During May to August every year,lycheesare in season, during which the lychees are full and juicy with a delicious taste.But lychees should not be kept for too long; if they are not properly stored after purchase, their shells will become hard or even black within a day, affecting both appearance and taste greatly.How can we keep lychees fresh?

Method 1: Store in a Sealed Container

Place the fresh lychees in a sealed container. They can be kept for up to 6 days at room temperature or about 30 days at 1-9°C.

Method 2: Keep in a Cool, Shady Place

Remove the branches and leaves of the lychees, discard any damaged fruits, and clean them with cold water. Put the selected lychees into a basket or similar container with mesh. Do not pack too tightly; suggest stacking no more than 10 cm high.Then place this in a cool, shady spot. Sprinkle some water on it daily in the morning and evening.This method can keep them fresh for about 5 days, longer if stored in a cooler area.Method 3: Store in a Plastic Bag

Trim the long branches of the lychees, then place them in a plastic bag and seal it. Put this in a cool, shady spot.

You can also soak the plastic bag containing the lychees in water to maintain their color, aroma, and flavor for several days.Method 4: Use Fresh Mugwort

Place fresh mugwort (or fresh mint or eucalyptus leaves) at the bottom of a container, then place the lychees on top. Spray with some cool water in the morning, afternoon, and evening to extend their freshness.Method 5: Vacuum and Low-Temperature Storage

Moisten the lychees lightly, put them into a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Place this in the refrigerator at 2-4°C and with 90%-95% humidity.

Squeeze out as much air as possible to reduce oxygen levels and slow down oxidation, enhancing freshness.

Method 6: Store in an Open WellIf you have an open well, place the lychees in a basket suspended about 10-20 cm above the water surface. Cover the well opening with a lid to avoid sunlight. Keep it at least 8 meters away from the ground.

This can keep them fresh for about four days and preserve their flavor for up to ten days.

Method 7: Soak in HoneyPlace lychees, branches, and leaves into a clean ceramic jar. Pour boiled and cooled honey over them until they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly, cover with wax at the mouth, and store in a well-ventilated, dry place.This can preserve the lychees for an extended period.

Method 8: Soak in Lemon Acid and Salt Water

Blanch fresh lychees briefly in boiling water, then remove and submerge them in a solution of 5% lemon acid and 2% salt. Keep this for about 2-3 weeks before it starts to spoil.

These are the methods to preserve lychees; try any of these to keep your lychees fresh longer.Citricacid

and a sodium chloride solution can also be used.

Here are the storage methods for lychees. Try these methods to make lychees last longer.

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