The Tropical Fruit Forum

They should be brown.  But, pick one and sample.  They should be juicy with soft flesh.  You can put up a picture also so I could see what they look like. 

This is part 1 and 2. I wasn't done, but my phone battery died. Tomorrow I'll finish the video

I enjoyed the tour of your grove today and if it counts, you have my vote.  Great to meet you in person.

David,

Thanks for the comments.  I would definitely like to have you come over and look around and meet you as well.  We are very close to each other.  I'll send you a pm.

I prefer a chemical free property.  I bought the property about 3 months ago and the caretaker has been handling the trees for many years now and uses chemical extensively.

I have seen Chris Rollins speak about thinning longans a few times.  He always says go through and cut off 50-60% of the fruiting panicles.  Then, go back through and cut of half the remaining panicles.  This is for full-grown trees, but allows for large, tasty, fruit.

You have me interested in Diamond River now

Here's a close up of some of my longan panicles after thinning.  I would say even as much as 2/3 is removed to get large fruit.  Mine are eventually sold to Chinese wholesalers who desire the larger fruit. 






On Canal St in NYC Chinatown I saw the larger longans being sold for a $1 to $2 per lb premium to smaller longans.  This picture was the smaller longan which sold for $5 to $6.  The larger sold for $7 to $8.
 




I have never developed a heat rash.  But here is what one site says about Longan.

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/herbs/longan.html

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Longan:

There are many health benefits and therapeutic uses of the longan fruit. These various health benefits are listed below.
Longan has long been used as a remedy for stomach problems such as infections and pain. Eating longan fruit is regarded a natural remedy for treating a stomach ache. The fruit helps to improve and boost the immune system and this helps the body fight against various diseases.
Longan also helps to improve the working of the cardiovascular system as well as the heart.
Longan is rich in potassium and is therefore helpful in maintaining one's blood pressure and keeping it normal.
Eating longan is also a good way to cure anemia as it helps to improve the rate at which iron is absorbed into the body.
The leaves of the longan tree contain quercetin which has antiviral and antioxidant properties. They are therefore used to treat various cancers, allergies as well as in treatment for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Consuming dried longan fruit is believed to help cure people of sleeping disorders like insomnia.
It is also used to treat health conditions such as amnesia and neurasthenic neurosis.
Longan fruit also helps to improve the functioning of the nerves as well as calm the nervous system.
The kernel of this fruit contains fat, tannin and saponin which act as a styptic.
Longans also contain phenolic acids which act as powerful antioxidants and also contain antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
The fresh fruit of the longan tree is often consumed to reduce and bring down high fevers.
The seeds are often given to persons to consume if they suffer from heavy and excessive sweating.
Longan also helps to reduce aging and helps to improve one's skin, particularly, around the eyes. It is believed to improve one's complexion and prevent skin from peeling as well.
This fruit is also believed to nourish the blood as well as invigorate the spleen.
The fruit also helps to reduce fatigue and lowers irritability in people as well.

Other Uses:

The seeds and rind of the longan are burned and used as fuel. The seeds once crushed, produce foam which is then used as shampoo. The wood is used to make furniture, agricultural implements, posts and for construction purposes.

Purple alligator,

Thanks for the pictures, I see you have some beautiful mature trees. What is your favorite tasting variety of Longan? Thanks,

Simon

I only know the Kohala longan which is the most common variety here in S Florida.  I think they are great.  I share them with others who have never had longan and they always love them and ask for more.  I have lots of avocado and carambola now and offered them to a friend who said no but would love more longans and an airlayer to plant his own.

I had a small July/August harvest of longan.  Many trees did not set and sprayed with a potassium foliar spray and are now full and look ready for a late October harvest.

Here's my haul of trees.  J-31, Fairchild first, Black Gold, and Gold Nugget.

Coconut Grove maybe a good option.

I'm going to be planting out the area in front of my house with an edible landscape. My objective is to plant the most visually appealing trees enhancing curb appeal of my home while also providing a fruit I'll love to eat. They will all be inside the primeter fence. I estimate 10 to 15 trees. I'm in the process of finishing planting 24 mango trees in the back of the longan grove and behind and beside my house.

Quote from: PurpleAlligator on September 05, 2014, 09:17:03 AM

The Omega Vert is a much better juicer, but a little more expensive.  Totally worth the extra cost in my opinion.

http://youtu.be/2q50XbF0Db0

Try juicing watermelon rind quickly with that low RPM vert juicer. I have lo-RPM juicers and know what the deal is. I don't believe all the propaganda (I used to) about high RPM destroying enzymes and over heating juices. Especially when the produce is refrigerated so you juice it when cold. I have a juice press and I can still squeeze more juice from the pulp after juicing with my low RPM twin gear juicer

BTW the guy in your video has lots of fruit and veg growing videos. He even has one of Benders Grove in Davie (one of our nursery members)
http://www.youtube.com/user/growingyourgreens

I think people should use the juicer that works best for them.  Any juicer is better than no juicer.    I put this out as an example of what I use.  I have the Omega vert and a Breville high speed juicer.  I use the Omega 90% of the time.  For a quick carrot or celery juice the Breville is great.  But if I'm juicing greens the Omega is a must.  The press is obviously the best, but not as convenient as a machine.  Last January I did a 1 month juice fast and used the Omega exclusively.  And, I can juice a watermelon very fast in it.  The pieces just need to be cut a little smaller to fit the mouth of the Omega.  But I've gotten very fast over the years at prepping fruits and veggies for juicing.

The Omega Vert is a much better juicer, but a little more expensive.  Totally worth the extra cost in my opinion.

http://youtu.be/2q50XbF0Db0

[/quote]I don't know anything about online stores, but if you do both on site/local sales and online sales(shipping), then advertise every where: CL other sites/forums, etc (here included), i'm sure you will get some business coming to your future business. Price should be competitive with other sellers around you(I think fresh longans range from $1-$5 /lbs retail? and whole sale may be a bit less, depending on crop availability that year and how much they buy(wholesale). But, just don't charge anything like how lycheeonline prices theirs, $14-$20/lb  .

I guess that works for some, but not all people/consumers will agree to that price range.

Just my .02 
[/quote]

A neighbor of mine had and early crop (late June) and was getting mid $60's for 20lb boxes wholesale.  Now in peak season, they are going for $20 for a 20lb box wholesale if they take them at all.  I expect the later October/November crop will get a good price.

Quote from: HMHausman on November 28, 2013, 10:21:46 PM

Notice the prominent disclaimer on the box stating clearly the prohibition of shipment to Florida.

Harry, that's because you guys can grow them as well, so no sale for you guys I'll gladly get some from you next summer, I couldn't get any from Alex(squam) this past season, he said the crop this year was scarce, so not worth it for sale. Though, I did get some of his lychee. They were ok, I would love to get some of your fresh longans, next year, if you sell them to forum members?

I have a late crop coming this year in late October/November.  I've never shipped and have a grower manage the grove from A to Z and he sells to a Chinese wholesaler.  Next year I may set aside a few trees to see if I can establish an online presence as well as by appointment only.  I'm not sure how much effort it takes to generate enough orders to make an online store feasible.  Any thoughts from someone how has experience in this is appreciated.

I had some come out in July/August and the were outstanding.  I gave some to friends who never tried them (and didn't even know what they were) and they loved them and want more.