The fruit of the yangmei tree will be appearing in the markets soon but the season is brief and unpredictable - if you like it, buy it when you see it because the next day it could be gone.
What is it? Yangmeis are also known as waxberries, Chinese bayberries or (its newest name) yumberries. They resemble lychees in that they're round, bumpy and about the same size, but yangmeis don't need to be peeled. The juicy, sweet-tart fruit - usually a beautiful, deep pink - surrounds a large seed and tastes vaguely like a cross between raspberries and pomegranates.
When are they in season? Intermittently, for a week or two from around late May to early July.
Where are they grown? In parts of the mainland, Taiwan, Japan and Korea.
How are they available? Fresh, dried, canned and in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
What else? Yangmeis can harbour lots of little bugs, so before eating, soak them in water with a little vinegar or lemon juice - the bugs will float to the surface. The fruit is high in antioxidants and is believed to be beneficial for those with heart problems. Yangmeis soaked in baijiu (Chinese white alcohol) are said to alleviate digestive problems.
