A favorite fruit of Chinese emperors, lychee was appreciated as early as 2000 BC. The small, brown or pink shell can be easily peeled away with fingernails to reveal a white, syrupy ball much like the on found inside of rambutan. Lychee syrup is often used in desserts and even to make a sweet wine in China.
Aside from a wondrously sweet taste, lychee comes with numerous health benefits. Consuming just nine small lychee fruit will provide an adult's daily allowance of vitamin C!