When Is a Lychee Ripe?

Fruit Description

• Lychee fruit has a thick, rough-textured, leathery skin ranging from pink to red in color and grows in clusters of three to 50. Certain varieties have green skin. Oval to round or heart-shaped, the fruit is 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. The fragrant inner pulp is white, firm, translucent and juicy with a sweet flavor. The pulp contains a smooth, brown seed of varying size depending on variety.

Ripeness Indicator

• It is best to let the fruit ripen on the tree for the most flavor, recommends the University of Florida Extension. The fruit does not ripen after it is picked. Ripe fruit is firm and plump in appearance and has the color associated with the cultivar. The skin of ripe fruit is easily separated from the pulp. The scaly skin on ripe lychees also starts to flatten. Ripe fruit has a bright color whereas the color of overly ripe fruit is dull.

Pollination

• Though single lychee trees produce a significant amount of fruit, planting two different cultivars for certain varieties helps to increase yields through cross pollination, suggests the University of Florida Extension. The flowers on lychee trees are primarily pollinated by wind, flies and bees. It is best to conduct a little research prior to selection of varieties to see if two trees are required for fruit set.

Harvesting

• Depending on variety, lychee fruit is ready for harvesting anytime between the middle of May and early July. Cut the main stem to several inches behind the fruit cluster when harvesting fruit. The fruit may be stored separated or in clusters. Fruit quality is best when consumed fresh. The fruit may be stored in the fridge for up to five weeks. At room temperature, the fruit only keeps for a couple of days.