Rambutan

Rambutan is another delicious fruit in the lychee family (Sapindaceae) of tropical fruit trees. Their outer shell is covered with soft, flexible, hair-like spines and hence the name “rambut” in Malay. Botanically, this exotic fruit is scientifically named Nephelium lappaceum L.

Some common names are ramboostan, litchi chevelu or ramboutan (French), luuk ngaw (Thai), chom chom (Vietnamese), etc.
Rambutan fruit measures about 1.8 inches long and 1 to 1.5 inches wide. The outer shell is 2 to 3 mm thick and is covered with soft, long, folded spines (hairs), which when ripe will turn red or yellow. Inside, the flesh is succulent, white as rice, attached to a large, single seed like in lychees in other fruits. Free-standing varieties also exist and are preferred over clinging varieties.

The flavor and texture are almost the same as lychee but a bit more acidic. The seeds are inedible and poisonous.