Rambutans

These fruits are so popular and such an important crop that the Thais dedicate a special day to the rambutan in August. It looks a little like a sweet chestnut, but with a hairy, red, green, yellow or even orange skin, depending on the variety. The flesh, which surrounds a large stone (pit), is a transluscent white with a sweet flavour. The sweetest variety is the rongrian. When buying rambutans, look for brightly coloured fruits with hairs that are tipped with green. They keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.