Fresh rambutan is a distinctive tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia with a thick red peel and long flexible spikes that are soft to the touch. Inside the spiky exterior is a perfectly round, sweet fruit with a taste and texture similar to lychee, often called "hairy lychee." The flavor is juicy and slightly sour, lighter and milder than mango or pineapple, tasting like a peeled grape with about 10 calories per fruit.

This seasonal limited-edition fruit starts out green and turns red, orange, or yellow as it ripens. To eat, simply cut a slit in the spiky skin, peel it off, enjoy the fleshy white insides, and discard the seed pit. Rambutans can be refrigerated whole and unpeeled to extend their freshness for several days.

The fruit is versatile in both sweet and savory applications. Add to desserts like custards, cheesecakes, pies, jams, or sorbet. Use in savory dishes such as curries and stir-fries, or add to fresh green salads. Muddle into cocktails for a tropical twist, blend into smoothies with pineapple and coconut, or pair with passionfruit for baking. Fresh rambutans can be peeled and frozen for several months if not consumed immediately. Note that some individuals may have sensitivities to rambutans, particularly those allergic to lychees or stone fruits.