Lychee

Originally cultivated in China and used in many Asian dishes, the lychee is a sweet fruit with a coarse outer skin. Though it has received some negative press in recent years, the lychee is completely safe to eat when fully ripe, and is in fact both healthy and delicious. The lychee is grown in tropical, humid climates and does not do well with frost, but the harvested fruit flourishes wonderfully in both hot and cold dishes. They make an excellent snack and add a refined touch to entrees and desserts alike.