Ruby longen fruit plants

“Ruby Longan” is a distinct and highly sought-after cultivar of the common longan fruit (Dimocarpus longan). What sets it apart and gives it its “ruby” name are its striking visual characteristics, both in the fruit and sometimes the foliage.

Here’s a detailed description of Ruby Longan fruit:

1. The Plant (Tree):

• Appearance: The Ruby Longan tree is an evergreen tropical tree, similar to other longan varieties, but it often has a distinctive feature: its young leaves and new shoots can also display a reddish or bronzish hue, complementing the fruit’s color. This makes the tree visually appealing even when not in fruit. It grows to a medium size with a dense canopy.
• Origin: Believed to have originated from selective breeding in tropical regions, particularly Thailand and China, to develop its unique red fruit color.

2. The Fruit:

• Outer Skin (Pericarp): This is the most defining characteristic. Unlike the typical light brown to yellowish-brown skin of common longans, the Ruby Longan possesses a vibrant, deep ruby-red to reddish-brown skin when ripe. This striking color is what gives the fruit its name and makes it exceptionally eye-catching on the tree. The skin is still thin, leathery, and relatively easy to peel.
• Shape and Size: The fruits are typically round to slightly oval, similar in size to other longan varieties (around 1.5 to 3 cm in diameter), resembling a large grape or a small ping-pong ball. They grow in characteristic drooping clusters.
• Flesh (Aril): Inside, despite the red outer skin, the edible flesh (aril) is translucent white or clear, similar to other longans. It is juicy, succulent, and often described as having a firm, grape-like consistency.
• Seed: Like other longans, it contains a single, small, round, glossy black seed, which, when combined with the translucent white flesh, gives rise to the “dragon’s eye” nickname.

3. Taste and Flavor Profile:

• Sweetness: Ruby Longan is highly prized for its intensely sweet flavor. Many descriptions emphasize its high sugar content (with Brix levels reported as high as 21, indicating a very sweet fruit).
• Aroma and Nuances: It carries the characteristic fragrant and somewhat musky aroma of longans. The taste is often described as a delightful blend of sweetness with hints of lychee and sometimes a subtle grape-like or honey-like undertone. It generally has very low acidity, contributing to its pure sweet taste.

4. Ripeness:

• The fruit is fully ripe when its skin achieves the deep ruby-red color and feels firm but yields slightly to gentle pressure.

5. Culinary Uses:

• Fresh Eating: The primary way to enjoy Ruby Longan is fresh, peeled and eaten directly. Its appealing color and intense sweetness make it a premium snack.
• Desserts: Excellent for fruit salads, puddings, ice creams, and other sweet preparations where its flavor and visual appeal can shine.
• Beverages: Can be juiced or blended into refreshing drinks.

6. Nutritional Value:

• Like other longan varieties, Ruby Longan is a good source of:
  • Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity.
  • Potassium: Important for fluid balance and blood pressure.
  • Dietary Fiber: Aids in digestion.
  • It also contains B vitamins, iron, and other minerals.
  • The vibrant red skin might suggest the presence of anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants, although the primary color for consumption is the inner flesh.

In summary, Ruby Longan is a premium longan cultivar distinguished by its beautiful ruby-red skin and often reddish foliage, combined with an exceptionally sweet, juicy, and aromatic translucent white flesh. Its striking appearance and superior taste make it a highly desirable fruit