IntroductionLitchi (Litchi chinensi

Introduction
Litchi (Litchi chinensis L) is a tropical fruit grown in Northern part of India especially in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. Production of litchi fruits in India was estimated to be 3.68 million tonnes during the year 2004–2005 (NHB 2006). The fruits are available during a short season of 2 months. The shelf-life of litchi fruit is 4–6 days at room temperature (25–32°C). The fruits are mainly consumed as fresh and to some extent they are processed into canned litchi, litchi beverage and litchi squash, by processing industries located near the growing regions.