An ancient Chinese fruit, Lychee is the fruit of a tropical and sub-tropical tree native to China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The rough pink red rind is peeled to reveal a creamy white pulp, similar in texture to grapes, with a floral perfume and a fragrant, sweet flavour. Records of lychee consumption in China go back to 2000 BC and it was certainly a delicacy of the Chinese Imperial Court, where fresh lychee was couriered in on fast horses. Today they are widely available fresh and tinned, and are cultivated in many tropical climates around the world.