The rough, red leathery skin of the lychee fruit contrasts with the white, creamy fruit inside. Originating in China, lychee (sometimes spelled litchi) is a tropical fruit known for its sweet and fragrant flavour. Lychees are typically enjoyed fresh; remove a bit of the skin and then squeeze the aril — the fleshy part around the seed — into your mouth. However, they can also be found dried or in recipes, especially ice cream and desserts.

Since they’re in season right now and everyone seems to be binging on them here are some health benefits for those who wonder the significance:

Disease-Fighting Flavonoids
Lychee contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, cancer-fighting heart-healthy kaempferol and more.

Antioxidant Protection
Lychees are rich in antioxidant vitamin C, with more than 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C in one cup.

Blood Regulation
The nutrients in lychee, including magnesium, copper, iron, vitamin C, manganese and folate, are required for blood circulation and formation.

Anti-Viral Activity
Certain proanthocyanidins in lychee seeds have shown powerful anti-viral activity, including against coxsackie virus and herpes simplex virus.