Longan is the fruit of Dimocarpus longan, a tropical tree native to southern China and Southeast Asia, closely related to the lychee. The small, round fruit has a thin tan shell that peels away to reveal translucent, juicy flesh surrounding a single dark seed, which is the origin of its Chinese name meaning dragon eye. Longan is eaten fresh, canned in syrup, or dried, and dried longan is a common ingredient in Chinese herbal soups and desserts.
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: China, originated there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Southeast Asia, originated there.
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