6 types of litchi available in India and how to pick the sweetest one at the market

When it comes to summer fruits of India, litchi is one of the most loved, prized for its sweet taste, juicy pulp, and refreshing flavor. It is mostly cultivated in states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand. You will be surprised to know that India is among the world's leading producers of litchi. This fruit thrives in subtropical climates and is harvested during the summer months, typically from May to June. From shakes, juices, and salads to exotic desserts, this puply sweet fruit can be enjoyed during summers. But, the most common problem among people is-how to choose the perfect litchi. Here’s your go-to guide for picking the best litchi in the market, how to store them and the most popular varieties available in India.

This one is native to the Muzaffarpur area of Bihar. It often flourishes in the third week of May and is oval and conical in shape. Crimson-red tubercles appear on a uranium-green background at maturity. This one has juicy pulp that melts in the mouth.

This litchi is also cultivated in the Muzaffarpur area of Bihar. It is a semi-dwarf variety that starts ripening in the third week of May and is medium- to large-sized, globose, with a red and orange hue. This litchi has an intense sweetness in them and works best for making desserts.

This litchi is grown in the eastern pat of Bihar and the fruits are medium- to large-sized and heart-shaped. This one has red tubercles on a reddish background at maturity and mostly ripens in the first week of june.

This variety of litchi is grown in eastern Bihar. It is oblong-conical in shape and starts to ripen at the end of May or the first week of June. Once it ripens, red tubercles appear on a pinkish-brown background. This litchi has a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness and works well for salads.

This litchi is native to West Bengal and it starts ripening during the first to second week of May. The fruits are large and heart-shaped and they develop carmine-red tubercles on a uranium-green background. The pulp of this variety is greyish-white, soft, and juicy with a sweet and aromatic aftertaste.

As the name suggests, it is grown in and around Dehradun. It is highly valued for its sweet taste, juicy pulp, pleasant aroma, and thin skin. For years, this litchi has been considered one of India's premium litchi varieties and is popular across the country. It has a small seed, thin skin, and aromatic pulp.

Ripe litchis are said to have a vibrant pink or red skin. So, always look for the right colour ad avoid fruits that are mostly green, as they may not be fully ripe.

According to experts, a fully ripe and sweet litchi feels heavy for its size. Also, the heavier ones generally contain more pulp and juice.

While picking litchi, check that the shell should be firm and slightly textured. Also, avoid fruits with cracks, soft spots, or damaged skin.

Appearance matters a lot and wrinkled skin indicates that the fruit has lost moisture and may be less juicy and flavorful.

This is also one of the most important ways to check the freshness of litch. The fresh litchis often have green stems and a light floral fragrance. Dry, brown stems may indicate older fruit.

While they are best enjoyed fresh, in case you have picked some unripe ones and want them to last a bit longer, place the lychees in a breathable bag or container and store them in the fridge. This helps preserve their freshness and sweetness. Keep in mind, though, that once peeled, lychees tend to spoil quickly, so it’s best to eat them right after peeling.