Langsat

What Is Langsat?

Langsat (Lansium parasiticum) is a small tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, with a thin yellowish-beige skin; it is mentioned together with its close relative and look-alike, “duku”. It grows on the tree in clusters, like grapes.

When the thin skin is peeled, translucent, juicy segments separated somewhat like garlic cloves emerge. The segments have a refreshing taste that balances sweet and sour; some segments may contain a bitter green seed.

Nutritional Value of Langsat

Like juicy tropical fruits, langsat is low-to-moderate in calories with approximately 57 kcal energy per 100 grams; it contains high water, vitamin C and fiber. Values are approximate, based on a similar fruit profile.

What Are the Benefits of Langsat?

With its water, vitamin C and fiber content, langsat can be part of a balanced diet as a refreshing fruit.

This information is general; langsat is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Langsat?

Good langsat is a fruit with a pale yellow-beige, plump skin, a fresh stem and no blemishes. Darkened, shriveled or cracked samples have lost their freshness.

• Skin should be pale yellow-beige and plump
• Stem should be fresh, surface unblemished
• Darkened and shriveled samples should not be bought

How to Store Langsat?

Langsat is stored in the refrigerator for a few days; its thin skin darkens quickly at room temperature. It is best consumed fresh, as the fruit does not keep for long.

Using Langsat in the Kitchen

Langsat is mostly eaten fresh; the skin is peeled and the translucent segments are eaten as they are. It is also used in fruit salads and drinks; due to its delicate taste, it is mostly enjoyed raw.

How Is Langsat Peeled?

When the tip of the fruit is pressed gently, the thin skin cracks and can be peeled easily by hand; the segments inside are separated and eaten, taking care not to bite into the bitter seed in segments that have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are langsat and duku the same?

They are very close relatives, even varieties of the same species; duku is generally rounder and thicker-skinned, while langsat has a thinner skin. Their tastes are similar.

Is the langsat seed edible?

The green seed in some segments is bitter; it is generally not eaten, and only the sweet-sour flesh of the segment is consumed.

What does langsat taste like?

It has a refreshing, juicy taste that balances sweet and sour; it gives a coolness somewhere between grapefruit and grape.