lóngyàn

Lóngyàn, meaning "dragon eye" in Mandarin Chinese, is the common name for the longan fruit (Dimocarpus longan). This tropical fruit is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, which also includes the lychee and rambutan. Longan is characterized by its thin, brittle, brown shell that, when peeled, reveals translucent white flesh surrounding a dark seed. The flesh is juicy and has a sweet, slightly musky flavor, often described as similar to a grape but with a more distinct aroma.

The fruit typically grows in clusters on evergreen trees that can reach up to 30 feet in height. Longan trees are cultivated in various parts of Asia, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, as well as in other tropical regions worldwide. The harvesting season generally occurs during the summer months. Longans are consumed fresh, dried, or used in traditional Chinese medicine and culinary dishes. Dried longans, known as gui yuan, are often used in desserts, soups, and teas, and are believed to possess health benefits such as calming the spirit and improving sleep. The name "dragon eye" is thought to derive from the fruit's appearance when peeled, with the dark seed resembling a pupil within the white flesh.