Lychee Season In Jamaica
The Jamaican Chinese Guinep

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Lychee Season In Jamaica

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Have you ever had a Lychee? Well according to the opinions of many locals, you are missing out. Lychee season in Jamaica is one of their favourites.

Lychee has been around in Jamaica for a long time. It was Chinese immigrants who brought lychee trees to Jamaica in the 18th century, hence the reason why the fruit is now connected to the Chinese community residing here and aptly nicknamed the Chinese Guinep.

However, for some reason, Lychee has gained quite the popularity in recent years. And because it comes in season (May to July) around the same time or a little before our original Jamaican Guineps, there is a constant comparison between the two, sparking a debate about which is better. But let’s not get into that, instead let’s talk more about the fruit itself, and its many health benefits.

Lychee is a small fruit that grows on trees in warm and humid climates, including Jamaica ofcourse. The fruit is typically round or oval in shape, with tough, leathery skin that's usually pink or red. Inside, the fruit is white and juicy, with a single large seed in the centre.

But like most fruits, lychee isn't just delicious—it's also incredibly good for you! It is packed with vitamins and minerals that help keep your body healthy and strong. For example, lychee is a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function and skin health. It's also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.

Health Benefits of Lychee

Lychee is packed with numerous health benefits:

• Boosts Immune System: High in vitamin C, lychee helps boost the immune system.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Helps protect the body from free radical damage.
• Supports Heart Health: Contains nutrients that promote heart health.
• Aids Digestion: High in fibre, lychee helps improve digestion.
• Strengthens Bones: Contains minerals that increase calcium absorption in bones.

The best thing about Lychee if you ask anyone would be the taste. It is sweet and juicy, an addicting combo if you ask me. It's perfect for snacking on by itself, but it can also be added to salads, desserts, and even cocktails. If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy drink, you can try making lychee juice or adding lychee to smoothies. With its sweet and juicy flavour, lychee is the perfect addition to any beverage.

Interesting Fact: Unlike other tropical fruits like bananas, avocados, and mangoes, lychee fruit does not mature after it is picked. Early harvesting usually results in bitterness and an unpleasant aftertaste in lychee fruit.

Types of Lychee Grown in Jamaica

Did you know that there are several types of Lychee growing right here in Jamaica? Each has its own unique flavour and characteristics. Some of the most popular types include:

• Brewster Lychee: Known for its sweet, aromatic flavour and small size.
• Emperor Lychee: Larger than the Brewster lychee and has a more tart flavour.
• Sweetheart Lychee: Larger than the Emperor lychee and has a sweeter flavour.

Lychee unlike regular local Guineps can be a bit more expensive. Lychee trees bear fruit irregularly, often every two or three years, which makes the fruit scarce and drives up its price. Its scarcity has definitely played a role in its demand among customers which also plays a role in its high price. Because of how highly sought after it is, a bag of Lychee usually goes from anywhere between $500 to $1500 JMD, it is very rare to see prices lower than that.

So the next time you're looking for a sweet and refreshing snack, why not give lychee a try? This delicious fruit is not only good for you but also a great way to support local agriculture in Jamaica. From boosting your immune system to supporting heart health and aiding digestion, lychee is a nutritious addition to your diet. So while it may be on the expensive side by local standards, it is certainly worth it.

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Return to Fruits In Jamaican from Lychee Season In Jamaica 
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References & Sources For Lychee Season In Jamaica

1. Richardson, J. (2022, May 25). Botanical Roots: Why you should eat lychee. Loop News. https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/botanical-roots-why-you-should-eat-lychee
2. Williams, T. A. (2023, April 9). Lychee in Jamaica. Mosa Estate. https://mosaestate.com/blogs/lychee-in-jamaica/lychee-in-jamaica
3. Edwards, A., Edwards, A., & Edwards, A. (2022, May 29). Health benefits of Jamaica-found fruits: Lychee. Our Today -. https://our.today/health-benefits-of-jamaica-found-fruits-lychee/

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