Imagine stumbling upon a pile of bright red, bumpy fruits at a summer market, their sweet, floral scent filling the air. You peel one open, and the juicy, strawberry-grape-like flavor bursts in your mouth. That’s the magic of lychee fruit! But here’s the catch: the season for lychee fruit is short and sweet, so you need to know when and where to find them. In this guide, we’ll explore everything about the lychee season, from global harvest times to tips for picking the best ones, this article will help you buy lychee fruit with confidence and try fun recipes at home.
- What Is Lychee Fruit? A Quick Intro:
- Exploring Lychee Fruit Varieties During the Season for Lychee Fruit:
- Season for Lychee Fruit in USA: A Nationwide Harvest:
- Lychee Season Europe: Tropical Vibes Abroad:
- Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits of Lychee Fruit:
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pick and Store Lychee Fruit:
- Fun Lychee Recipes to Try:
- Why You Should Buy Lychee Fruit Now:
- FAQs :
What Is Lychee Fruit? A Quick Intro:
Lychee fruit, also called litchi, is a small, round fruit about the size of a golf ball. Its rough, red-pink skin looks like alligator hide, but inside lies white, juicy flesh that’s sweet with a floral twist. There’s an inedible seed in the center, but the rest is pure yum.
Originating in southern China over 2,000 years ago (maybe 4,000!), lychees were prized by emperors who sent riders to fetch them. They spread to India, Vietnam, and beyond, reaching the U.S. in the late 1800s, starting in Florida around 1910. Today, they grow in warm regions, but the season for lychee fruit varies by location.
Why care? Knowing the lychee season lets you buy fresh lychees when they’re sweetest and most affordable. Let’s explore where and when to find them.
Exploring Lychee Fruit Varieties During the Season for Lychee Fruit:
The season for lychee fruit, typically from late spring to early fall, showcases a wide range of lychee varieties, each with unique flavors and characteristics. Originating primarily from southern China, lychees are now cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical regions, including the USA, Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.
With over 60 cultivars worldwide, popular varieties like Mauritius, Brewster, and Hak Ip offer distinct textures and tastes, making them favorites during the season for lychee fruit. Below is a detailed table highlighting key lychee varieties, their native countries, and their availability seasons, including those grown in the USA, to help you enjoy the season for lychee fruit to the fullest.
| Lychee Variety | Native Country/Region | Availability Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | China | May–July (USA), December–January (Australia) | Popular in the USA (Florida), sweet with a floral taste, large seed. |
| Brewster | China | May–July (USA) | Common in Florida, deep red skin, sweet flavor, large seed. |
| Hak Ip | China | May–August (USA) | Grown in USA (Hawaii, California), firm flesh, small seed, aromatic. |
| Emperor | China | May–July (USA) | Large fruit, minimal seeds, grown in Florida, sweet and juicy. |
| Kwai Mai Pink | China | December–January (Australia), May–July (USA) | Small seed, sweet, exported from Australia, grown in Florida. |
| Sweetheart | USA (Florida) | May–July (USA) | Developed in Florida, sweet with small seed, vibrant red skin. |
| Groff | USA (Hawaii) | August–September (USA) | Late-season variety, medium-sized, dark rose-red, small seed. |
| Feizixiao | China | May–June (China) | Early season, thin-skinned, very sweet, popular in China. |
| Sanyuehong | China | April–May (China) | Very early season, medium-sized, red/orange skin, large seed. |
| Baitangying | China | December–January (Australia) | Large red fruit, small seed, emerging in Australian markets. |
| No Mai Tsze | China | May–July (China, USA) | Sweet, juicy, cultivated in Florida, small to medium seed. |
| Shahi | India | May–June (India) | Thin skin, sweet, high proportion of small seeds, popular in India. |
Notes on the Season for Lychee Fruit
- USA: The season for lychee fruit in the USA primarily spans May to September, with Florida (May–July), Hawaii (May–August), and California (June–November) being key growing regions. Varieties like Mauritius, Brewster, and Sweetheart are prominent in Florida, while Groff is unique to Hawaii.
- Global: In China, the season for lychee fruit varies by variety, with early cultivars like Sanyuehong available in April and others peaking in June. Australia’s season extends from October to March, offering counter-seasonal supply. India’s season aligns with May to June.
- Cultivation: Lychees thrive in frost-free, tropical climates with warm, humid summers and cool, dry winters. The season for lychee fruit depends on regional climates and specific cultivars, with some varieties like Kwai Mai Pink prized for export due to their small seeds and sweet flavor.
Enjoy the season for lychee fruit by exploring these diverse varieties, whether sourced locally in the USA or imported from global markets. Each cultivar brings a unique taste of the tropics, perfect for fresh snacking, desserts, or beverages.
Season for Lychee Fruit in USA: A Nationwide Harvest:
The season for lychee fruit in the USA thrives in warm, humid climates. In the U.S., lychees grow in Florida, Hawaii, California, and a bit in Texas. Here’s the breakdown:
- Florida: The lychee harvest peaks mid-June to mid-July for varieties like Brewster, though some sell tart fruits in May to avoid pests.
