Lychee - Origin

Region

Lychees come from the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, located in the southeastern part of the country. These regions have a humid subtropical climate ideal for this exotic fruit's growth and ripening. Lychees were first domesticated thousands of years ago in this area and have since become a significant part of the local culture and agriculture.

Wild origins

Before being domesticated centuries ago, lychees grew wild in southern China's tropical and subtropical forests. Even today, there are still wild populations of lychee, whose trees are generally larger and less domesticated than those we know. These lychees may differ from the ones we usually eat; they might be larger, have a more intense flavor, and have a rougher exterior.

Domestication

Domestication took place thousands of years ago. Through a lengthy selection process, a wide variety of lychees were developed, each with unique characteristics such as size, color, and taste. This is how the lychees we know and appreciate today were cultivated.

Historical Facts

French explorers introduced lychee to Europe in the 17th century. Today, it is grown in several tropical regions, including India, Madagascar, and Brazil.