Hairy Rambutan Fruit
Bunches of ripe Rambutan fruits |
Rambutan trees (Nephelium lappaceum) are common sight in rural areas in the region as they are grown in orchards and gardens. The Rambutan tree can reach up to 10 m in height. They are planted primarily for the fruit, easily identified by its ellipsoid shape, red colour and characteristically hairy appearance. The name Rambutan is derived from the word rambut which means hair in the Indo-Malayan region in particular. In Vietnam, however, it is known as Hairy Cherry.
The outer skin is thin can be readily peel off by hands, and it encloses the white pulp that surrounds the woody seed. It is this pulp with its juicy and sweet taste that is consumed. In terms of nutrition, Rambutan fruit rich in vitamin C. There are many varieties of Rambutan, the most favourable are the ones with the pulp does not adheres to the seed so tightly. Seedless varieties also existed but they are not common.