- Hawaii: With ideal rain and heat, the lychee growing season runs from May to August, sometimes September.
- California: A longer season, June to November, thanks to mild weather.
- Texas: A short June–July window due to limited production.
Lychee Season Europe: Tropical Vibes Abroad:
Lychee season Europe relies on imports from Asia (May–July) or Australia (December–February), as lychees are rarely grown locally except in small amounts in Spain or Israel (June–August).
Anecdote: At a London market during lychee season Europe, I saw shoppers marvel at the sweet aroma. A vendor said Thai imports kept stalls stocked in summer—a tropical escape in the city!
Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits of Lychee Fruit:
Lychee fruit is a health powerhouse. Here’s a table of nutrition facts for a 100g serving (~10-12 fruits) and their benefits.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | Health Benefits |
| Calories | 66 kcal | Low-calorie, ideal for weight management during lychee season. |
| Vitamin C | 71.5 mg (119% DV) | Boosts immunity, fights colds, supports skin health. Outshines oranges! |
| Antioxidants (Polyphenols) | Varies (e.g., epicatechin) | Reduces inflammation, protects heart, may lower cancer risk. |
| Potassium | 171 mg (5% DV) | Supports blood pressure and heart health during lychee harvest. |
| Fiber | 1.3 g (5% DV) | Aids digestion, promotes gut health. Buy lychees for wellness! |
| Copper | 0.15 mg (17% DV) | Supports energy and red blood cells. |
| B-Complex Vitamins (Niacin, Folate) | Niacin: 0.6 mg (4% DV), Folate: 14 µg (4% DV) | Boosts metabolism, supports energy and cell health. |
| Carbohydrates | 16.5 g | Quick energy for lychee season snacking. |
| Protein | 0.8 g | Small boost for muscle repair. |
| Fat | 0.4 g | Nearly fat-free, heart-friendly. |
*DV = Daily Value, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Source: USDA.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pick and Store Lychee Fruit:
Ready to buy fresh lychees? Follow these steps for the best picks.
- Find a Source: Shop at Asian markets, farmers’ markets, or online during lychee season. Try Tropical Fruit Box or Melissa’s Produce.
- Check Ripeness:
- Look for bright red-pink skins, no cracks.
- Squeeze gently—firm but slightly soft.
- Sniff for a sweet, floral aroma.
- Store Properly:
- Rinse under cool water, pat dry.
- Store in a perforated plastic bag or damp paper towel in the fridge (34-40°F) for 7-10 days. WikiHow.
- Freeze whole or peeled for up to 6 months.
- Buy Now: Prices are ~$5-7/lb during peak lychee season. Order lychee fruit today!
Fun Lychee Recipes to Try:
Make your lychees shine with these easy recipes.
Lychee Sorbet
- Peel 20 lychees, remove seeds.
- Blend with 1 cup water, ½ cup sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice.
- Freeze 4 hours, stir hourly.
Lychee Mocktail
- Muddle 5 lychees in a glass.
- Add sparkling water, mint, ice.
- Stir and sip!
More ideas: Try lychee panna cotta or fruit salads.
Why You Should Buy Lychee Fruit Now:
The season for lychee fruit is fleeting—miss it, and you’ll wait a year! Fresh lychees beat canned ones for flavor and health benefits like vitamin C and antioxidants. Prices rise post-season, so buy lychee fruit now for the best deal.
Order from Lychees Online, Hula Brothers, or Amazon for fresh, delicious lychees. Get yours today—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs :
What Month Is Lychee Season?
Lychee season typically peaks from May to August in the U.S., depending on the region. In Florida, the season for lychee fruit is best in June and July for sweet Brewster lychees. Hawaii sees May to August, while California extends from June to November. Globally, May to July is prime in Asia. Buy lychee fruit during these months for the freshest, sweetest picks.
Where Do Lychees Grow in the USA?
Lychees grow in warm, humid U.S. states during the season for lychee fruit. Florida is a major hub, especially South Florida, with Brewster and other varieties. Hawaii produces sweet Kaimana lychees on islands like Oahu and Big Island. California grows them in Southern regions, and Texas has small-scale farms in South Texas.
Are Lychees Available All Year Round?
No, lychees are not available fresh all year due to their short season for lychee fruit, typically May to November in the U.S. (Florida: June–July, Hawaii: May–August, California: June–November). Imports from Asia or Australia may extend availability in places like NYC, but fresh ones are rare off-season. Canned lychees or frozen options are year-round alternatives.
How Many Lychees Can You Eat a Day?
You can safely eat 10-15 lychees per day (about 100-150g) during the season for lychee fruit as part of a balanced diet. This provides ~70-100 mg of vitamin C (over 100% DV), plus antioxidants and fiber. Eating too many (over 20-30) may cause sugar spikes or mild stomach upset due to their natural sugars (16.5g per 100g). Health experts suggest moderation, especially for kids or those with diabetes.