Exotic Produce Highlight: Rambutan

July 8, 2020

With a hairy and spiky skin encasing a juicy inner pulp, rambutan is truly an exotic fruit! The name rambutan stems from the Malaysian word rambut, meaning hair. While native to Malaysia, rambutan is now grown throughout the world in warmer climates, making it a fruit you can enjoy year-round.

Flavor: Sweet-tart

Texture: Juicy, similar to grapes, with an inedible seed

How to select: Choose fruit with skin intact and no juice leaking out

Storage: Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to two weeks

Seasonality: Year-round

Recipe ideas: Enjoy it plain, or add to fruit salads, desserts, or chicken and fish dishes

Cooking techniques: Raw, pureed, or curried

Flavor pairings:

  • Protein: chicken, white fish
  • Salads: fruit or green salads
  • Produce: other tropical fruits, fresh mint, kaffir lime
  • Sweets: chocolate, chutneys, custards

Nutrition per 100g: 70 cal, 0g fat, 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 3g fiber and over 65% DV vitamin C