The longan, Dimocarpus longan, is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia and China, related to the lychee and rambutan. Its Cantonese name, “dragon’s eye,” aptly describes the fruit: a small, round, brownish-skinned fruit with translucent, whitish flesh encasing a single, dark seed. Longans are celebrated for their sweet, juicy, and aromatic pulp, making them a popular fresh eating fruit.
Understanding Longan Characteristics
Longan varieties offer a spectrum of characteristics. Fruit size varies, from small to large. Sweetness levels differ, with some cultivars intensely sugary, others more balanced, subtly tart, or floral. Juiciness and flesh thickness also vary, from semi-firm to more aqueous textures.
The seed within the longan fruit is a distinguishing feature. Some varieties are prized for small, sometimes aborted seeds, maximizing edible flesh; others contain larger seeds. Skin texture and thickness also differ, with some peels thin and easily removed, others rougher or thicker. Beyond the fruit, tree characteristics like vigor, growth habit, and bearing season vary among cultivars, influencing environmental suitability.
Popular Longan Varieties
Several longan cultivars are widely recognized for their distinct qualities, favored for commercial and home gardens.
Kohala
Originating from Hawaii, ‘Kohala’ is a widely cultivated longan, a primary commercial and home-garden choice in Florida. It consistently produces large, sweet, aromatic fruit with a slightly spicy note. ‘Kohala’ fruit typically matures early, around July. The tree is vigorous, grows large, and is hardier than lychee.
Biew Kiew
‘Biew Kiew’, also known as ‘Beau Kaew’, is a Thai variety prized for fruit quality. It produces large, sweet, aromatic fruit with high water content. The translucent flesh has a grape-like consistency and a flavor some describe with hints of fine wine; it often has a smaller seed. This mid-season variety typically ripens from late July through September and bears steadily in Florida. ‘Biew Kiew’ trees are wind-resistant and more cold-tolerant than other longan varieties, suitable for warmer subtropical areas.
Si Chompoo
‘Si Chompoo’ features perfumed flavor and firm, crisp flesh. The fruit is medium-sized with a small seed. In Thailand, its aril (flesh) is reportedly pink-tinged, though this may vary elsewhere. This mid-season cultivar typically ripens from late July through August. Bearing habits can be erratic due to poor flowering in some climates, but regular in cool subtropical conditions.
Edau (Daw)
‘Edau’, sometimes called ‘Daw’, features firm flesh and a sweet, refreshing taste. This cultivar is often grown where cool winters induce optimal flowering. ‘Edau’ fruit is typically medium to large, with a small seed, and known for crisp texture. It is a mid-maturing cultivar, harvested mid-July to early August.
Factors for Selecting a Longan Variety
Choosing the right longan variety involves several factors for successful growth and fruit production. Climate suitability is a key concern, as longan trees are tropical to subtropical and sensitive to frost. While some varieties, like ‘Biew Kiew’, are more cold tolerant, most prefer warm, humid conditions and may need protection in cooler zones. Chill hours needed to flower and fruit vary, impacting regional performance.
Taste preference is important, as longan varieties offer a range of sweetness, juiciness, and subtle flavor notes (musky, floral, or caramel-like). Consider preferences for firmer or juicier flesh, and desired sweetness. Intended use (fresh eating, drying, or canning) also influences choice, as some varieties suit processing better due to consistency or shelf life.
Space availability is a practical consideration, as longan trees grow large (20-40+ feet tall and wide). Some varieties may be more amenable to pruning or suitable for container growing. Finally, considering a variety’s natural resistance to common issues or its reliability in bearing fruit contributes to easier growing.