Value added products of litchi

NRCL - Value added products of litchi

Litchi is a highly perishable fruit. Farmers are bound to sell harvested litchi immediately before the fruit turns brown and becomes unmarketable. Also, there is no staggered harvesting in litchi, and the whole tree is normally harvested at one go. This, coupled with the highly perishable nature of the fruit, results in glut and even distress sale among growers. Besides, litchi is available only for a short period during the summer months. These problems can be overcome by processing the fruit into various products.

Litchi growers can easily prepare different processed products of litchi by adopting simple food safety and processing guidelines using locally available resources. Processed products can be preserved for a longer time; thereby, processing not only extends the period of availability of the fruit but also allows for realising good income commensurate to market demand. Fruit processing generates employment, increases income, and helps reduce huge postharvest losses. By adopting simple methods of food processing and preservation, farmers can protect themselves from the risk and uncertainties of handling perishables fruit, increase income, and improve livelihood conditions. ICAR-NRC on Litchi has developed technical knowhow for preparation of different value added products mentioned below, which can be licensed/purchased from the Postharvest Section of the Centre.