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Rambutan
The rambutan is native to Malaysia and Sumatra and is found in gardens throughout South East Asia. Seedlings were introduced to tropical north Queensland in the 1940s and commercialised in the early 1970s. It is the most popular commercially-grown fruit tree on the Wet Tropics Coast. The name rambutan comes from the Malay word rambut, meaning hairy. Rambutans grow in large clusters on the tree and make excellent decorations. Characteristics Rambutans are oval to oblong in shape, typically about 5 cm in diameter, and weigh 30–50 grams. Depending on the variety, they are a vivid red, pink or yellow fruit covered in soft spines. The flesh, usually transparent or white in colour, surrounds a single seed. Some varieties are free stone while others have flesh that clings to the seed. Taste Sweet, juicy flesh with a mildly acidic flavour that is very refreshing. Buying and Storing Select firm, brightly coloured fruit that shows no signs of bruising. The spines should be firm but not brittle. Although dehydration and rough handling will often result in blackened spines, the fruit is generally fine to eat. Fresh rambutan can be kept in a plastic container in a refrigerator for five to seven days and at room temperature for two or three days. Preparing and Serving Rambutans are best eaten fresh. To prepare, cut around the centre of the fruit with a sharp knife, penetrating the skin only. Lift off the top half of the skin leaving the fruit in the half shell, like an egg in an eggcup. It can be added to fruit salads, served with ice cream, made into sorbets or jams, and added to salads, cheese or meat platters. Rambutans are an excellent addition to either sweet or savoury kebabs or they can be served fresh to follow savoury dishes. Availability December to June. Varieties Classic Red, R9, Rongrien, Yellow, Pink. Acknowledgement The information about avocados is mainly sourced from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland publication Tropical Tastes - Fruits, Foods and Flavours of North Queensland and is reproduced with due acknowledgement and authority.
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