Longan, also known as dragon's eye in Chinese, is a tropical fruit in the soapberry family alongside rambutan and lychee. They have an astringent bark-like skin with a creamy white flesh that is sweet, succulent, and savory with a pleasant melon-like aroma. Longan is exceedingly popular in Asian countries as a food, aromatic, and flavoring for a variety of desserts. Dried longan is used in desserts and as a health supplement in traditional Chinese medicine. It is simmered in sweet soups and made into teas that promote heart health, nourish the blood, and improve memory.
Longan is mild and subtle in flavor much like a high end tea. The soft flavor and pleasant aftertaste are unique and highly prized.