Longan (Euphoria Longan) is a wonderful and delicious fruit. Its Chinese name is Long Yan Rou, which means Dragon Eye Meat. Of course, being a fruit, it is not really “meat.” Generally, in America, it is most often referred to simply as Longan ("dragon eyes"). It is so named because when the fruit is fresh, the flesh of the peeled fruit is a translucent white color. The dark brown seed shows through the translucent flesh and looks like the pupil of an eye. As a result, the fruit looks like the bulging eyes of the dragons often depicted in Chinese art.

When dried, the dried fruit becomes a lovely golden color and has a unique flavor unlike any other dried fruit. It has a complex flavor that is simultaneously dried-fruit-sweet and somewhat savory, with a hint of smokiness. It is easy to fall in love with the unique flavor of Longan, and tens of millions of people have. The dried longans also have a very delectable mouth feel – somewhat firm at first bite, then they melt in your mouth. Yum!

Golden Wuyi Mountain Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is a wonderful and delicious tonic fruit used by the Chinese as a blood tonic, to build energy (Qi), to calm the mind, to strengthen the Spleen, to tonify the Qi of the heart, and to add luster and beauty to the skin. Its Chinese name is Long Yan Rou, which means “Dragon Eye Meat.” Of course, being a fruit, it is not really “meat.” Longan (“dragon eye”) is so named because when the fruit is fresh, the flesh of the peeled fruit is a translucent white color. The dark brown seed shows through the translucent flesh and looks like the pupil of an eye. As a result, the fruit looks like the bulging eyes of the dragons often depicted in Chinese art. The dried fruit is one of China’s greatest delicacies. The best Longan grows in southern China in the foothills of the Wuyi Mountains. The seed has been removed. Wuyi Longan Fruit™ becomes a lovely golden color and has a unique flavor unlike any other dried fruit.

Dragon Herbs sources Longan from its Di Tao origin in Fujian Province.

Longan is an herb that must be selected very carefully. The “aril,” which is the sweet fleshy fruit meat, is extremely delicious. The dried fruit obtainable at herb shops is priced based on its flavor and sweetness. Therefore, some producers soak their Longan in sugar water to enhance its sweetness. Dragon Herbs uses only the highest quality Longan, and this Longan is unsweetened — it is sweet enough without the sugar and is much better for you than sugar-soaked Longan. There is no problem consuming Dragon Herbs Wuyi Longan Fruit™ every day of your life.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST INTERVIEW with Ron Teeguarden, founder of Dragon Herbs. Ron has been hugely influential in introducing tonic herbalism to the Western health food world, particularly the raw food movement. Hear how he got started, some of his favourite herbs, how best to use tonic herbs, and learn more about his signature formulations.