How to Peel Longan Meat Tips

Peeling longan meat can be quickly completed using methods such as cutting with a small knife, soaking in hot water, freezing and separating, squeezing the meat, and using chopsticks to push it out. Longan is rich in nutrients and contains components such as vitamin C, potassium, and iron, but it is important to control the amount consumed to avoid overheating.

1. Make a small incision with a small knife

Use a fruit knife to lightly draw a circle longitudinally on the longan shell, being careful not to damage the flesh. The depth of the blade should be just enough to cut through the outer shell, and then rotate along the incision to easily separate the fruit shell and flesh. This method can maintain the integrity of the fruit pulp and is suitable for scenarios that require plating.

2. Hot water soaking

Soak longan in warm water at around 60 ℃ for 3 minutes. High temperature will cause the film layer between the fruit shell and flesh to loosen. After removing it, gently squeeze both ends, and the flesh will automatically come out. This method is suitable for batch processing, but it should be noted that high water temperature can cause the flesh to soften and affect the taste.

3. Freeze Separation

Fresh longan is taken out after being frozen for 2 hours, and there is a gap between the fruit shell and the flesh due to the cold shrinkage effect. Pinch the fruit stem with your thumb and index finger and twist it slightly, and the flesh can be completely extracted. The frozen longan meat has a firmer texture and is suitable for making desserts or ice cream toppings.

4. Squeeze the cleaned longan and press the concave part of the fruit stem with your thumb, while applying pressure with your index finger against the other end. After the fruit shell ruptures, the flesh is squeezed out, which is more efficient but may damage the shape of the flesh. Suitable for ready to eat scenarios, pay attention to the strength during operation to avoid splashing juice.

5. Use chopsticks to push out

Insert the tip of the chopsticks from the stem of the longan fruit, rotate along the inner wall once, and cut off the connecting tissue. Gently lift the top to fully extract the fruit pulp from the bottom. This method can maximize the retention of juice and is suitable for processing methods such as juicing or brewing that require collecting juice.

Longan, as a tropical fruit, has a high sugar content. It is advisable to control the daily consumption of 15-20 longans. Patients with diabetes should take it carefully. After removing the shell, the fruit pulp can be refrigerated and stored for 2 days. It is recommended to pair it with refreshing drinks such as chrysanthemum tea to balance dryness and heat. If the flesh changes color or has a sour taste during processing, it should be discarded immediately to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by consuming spoiled fruits. Fresh longan seeds can be washed, dried, boiled in water as a substitute for tea, and have the health benefits of calming the mind and aiding sleep.