Rambutan

It's not the first time I have tried the odd-sounding — and odder-looking — rambutan. It's an exotic fruit with a red, spiny shell that looks more scary than delicious. The last time I tried it, I thought it was a lot of fuss and not worth the trouble. But this time, I had the benefit of a knowledgeable vendor at  the Farmer's Market. She had them very fresh, in a tub of water. She told me the easy way to open them: Use your thumbnails to crack a line around the equator, then open like an egg.

Inside, you will find a white fruit:

 

It's a lot like a lychee but, but not as sweet. Moist, with a texture like a firm grape and an exotic, lild fruity flavor.

There's a pit inside. Eat around that.

The vendor pronounced it "ram-bu-tahn."

Comments

[Glenn Fuller]

Looks like something that comes from the ocean.

[Moe Rubenzahl]

Glenn,

I asked about that, actually. They grow on trees.

[Carolyn Jung]

Great photos, Moe! I think they're one of the most unusual looking fruits around. They're so refreshing on a warm day, too.