A major crop in Southeast Asia, the longan is related to the lychee and rambutan. Just use both your thumbs’ nails to press the thin shell open. Remove the pit, then pop the sweet fruit into your mouth for a quick snack. Known in China as the “dragon’s eye” because of its white eye-shaped mark on the pit, longans contain several vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and large amounts of vitamins A and C. Pick longans that are brownish in color. To avoid moisture loss, store wrapped in a paper towel and in a perforated plastic bag. When using longans in cooking, include it at the last minute for added fragrance.