RAMBUTAN (PREORDER)

15 lbs Rambutan aka "Hong-Mao-Dan", "紅毛丹" Rambutan is an oval-shaped fruit with a red leather shell and red and greenish-yellow soft spines. The flesh looks similar to that of longan and lychee with a crisp texture that surrounds a large black seed. The white semitransparent flesh is sweet with a note of floral hint to it. The taste is very similar to that of lychee. Handling Tip Selection Unripe rambutan has green skin and greenish-red spines. As the fruit ripens, the skin and spines turn red or yellow. Rambutan is firm and the spikes are not shriveling. Avoid rambutan with black hair or brown spots as they indicate overripe. Storage Rambutans should be stored at 46°F - 59°F (8°C - 15°C with a relative humidity of ninety to ninety-five percent and no mist. The typical shelf life is fourteen to sixteen days. Under optimal storage conditions, there may be changes in skin and spine coloration but the flesh is unaffected. Rambutan is not sensitive to ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that regulates ripening. Rambutan produces a very low level of ethylene but ethylene production increases drastically if there are any infections. Rambutan is moderately sensitive to chilling injury. Symptoms include skin and spine color changes from red to brownish-red, flesh becoming more transparent, and a watery texture.