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Introduction
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- Longan is a popular fruit
both in fresh and processed form.
- This fruit is
non-climacteric, requiring cool, dry weather for
flowering, and will grow well in subtropical climates.
- Longan belongs to the
Sapindaceae family or the Soapberry group and is
classified into 2 species:
- Tree longan Euphoria
longana Lam., Euphoria Longana (Lour.) Steud.
or Dimocarpus longan Lour.
- Semi-vine longan Euqhoria
scandens Winit. Kett. or Dimocarpus longan var.
obtusus, these are grown as ornamental plants.
- Many of the Thai longan
varieties have been developed for consumption; they
produce small seeds and have a thick flesh.
- Farmers are converting poor
rice paddy to longan orchard because of the higher
potential and lower risk of the fruit.
- Trees have a good yield of
fruit, which is seasonal.
- Production of longan was
200,700 tons in 1996, and 195,700 tons in 1997.
- The longan crop is valued
at about Bt 2 billion.
- Newer varieties, such as
"Phet Sakhon", have been developed that are
tolerant to hot and humid conditions. These
varieties bare fruit in a different seasons to there
subtropical counterparts, thus are able to attract a
higher price.
- The most popular variety is
E-dore followed by Sri Chompoo, Haew and Buew Kuew.
- The principal countries for
longan cultivation in addition to Thailand are China, and
Taiwan, minor production is found in Hong Kong, Myanma,
India, Vietnam, Lao, Queensland, and Florida.
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Production areas
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- The upper north of Thailand
is the major producer of longan.
- Tree longan Euphoria
longana Lam., Euphoria Longana (Lour.) Steud.
and Dimocarpus longan Lour., grown as fruit plants,
are largely cultivated in the north and northeastern parts
of Thailand.
- Main provinces: Chiang Mai,
Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Chiang Rai, Nakhon
Ratchasima, Loei, Nong Khai and Udon Thani. Chiang
Mai, Lamphun, Lampang are the major provinces for longan
production, accounting for 86% (168,700 tons) of the total
production.
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Utilization
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- Of the total longan harvest
about 45% is dried, 15% is canned or frozen, and 40%
consumed or sold as fresh longan.
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International trade
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- Thailand is the largest
exporter of longan in the world.
- Usually about 85% of the
total production is exported.
- International trade in
1998:
- Canned longan -
4,210 ton, Bt 233 million.
- Main markets, Singapore,
Malaysia, USA, and Hong Kong
- Fresh longan
export value is less, only Bt 88.2 million.
- Major markets are Hong
Kong (68.5%) and Canada (28%).
- Dried longan
exports are worth Bt 77.4 million.
- Markets are China (46%)
and Hong Kong 21%
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