Similar to a lychee nut, a rambutan is a pod-shaped fruit that opens to translucent or whitish flesh. The main difference between a rambutan and a lychee is the fruit’s exterior, which is covered in wiry little bristles. Apparently the name rambutan is derived from the Malay word rambut, which means hairs. To me, it looks a little like Animal from Sesame Street, but without the face. Which, according to Sam, was scary.
ME: This is called a rambutan. What does it feel like?
LAUREN: It feels wiry. Kind of prickly.
ME: Let’s shake it, does it make a sound?
LAUREN: Well, yeah, it feels a little like balls shaking around in it.
ME: I wonder if it’s going to be hard to cut.
ME: What’s it going to look like on the inside?
LAUREN: A seed! Orange! No, maybe peach!
ME: It looks like a…..lychee!
SAM: It looks like an egg.
ME: Smells a bit like a lychee.
SAM: It smells like a seed.
ME: We’re going to cut it open a little bit.
LAUREN: I think it’s still going to be white.
LAUREN: It’s not my flavor.
SAM: It’s not my flavor.
ME: Sam, you haven’t tried it yet.
SAM: Yeeeaugh.
ME: Again, Sam, you haven’t tried it yet.
SAM: I’m scared of the spikes.
I’m with Sam. Looks scary.
They taste so good though. You’ll need to start hitting up your fruit stand for some new treasures, it’s been such a fun experiment. Even when it’s scary 🙂
Rambutan is one of my favorite fruits for sure! Although it took me some time to wrap my mind around how sticky one little fruit can be, the melon-like flavor is just incredible!
I hear you, its looks don’t do it any favors.