Lychee juice is a type of beverage that contains the juice and pulp of the lychee fruit. Ingredients such as water, sugar, citric acid, vitamin C, and sodium benzoate are also commonly found in lychee juice. The juice has a delicate, sweet flavor and a unique aroma that many find refreshing on its own or mixed with other juices or beverages. The juice is also high in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B2.
The lychee is a small fruit with a leathery pink shell and soft white flesh. The fruit is juicy, sweet, and crispy and is commonly used in juices, teas, meat dishes, and desserts. Lychees can also be eaten fresh and have a similar texture to grapes. In the middle of the lychee fruit is a hard, inedible pit that is discarded along with the uneatable rind. Many enjoy consuming the fruit by squeezing the naturally nutritious and sweet juice out of the lychee to create a refreshing beverage.
The flavor of lychee juice is sweet, crisp, and delicate and goes well with many other fruit flavors. It is also highly fragrant and typically pink, golden yellow, or clear in color. The juice is processed from ripe, washed lychees and mixed with other ingredients, such as sugar and water. Lychee juice is often available in both clarified and cloudy forms.
Lychee juice can be consumed on its own or mixed with other fruit juices or beverages, such as coconut water or lemongrass water. Mango is also commonly used with lychee juice as the two flavors complement each other well. Pineapple, lime, strawberry, grapefruit, cucumber, and orange juices are sometimes combined with lychee juice, as well. Lychee juice can even be used to make martinis and other alcoholic beverages.
Juices made with lychee can usually be found in health food stores or the organic section of major supermarkets. In addition, a wide variety of juices can be purchased online. Fresh lychees are typically sold in specialty stores or Asian markets. The fruit is often harder to find when it is not in season.
Aside from its delicious, refreshing flavor, this type of juice is also extremely healthy. Lychees are full of vitamin C, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6. The fruit contains a substantial amount of potassium, as well. Polyphenol, an antioxidant which is thought to prevent health conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, is also found in the lychee fruit.