Lychee is a popular tropical fruit with a unique sweet and floral flavor profile. It originated in Asia, thriving in subtropical and tropical regions. Although it is commonly found in drinks and desserts, finding fresh lychee can be challenging due to its seasonality, which peaks in late spring and summer. The texture is firm with a slight chew, while canned lychee may differ in texture. Chefs describe the flavor as reminiscent of grape and pear, with notes of rose water, and often liken it to certain dessert wines.
Unlike tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple, which boast bright acidity and tartness, lychee is often described in terms of its sweet, deeply floral traits.
It's kind of hard to describe the taste of lychee without likening it to another tropical fruit, like soursop. It's like a large grape with exotic flavor, mushy yet plump.
The sweetness is natural and balanced, with a subtle citrusy tang that adds brightness.
Mature dessert wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer are often given lychee as a tasting note.
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