often using preservatives so the code is clean, light in color, the shell is thinner, and quickly turns black and rotten.

Hung Yen longan fruit is usually large and has thick skin.

Hung Yen longan

Large fruit, thorny skin, looks thick. Darker yellow color, fresh longer because picked, transported and consumed immediately.

- The longan pulp is thick and dry, the seeds are small but juicy. The taste is sweet like rock sugar. The bottom of the fruit has two tightly packed pulp compartments (very different from other longans).

- The most secure way to choose longan is to buy longan with the whole branch cut, fresh leaves, green stems, firm, and pleasant aroma.

Do not buy clear, bright-skinned longans or longan with fallen branches. Remember to taste them to avoid confusion.

Early season longans should be bought at familiar fruit stalls. Mid-season longans should be bought at the market.

Labels are often contaminated with preservatives, insects, mold, bacteria, dust, etc. Wash them and soak them in diluted salt water for 10 minutes before eating. Use your hands to peel the shell, being careful not to touch the pulp with your fingers.

According to Today's Rural Newspaper