Vietnamese rambutan: varieties, season, size codes and classes
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Short answer. Vietnam ships Thai (Rongrien) and Java rambutan from Dong Nai, home of the 'Long Khánh' geographical indication, and from the Mekong Delta. The main season is May to July, with an off-season crop in Ben Tre from November to February. Fruit usually reads 17–21 °Brix and is graded to Codex CXS 246-2005.
When is rambutan in season?
| Months | Supply (indicative) |
|---|---|
| May–July | Main season, Long Khanh and the south |
| August | Late fruit in the south |
| November–February | Off-season crop in Ben Tre, mostly November–December |
| March–April and September–October | Out of season |
Where is it grown?
In Dong Nai (including former Binh Phuoc), Ben Tre (now Vinh Long), Vinh Long and Tien Giang (now Dong Thap).
How is rambutan sized?
| Code | Single fruit | Clusters, fruit per kg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Over 43 g (fewer than 23 per kg) | Fewer than 29 |
| 2 | 38–43 g | 29–34 |
| 3 | 33–37 g | 35–40 |
| 4 | 29–32 g | 41–45 |
| 5 | 25–28 g | No code |
| 6 | 18–24 g (41–50 per kg) | No code |
A cluster is at most 20 cm long, carries at least 2 fruit and has no leaves. On single fruit the stalk is at most 5 mm.
Which classes apply?
| Codex class | Skin defects | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Extra | Very slight superficial defects only | 5 % |
| Class I | At most 5 % of the surface | 10 % |
| Class II | At most 10 % of the surface | 10 % |
The flesh must not be damaged. The soft spines, called spinterns, are not counted as defects. Clusters may carry an extra 10 % of detached fruit.
Frequently asked questions
Single fruit or clusters?
Both forms are packed. Each has its own size codes.
How sweet is the fruit?
Usually about 17–21 °Brix at harvest. Brix is measured on sample fruit per lot and sent with the packing photos.
Does rambutan need ripening?
No. It is harvested ripe and needs no ethylene.
Packing and cold chain are in shipping rambutan: air cartons, storage life and loading. Full specifications are on the rambutan page; for a price, use the rambutan quotation form.
Sources
Last reviewed 12 November 2026 by VIET FARM EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED, Ho Chi Minh City. Figures come from our rambutan specification; they are indicative and confirmed with each quotation.