Are rambutans the same as lychees?

Aug 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, rambutan is not the same as lychee. Rambutan belongs to the genus Nephelium of the Sapindaceae family. Its fruit is covered with soft spines, resembling a fuzzy small ball; there are also yellow varieties. Additionally, there is a hard membrane between the flesh and the seed. In contrast, lychee belongs to the genus Litchi of the Sapindaceae family. Its peel has wart-like protrusions, feels relatively smooth, and is mostly dark red in color.

Generally speaking, rambutan is not lychee. The specific analysis is as follows:

Rambutan is not lychee. Rambutan belongs to the genus Nephelium of the Sapindaceae family. Its fruit shell is covered with soft spines, resembling a fuzzy small ball, and there are also yellow fruits. There is a hard membrane between the pulp and the seed. Lychee, on the other hand, belongs to the genus Litchi of the Sapindaceae family. Its peel has wart-like protrusions, a relatively smooth texture, and is mostly dark red in color. The pulp and seed are closely connected without a hard membrane. These two fruits have significant differences in plant classification, physical characteristics, and pulp structure, making them distinctly different fruits. Moreover, rambutan pulp has a firmer texture with a slightly sour sweetness, and there is a tough membrane between the pulp and the seed. Lychee pulp is softer, juicier, and sweeter.

To avoid confusion or misidentification, it is recommended to carefully observe the fruit's appearance when purchasing or consuming, or refer to authoritative botanical guides for differentiation. If intended for health or dietary purposes, consulting a nutritionist or agricultural expert can ensure accurate identification.

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