Lychee bliss, but beware the bite!

In this episode of Round Table, Heyang, Steve Hatherly, and Yushun delve into the world of lychees, a popular summer fruit in China. They discuss the etymology and pronunciation of "lychee," noting the variations in English and Chinese. The conversation covers the recent drop in lychee prices due to a record harvest in 2025, attributing it to favorable weather conditions and improved transportation. They explore different varieties of lychees, offering tips on selecting the best ones based on pit size and ripeness. The panel also addresses the historical perception of lychees as a luxury fruit and the potential dangers of overconsumption, including "lychee disease," characterized by hypoglycemia. The segment concludes with Yushun sharing a Chinese drama recommendation, "The Li Qi Road," which centers around the historical delivery of lychees to the emperor, sparking a discussion about cultural associations and historical accuracy in television adaptations.