The lychee, or litchi, native to sonthern china, is highly esteemed by chinese people. the exiled Chinese poet, Sutung Po, said the lychee was his only consolation when he was banished to the south.
The small fruits of the lychee are covered with a bumpy bright red skin; if you see any with the skin turning brownish, avoid them as they are over-ripe. The skin is easily stripped off to reveal a translucent white fruit in which is embedded a shiny, brownish-black srrd. The flavour of the lychee is sweet, with just a hint of acid. The fruits are almost always eaten fresh, although Thai cooks also stuff them with savoury fillings. Everyone agrees that