Rambutan, or “Chom Chom” fruit in Vietnamese, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Rambutan gets its name from the Malay word for hair, as the fruit has fur-like hair growing from its head. When ripe, rambutan has an eye-catching red color and the edible flesh is lightly sweet with many nutrients. In this article, let’s explore rambutan, the benefits of rambutan and the fruit juice drink from rambutan.
What is rambutan
Origin of Rambutan
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is a tropical fruit that belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which also includes lychee and longan native to Southeast Asian. The name “rambutan” comes from the Malay word “rambut,” which means “hair,” and it is aptly named due to the hairy or spiky appearance of the fruit’s skin.
The rambutan fruit is round or oval in shape and its size same as table tennis. The rambutan’s outer skin is covered with soft, flexible spines or hairs that turn from green to yellow or red as the fruit ripens. The fleshy interior of the rambutan is translucent, juicy, and sweet, with a mildly acidic flavor. The single seed is large and usually adheres to the flesh.
Rambutans are commonly eaten fresh, but they can also be used in salads, desserts, and beverages. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and various antioxidants. Rambutan trees thrive in warm, tropical climates, and they are cultivated in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Rambutan taste
Rambutan has a delicious and unique flavor that is both sweet and mildly acidic. The taste can be described as a perfect blend of sweetness with a slightly tart undertone, creating a refreshing and tropical experience. The juicy and translucent flesh has a texture similar to grapes but is distinct in its own right.
The sweetness of rambutan is often compared to that of grapes or lychee, but its flavor profile has its own nuances. Some varieties of rambutan may have subtle variations in taste, with some being exceptionally sweet and others having a touch more acidity.
How to eat rambutan
Local people often eat rambutan simply by splitting the shell with their hands, eating the milky white flesh, and discarding the seeds. If you are a newbie, we encourage you to use a knife to cut the rambutan shell in half use your hands or a knife to divide the fruit flesh from the seeds to enjoy.
The seeds of rambutan are not edible, but if you accidentally eat them, don’t worry; your body will eliminate the rambutan seeds, and they are not harmful to your body.
The difference between: Rambutan vs Lychee vs Longan
Rambutan, lychee, and longan are all tropical fruits of the Sapindaceae family. They have some similarities in nutritional composition but their appearance and taste are quite different:
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)
Rambutan is a round or oval fruit with a soft, pointed outer shell that changes from green to yellow or red when ripe. The taste of rambutan is sweet and slightly sour, the flesh is clear, succulent, and has a texture similar to grapes. Rambutan fruit flesh tends to stick to the seeds more tightly than lychees and longans. Rambutan is usually the largest size of these three fruits, sometimes they are the size of a lychee, but the outer layer of hair makes rambutan very different.
Lychee (Litchi chinensis)
Appearance: The Lychee has a rough outer shell, usually pink or red. When peeled, the fruit will reveal transparent, succulent flesh with a strong aroma. The size of the lychee is a little smaller than a ping pong ball, and the flesh is easier to separate from the seeds than rambutan. Lychee has a sweet and floral flavor with a hint of sourness. The texture is juicy and crispy.
Longan (Dimocarpus longan)
Longan has the smallest fruit size and is round in shape. The outer shell is smooth, golden brown to light brown. When peeled, it reveals a translucent grape-like fruit with a seed in the middle. Longan has a pure sweet taste, without any sour taste. The fruit’s flesh is succulent and has no seeds attached, like lychee.
Although these fruits have similarities, their distinct flavors and textures make each a unique tropical treat. Some people may like the sweet and slightly sour taste of rambutan, the delicate sweetness of lychee or the mild sweetness of longan.
Rambutan benefits
Rambutan is rich in vitamins and minerals
As a popular fruit in Southeast Asia, like similar fruits such as lychee and longan, rambutan also contains many nutrients that are good for health. According to information from the USDA Nutrient Database (United States Department of Agriculture), 100g of fresh rambutan fruit contains high nutritional content, including the following vitamins and minerals:
- Carbohydrates: 9.62 g
- Dietary fiber: 1 g
- Fat: 0.04 g
- Protein: 0.76 g
Vitamins in rambutan
- Thiamine (B1): 3%
- Riboflavin (B2): 2%
- Niacin (B3): 1%
- Vitamin B6: 3%
- Vitamin C:73%
Minerals in rambutan:
- Iron: 1%
- Magnesium: 2%
- Manganese: 1%
- Phosphorus: 2%
- Potassium: 5%
- Sodium: 0%
- Zinc: 1%
Enhance your immune system
With the above vitamin content, only two rambutans a day can meet your daily vitamin C needs. Apart from enhancing iron absorption to improve blood circulation, vitamin C is also supreme in strengthening your immunity by gathering white blood cells. Dive into the benefits of vitamin C, which is indispensable for overall tissue growth and development and is an important antioxidant that effectively purges toxins from your system.
Nourish your heart
Rambutan, a good source of potassium, plays a central role in maintaining your blood pressure at optimal levels. Not only that, it also creates a symphony of benefits – enhancing heart muscle activity, reducing toxic LDL cholesterol and raising good HDL cholesterol. Consider rambutan your ally in fighting heart attacks and strokes, paving the way to a longer, healthier lifespan.
Soothe muscle pain
The magnesium content of rambutan helps cure cramps and relieve muscle pain. Whether it’s after an intense workout or a long day, a juicy bite of rambutan can quickly banish pain and discomfort in your hands and feet. Rambutan is often used as a fuel food for runners in marathons in Southeast Asia.
Reduce constipation
Rambutan is high in fiber, which helps ensure your digestive system moves smoothly. Say goodbye to constipation and indigestion as rambutan facilitates proper bowel movements, regulates kidney function and effectively filters toxic wastes.
Help strengthen bones
Calcium-rich rambutan ensures optimal bone density, supporting flexible, unhindered daily activities. Fortified by its high potassium content, rambutan enhances mineral absorption by your cells and tissues, strengthening your bone health.
Supports urinary tract infections
Fight urinary tract infections (UTIs) with rambutan’s abundant vitamin C. Be amazed at its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing bladder swelling, especially important for women. Rambutan’s antioxidants work tirelessly to eliminate harmful bacteria and free radicals, ensuring your excretory system is clean.
Fights anemia
Vitamin C in rambutan supports iron absorption and prevents anemia. Savor the ripe fruit of rambutan or indulge in the succulent nectar of rambutan juice for an iron-rich, revitalizing experience.
Nawon rambutan juice
Introducing Nawon rambutan juice – a special tropical series: Rambutan, Red Dragon Fruit, Sapodilla, Mangosteen, Longan. The fruit juice drinks bring the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia to your can. Made from carefully selected rambutans sourced from Vietnamese farms, each sip is a burst of sweet flavor, rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. Versatile and refreshing, this juice is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hosting a get-together, or simply looking for a revitalizing companion during your healthcare journey. Enjoy the pure essence of rambutan, no additives no interference, we invites you to immerse yourself in a world of exotic happiness and natural goodness.
We are committed to quality and committed to sustainability, rambutan juice invites you to experience the pure magic of bottled rambutan whether you are looking for an everyday beverage or nutritionally enhanced foods. An exciting addition to your culinary creativity, let Nawon be your partner, gateway to a world where authenticity meets exceptional taste.