Processed rambutan products include rambutan in syrup, rambutan jam, dehydrated rambutan as well as frozen rambutan.

Rambutan in syrup
Rambutan can be canned in syrup, singly, or together with other fruits like pineapple, jackfruit and starfruit. The concentration of the syrup is adjusted according to the market requirement.

Rambutan jam
Rambutan jam is processed from the pulp of rambutan. It is prepared by cooking the pulp singly, or in combination with pulps of other fruits, fresh or semi-processed, with sugar or sorbitol, with or without additional pectin. Jam contains not less than 35% fruit and 65% total soluble solids. It can contain permitted preservatives, colouring, flavouring and food conditioners. For added value, rambutan jam is packed in small attractive bottles.

Dehydrated rambutan
Rambutan flesh can be dehydrated. For a sweetened dehydrated product, the flesh is soaked in syrup where its concentration is increased in stages till the desired sweetness is reached. The flesh is then drained followed by dehydration.

Plate 1: Dehydrated rambutan

Frozen rambutan
Rambutan can be frozen whole. The frozen fruits are thawed before serving. Frozen rambutan can be stored for 6 months.

Other potential products that could be processed from rambutan include pickles, fruit rolls, jelly confectionery and mix fruit cordial.