Lychee vs Rambutan | Difference Between Rambutan and Lychee

These two tropical delights have a lot in common! Don’t let their sweet juicy taste and almost similar appearance trick you; learn the differences in this extensive Lychee vs. Rambutan guide below.

Native to Southern China, Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a delectable fruit from the soapberry family (Sapindaceae).

The 40 feet tall evergreen tree with a round, dense canopy of shiny leaves and a thick, gnarled trunk produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, followed by the fruit in the summer, which is a small, round berry, about 2-3 cm in diameter, with a tough, inedible red or pink skin.

The flesh of the fruit is translucent, juicy, and sweet, with a flavor that is often described as a combination of sweet and floral.

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is a tropical fruit species from the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). It originates from Southeast Asia and is found in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

This fruit is known for its unique appearance, with a red, hairy exterior that resembles a sea creature, giving it the name. It grows in large clusters and is about the size of a golf ball, with an average size of about 2-3 cm in diameter.

The juicy white flesh is surrounded by a translucent, inedible layer with an inedible, hard seed at the center. Rambutan is enjoyed fresh or can be found canned, dried, or made into juice or other sweet treats.

Family: Lychee and rambutan belong to the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) in addition to the horse chestnut, maples, ackee, and longan fruit.

Consumption: Rambutan and Lychee can be enjoyed similarly by peeling away the outer skin as a snack or in fruit salads.

Culinary Use: Both fruits are enjoyed fresh and can be used in desserts, juices, and other culinary