Fresh chinese lokam

Types of fresh Chinese lokam

Fresh Chinese lokam has several varieties, each with unique flavors and culinary uses. They are sometimes called by their phonetic sounds in Mandarin. They all belong to the same family of herbs known as the Chinese olive tree.

Detailed descriptions of the types include:

• Sweet Lokam

  Sweet lokam is small and reddish-black in color. It has thin skin and soft, jelly-like flesh. The taste is sweet with a mild, slightly floral flavor. Sweet lokam is usually consumed fresh. It can also be added to desserts, smoothies, and juices for a sweet, nutritious treat.

• Bak foong

  This lokam is small and round, dark purple to black when fully ripe. The flesh is firm and juicy. The flavor is sweet-tart, mildly astringent with earthy undertones. It is often used in traditional Chinese desserts and soups because of its sweet-tart flavor.

• Longan

  Longan fruit is like lychee but less juicy with a bouncy texture. It is light brown in color and has a thin shell with delicate, translucent, sweet flesh. Longan has a honey-like sweetness with hints of floral notes and is commonly used in Chinese soups. It is also added to dried fruit mixes and used in herbal remedies to promote relaxation and better sleep.

• Dried Lokam

  fruit

  Dried lokam fruit is obtained by sun-drying fresh lokam fruit until it shrivels up and dries crisp. The dried chinese lokam has a chewy texture and sweet flavor that intensifies as the moisture content reduces. Dried lokam fruit is commonly used in herbal medicine but can also be added to trail mixes, baked goods, and granola for natural sweetness.

• Tanlan

  This variety is small, round, and bright red or orange. The flesh is juicy, tender, and quite soft. However, it is not as sweet as longan. Tanlan has a tangy, honey-like sweetness with a slightly sharp flavor. It is mostly eaten fresh for a burst of sweet-tangy flavor.

• Shui Fong

  This lokam is oval shaped like a small oblong plum. Lokam shui fong has a dark purple to black skin. The flesh is tender and melts in the mouth. Shui fong lokam has a rich, sweet flavor that is slightly more concentrated than other varieties. It is primarily used fresh because of its exceptionally sweet taste.

• Lychee

  Lychee fruit is small, round, or oval with a bumpy, rough, and pinkish-red shell. The inner flesh is white, juicy, and tender with a sweet, floral flavor and a slightly acidic undertone. When cropped fresh, lychee is often eaten raw but can also be dried to make lychee dried fruit and used in fruit salads, desserts, and drinks.

Fresh Chinese lokam inspirations and recipes

Fresh Chinese lokam can be enjoyed in many ways, whether as a nutritious snack, in desserts, or as part of savory dishes. Some popular ideas and recipes include:

• Simple Sweet Snack

  Fresh sweet lokam is often eaten as is for a refreshing and sweet snack, similar to grapes or figs. They are popped into the mouth raw to enjoy their juicy sweetness.

• Lokam Smoothie

  A delicious lokam smoothie can be prepared by blending fresh lokam with yogurt or milk, a banana, and a bit of honey. Add ice if the fruits were not already cold for a refreshing, nutrient-rich drink perfect for breakfast or a mid-day pick-me-up.

• Lokam Dessert Soup

  Sweet lokam is commonly used in Chinese herbal dessert soups. These soups are usually prepared with a light, sweet broth made from water, rock sugar, and sometimes coconut milk. The added sweet lokam has a sweet flavor with floral undertones for a soothing and revitalizing dessert that is served warm or chilled.

• Fruit Salad

  Fresh lokam fruit can be added to fruit salads along with other fresh fruits. Mix with diced cucumbers, mangoes, and cherries and toss with lime juice for a zesty fruit salad with vibrant flavors and colors.

• Lokam and Lychee Pudding

  Prepare a delicious lokam and lychee pudding by simmering coconut milk with agar-agar. Add a little sugar for sweetness, then mix in chunks of fresh lokam and lychee before refrigerating until set. This gives a creamy, tropical dessert with the sweet bites of lokam and lychee.

• Lokam and Longan Tea

  Simplistically steep longan dried fruit and lokam fruit together in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea. Lokam and longan tea can be served hot or chill to create a refreshing drink full of health benefits like relaxation and hydration.

• Chocolate-Covered Lokam

  Dip silvered or halved fresh lokam fruits in melted dark or white chocolate and let them cool on parchment paper. This gives a decadent treat balancing the sweet, tender fruit with rich, creamy chocolate.

