Rambutan

Rambutan are closely related and similar looking to the lychee nut. The rambutan have a soft spiny exterior shell. Rambutan are eaten fresh or canned.  This fruit can be hard to find in the U.S.  If you are in an area like Honolulu, Seattle or San Francisco you'll find them China Town markets.  Look for fresh or canned rambutan in Asian grocery stores.  You can also find them online at Importfood.com or Amazon.com.

If you don't have rambutan (fresh or canned) you can substitute equal amounts of:

• Lychee nuts, either fresh or canned.  The lychee are sweeter and have a more floral bouquet. The rambutan is fleshier.
• OR - For a fruit salad use fresh grapes