Juicy with a sweet aroma, wampee fruit is a delicacy native to southern China, especially in Guangdong Province.
The grape-shaped fruit has a soft and golden peel and opalescent pulp that is a bit like lychee. The flower is small and white and blossoms in late March. The wampee trees are usually between 10 to 15 meters tall and bears fruit in July and August.
Small and white wampee flowers. /VCG Photo
The name "wampee" is the Cantonese word for "yellow peel." Some might mistake it for longan because of the similar shape and peel color. However, the longan is more rounded while wampees are oval.
Dried wampee is also a popular snack in Guangdong. /VCG Photo
Wampee is rich in vitamin C. People in Guangdong believe eating wampee can help digestion, partly due to the appetizing taste of it. It is also used as medicine.
China's Flora Tour
From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest, China boasts an array of plant species. In this series, we will go on a tour to learn about some of the most representative flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local geography and climate.
(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi.)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)