The nutritional value of Fresh Chinese lokam

Fresh Chinese lokam offers a host of health benefits due to their high antioxidant content. Some of their nutritional value includes:

• Antioxidant-Rich

  The lokam fruit is especially rich in antioxidants. These include vitamin C, which helps protect the body from free radical damage and promotes better skin health. Antioxidants are vital in neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing damage to cells. This keeps aging and the development of chronic diseases at bay.

• Low-Calorie Fruit

  Lokam is low in calories and sugars, around 200 calories for 100 grams, making them a guilt-free option for those watching their caloric intake. Lokam fruit is a sweet treat that can be eaten without adding too many calories.

• Hydration

  The lokam fruit has a high water content, around 90 percent, that helps keep the body well-hydrated throughout the day. Healthy fruit is a great way to hydrate without resorting to water or empty-calorie juices.

• Vitamins and Minerals

  Chinese lokam fruit contains essential vitamins and minerals like potassium for better heart health and muscle function, iron for oxygen transportation in the blood, and vitamin A for better vision and immune function. This boosts overall well-being by supporting multiple body functions.

• Dietary Fiber

  Fresh Chinese lokam fruit is rich in dietary fiber, around 1.5 grams per 100 grams, promoting digestive health, regular bowel movements, and aiding in weight management by increasing satiety. Eating a fiber-rich fruit like lokam keeps the digestive system running smoothly and can help prevent constipation.

• Health Benefits

  In traditional Chinese medicine, lokam fruit is used to improve blood circulation in the body, support heart health, and boost energy levels. It is also used in various remedies and wellness practices, showing its deep-rooted significance in health and longevity.

How to store fresh Chinese lokam properly

Storing fresh Chinese lokam properly ensures they stay ripe and do not spoil before its harvest time. Some ways to store lokam include:

• Refrigeration

  Store ripe lokam in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness. Place them in the produce drawer where the humidity level is higher. Chinese lokam fruits stored this way last up to a week at most.

• Room Temperature

  If the lokam fruits are not fully ripe, leave them at room temperature for a couple of days until they soften and reach the right level of ripeness. This is a short-term storage method that should be used to let ripe fruit to sit only for a day or two.

• Drying

  Drying Chinese lokam fruit extends its shelf life significantly by removing moisture. Spread the rinsed lokam fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet and put in an oven set to the lowest temperature, about 140°F (60°C). It can also be dried using a food dehydrator following the manufacturer's instructions. The dried fruit can be kept in airtight containers in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. Dried lokam fruit has a shelf life of several months to a year when properly stored dried fruit is used for medicinal purposes or in recipes.

• Freezing

  Freezing Chinese lokam fruit is another way to keep it long-term. Spread the rinsed and pitted lokam fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen lokam fruit lasts up to six months. It makes an excellent addition to smoothies, soups, and other cooked dishes.

• Canning or Preserving

  Lokam fruit can also be preserved by canning it in syrup or making jams and jellies. Bring a simple syrup to a boil, add pitted lokam fruit, and cook until tender. Pack into sterilized jars and cover with syrup, then seal and process in a water bath canner. Preserved lokam fruit lasts up to one to two years when stored in a cool, dark place.

Q&A

Can Chinese lokam be enjoyed raw and cooked?

Yes. Chinese lokam can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. They offer versatility for different culinary applications. Fresh lokam fruit is commonly enjoyed raw for its sweet, juicy flavor, while dried lokam is often used in soups and teas. Lokam fruit can also be used in various recipes ranging from desserts to savory dishes.

Are there any health benefits to consuming Chinese lokam?

Chinese lokam fruit offers various health benefits. They are often praised for their rich antioxidant content, which helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall health. Lokam fruit is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its cooling properties, believed to help with better blood circulation, hydration, and even improving sleep quality.

How does the flavor of Chinese lokam compare to other fruits?

Chinese lokam has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other fruits. Depending on the variety, they can be sweet like honey with floral undertones or slightly tangy and refreshing. This adaptable flavor profile allows lokam to be used in sweet and savory dishes and enjoyed fresh or dried.

How long does fresh Chinese lokam last when stored properly?

Fresh Chinese lokam lasts about a week when stored in the refrigerator. During this time, they continue to ripen and can be consumed until they reach the desired level of softness and sweetness. Properly storing ripe lokam in the fridge slows down the ripening process and helps prevent spoilage.

Is Chinese lokam widely available outside Asia?

Chinese lokam, while gaining popularity, may not be as widely available as more common fruits like berries or grapes in some regions. They are mostly found in Asian markets, specialty stores, or when in season at certain locations. Chinese lokam fruit can sometimes be sourced fresh online.