The fruit itself is about the size of a golf ball and is wrapped in a strange shell covered in reddish-orange spines which gives the appearance of hair. However, this covering can be peeled away to reveal the pale white fruit inside.

Rambutan is eaten raw and is sweet in taste. They can be muddled into cocktails, tossed with tropical fruit salads or simmered with aromatics to make a flavourful simple syrup.