Usually, winter isn’t exactly prime time for fresh fruit. But when it comes to exotic treats like the lychee, the rules are a little different! While our local fruit trees are hunkered down for their winter nap, these little gems are just hitting their stride.
Tropical Roots
The lychee originally hails from warm regions like South Africa and Madagascar. Since their summer happens during our winter, lychees are naturally in season right when we’re craving something tropical. You’ll typically find the freshest fruit in stores from November through March.
That said, you’ve probably noticed lychees in the supermarket year-round lately. That’s because they’re now grown north of the equator too, in places like Israel and parts of the Middle East. These regions often use specific varieties bred to ripen much faster.
Growing Lychees in Your Own Backyard
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to grow your own lychee tree from a pit, I recommend using seeds from fruit grown in Israel. These varieties are a bit better adjusted to our light levels and temperatures. Just keep in mind: they are definitely not fans of the cold, so you’ll need to bring them indoors to a frost-free spot for the winter!
If you grow them yourself, your harvest will likely follow the schedule of those Mediterranean crops, meaning your homegrown lychees will be ready to pick around July or August.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
You’ll know it’s harvest time when the skins turn a vibrant, deep red. If a fruit falls off the tree but still has some green patches, let it sit for a bit—they will continue to ripen after being picked. Pro tip: If you’re planning to plant the pit to grow a new tree, make sure you only use seeds from fully ripe fruit for the best results.
Once you’ve got your harvest, there are so many ways to enjoy them! You can make a simple compote by peeling and pitting the fruit and simmering them in sugar water. They also make incredible exotic jams or fresh juice. Not ready to use them just yet? No problem—just peel, pit, and pop them in the freezer for later!
