The Rambutan, also known as Hairy Cherry, has its origin in the tropical low-lands of Malaysia. The name rambutan came from the Malay word ‘rambut’ for hair.
Today, the rambutan is grown in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The fruit is about 5 cm long and has soft fleshy hair from 2 to 3 cm long over the entire surface. It turns from green to yellow to red as the fruit ripens. Once peeled the fruit yields a flesh that is white, firm and delicious.
Although I got to enjoy this naturally delicious treat in almost every city I travelled to in Vietnam, this particular batch was found at a market in Sapa.
