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Rambutan
Rambutan trees can grow to a height of 50 to 80 feet. Its straight trunk can reach up to 24 inches in diameter with dense canopy.
The fruit, also called rambutan, is oval in shape and varies in color from pinkish-red or dark purple to orange-yellow, though it is most
recognized by its vibrant pink color. The fruit is native to Malaysia and covered in spiny hairs, hence its name from the Malay word
for hair, rambut.
Rambutan peels much like a hard-boiled egg—break the outer shell and peel back the spiny outer covering to reveal the aril (the fruit
itself ) inside. The aril contains a small, bitter tasting seed that is typically discarded and not eaten with the fruit.
References: Australia Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries & Mines, Produce Marketing Association, Purdue University.
SEASONAL AVAILABILITY
HAWAII
AUSTRALIA
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
INDONESIA
MALAYSIA
MEXICO
PANAMA
PHILIPPINES
SRI LANKA
THAILAND
References: Australia Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries & Mines, Produce Marketing Association, UC Davis Postharvest Technology website.
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Rambutan
TYPES, VARIETIES & CUTS
There appear to be two main types of rambutan – red and yellow. Red varieties are medium in size and ripen in September or
October; the aril, or seed, is white, dry, and sweet. The yellow varieties are somewhat smaller in size and ripen in October; arils
are white, juicy, and sweet.
Some red varieties include Queen Zaida, Princess Caroline, Roxas, Laurel, Sr. and Ponderosa Ferreras. Yellow varieties include
Quezon, Zamora, Quirino, Santo Tomas, and Victoria. Size of the fruit, sweet/tartness, and flesh color differ by variety.
References: Australia Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines; Produce Marketing Association; Purdue University.
PESTS & DISEASE
Common diseases:
Stem-end rot, indicated by slight shriveling at the stem, is caused by bacteria and fungi and occurs in the grove during harvest.
Unfortunately, it does not become apparent until after fruit is shipped. Since rambutan does not ripen once off the tree, it does little
damage but is still a concern during handling. Anthracnose attacks leaves, branches, and flowers. Round, grey areas occur on leaves and
outbreaks typically occur after warm, wet weather.
Common pests:
Birds and flying foxes (fruit-eating bats) are the biggest dangers to a rambutan crop. They feed on crops, severely decreasing yields.
Flying foxes are a problem in Australia, Indonesia, and mainland Asia where they roost in camps or communal sites. Like other species
of bats, they hang upside down in trees, but this particular species eats only fruit.
Loopers are green with white stripes and eat irregular holes in leaves. Female red-banded thrips are dark brown or black about 1.20
millimeters in length with black wings. Males are similar but smaller. Damage to leaves is noticeable by a silver-like appearance with
dark colored spots.
References: Australia Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries & Mines, Purdue University; UC Davis Postharvest Technology website.
CULTIVATION, STORAGE & PACKAGING
Preharvest:
The rambutan tree prefers well-drained soil, warm temperatures, high humidity, and plenty of rainfall. Trees should be placed 30 to 40
feet apart as overcrowding will affecting production. Early pruning encourages trees to grow tall and straight, and removal of twigs
after harvest will stimulate new growth.
Remove dead branches regularly and mulch during dry periods. Fertilizer is applied to growing trees at a rate of 200 grams
nitrogen, 25 grams of phosphate, and 130 grams of potassium per year. Four weeks after fruit set (or flower budding), apply 25%
of the annual fertilizer. Apply half immediately after harvest and the remaining at 9 weeks after harvest.
Postharvest:
Rambutan does not ripen off the tree, rendering ethylene treatment unnecessary. Optimal storage temperatures run from 50 to
54°F depending on cultivar, and fruit can be stored for 12 to 14 days. High relative humidity (90 to 95%) is ideal to minimize
water loss and browning of the skin. Controlled atmosphere of 3 to 5% oxygen and 7 to 12% carbon dioxide increases storage
life to four weeks.
References: Australia Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries & Mines, Purdue University; UC Davis Postharvest Technology website.
GOOD ARRIVAL GUIDELINES
Currently, there are no good arrival guidelines specific to United States or Canada for rambutan.
References: DRC, PACA, USDA.
www.producebluebook.com
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Know Your Commodity Guide