Plant Database
Sweetheart Lychee
Litchi chinensis ‘Sweetheart’
The Sweetheart Lychee is a prized variety, celebrated for its exceptionally high flesh-to-seed ratio and exquisite honeyed sweetness. True to its name, its heart-shaped fruits contain a notably small "chicken tongue" seed, allowing for a greater portion of the coveted juicy, translucent white flesh. The flavor is intensely sweet with a pure, floral, and honey-like character, making each fruit a luxurious treat. While it can grow tall, its upright and spreading habit allows it to be managed as a prolific centerpiece tree for the subtropical garden.
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Renowned for its very small "chicken tongue" seed, resulting in a high percentage of delicious edible flesh.
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Flavor is exceptionally sweet, clean, and floral with distinct honey notes.
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Fruit is medium-sized, heart-shaped, with bright red, slightly bumpy skin that's easy to peel.
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A reliable and consistent producer once established.
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Tree has an upright, spreading growth habit with a somewhat open canopy, reaching 15-25 ft if unpruned.
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Performs best in consistently warm, humid subtropical climates.
Flavor Profile:
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Flavor: Intensely sweet and aromatic, with a pure honey and rosewater flavor and very low acidity.
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Texture: Crisp, firm, and extraordinarily juicy—the juice literally bursts in your mouth.
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Best Uses: The ultimate premium fresh-eating lychee, best enjoyed chilled straight from the shell. Also excellent in fruit salads or desserts.