Buy what fruitsWhat's in season at Singapore fruit stalls, and which country to look for.

Lychee

荔枝 · laici

Lychee in October (this month)

No fresh crop this month

Not usually on shelves this month.

ChinaThailandVietnamTaiwanAustraliaSouth AfricaMadagascar
Fresh cropStored / lateNot shipping
Skip this month (7)
CN
ChinaGuangdong, Guangxi, Hainan
Off season
Feizixiao, Guiwei, Nuomici
Not shipping now
Hainan starts in April, then Guangdong peaks May–July. The main source for Singapore.
TH
ThailandChiang Rai, Phayao
Off season
Hong Huay, Chakrapad
Not shipping now
May–June. A short season.
VN
VietnamBac Giang
Off season
Thieu
Not shipping now
Jun–Jul. Small seeds and very sweet.
TW
TaiwanKaohsiung, Taichung
Off season
Yu He Bao, Hei Ye
Not shipping now
Jun–Jul. Yu He Bao is a premium, thin-skinned variety.
AU
AustraliaQueensland, NSW
Off season
Kwai May Pink, Salathiel
Not shipping now
Nov–Feb. The only fresh lychee option around Christmas and New Year.
ZA
South AfricaLimpopo, Mpumalanga
Off season
Mauritius, McLean's Red
Not shipping now
Dec–Feb.
MG
MadagascarEast coast (Tamatave)
Off season
Mauritius
Not shipping now
Nov–Jan. Mostly shipped to Europe for Christmas.

How to pick at the shelf

  • SkinBright red, not brown.
  • FeelFirm with a slight give.
  • StemsFresh-looking.
  • AvoidLeaking or cracked fruit, or a sour smell.

At home

KeepFridge
Lasts3–5 days

Wrap in paper towel inside a bag. The skin browns quickly but the flesh stays good for a few days.

Brand or variety on the label

FeizixiaoGuiweiNuomiciHong HuayThieuYu He BaoKwai May PinkMauritius
Buying tips (3)
  • Lychee doesn't store well, so fresh lychee only shows up May–Jul from Asia and Nov–Feb from Australia.
  • The skin browns within days. Bright red skin means fresh, though some shipments are treated to keep the colour.
  • Gently press: it should feel firm with a slight give. Leaky or very soft fruit is past its best.

Common questions

When is lychee season in Singapore?
China: May–Jul; Thailand: May–Jun; Vietnam: Jun–Jul; Taiwan: Jun–Jul; Australia: Dec–Jan; South Africa: Dec–Jan; Madagascar: Nov–Dec. Fresh-crop months by origin.
Which country's lychee is best in October?
Lychee is not usually on shelves in October.
How do I pick a ripe lychee?
Skin: Bright red, not brown. Feel: Firm with a slight give. Stems: Fresh-looking. Avoid: Leaking or cracked fruit, or a sour smell.
How should I store lychee?
Fridge. Lasts 3–5 days. Wrap in paper towel inside a bag. The skin browns quickly but the flesh stays good for a few days.

More from these origins