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Longan | Local Soapberries From China, East Asia | TasteAtlas
Longan | Local Soapberries From China, East Asia | TasteAtlas
Longan | Local Soapberries From China, East Asia | TasteAtlas
Longan | Local Soapberries From China, East Asia | TasteAtlas
Longan | Local Soapberries From China, East Asia | TasteAtlas

Dragon's eye (Longan)

(Dragon's eye, 龙眼)

Longan is a tropical fruit (lat. Dimocarpus longan), a part of the soapberry family, which also includes lychee and rambutan.


Longans are small, round, and have a thin, brown shell that is easy to remove. Inside, they have translucent white flesh that is sweet and juicy, with a texture similar to that of a grape but slightly firmer. At the center of the fruit is a large, black seed, which gives it the nickname "dragon's eye" — which is what "longan" means in Chinese.


Longan is commonly eaten fresh, dried, or canned and is also used in various Asian dishes and desserts, including traditional soups and sweet tonics. In traditional Chinese medicine, longan is thought to have a warming effect on the body and is used to improve circulation and relieve stress.