Where to Find Loquats for Sale Near Me

Loquats are a delicious and unique fruit that many people may not be familiar with. Though they originate from China, you can find loquat trees and their sweet, tangy fruits for sale at select stores and orchards in the United States. If you’re looking to buy loquats near you, this guide will teach you all about loquats, where to find them, and how to choose the perfect fruit.

What are Loquats?

Loquats, also known as Japanese plums or Japanese medlars, are small, oval fruits that grow in clusters on an ornamental evergreen tree. The loquat tree is originally from China but grows very well in warmer climates like California, Florida, and Hawaii.

Loquats are part of the Rosaceae family, making them relatives of apples, pears, plums, and strawberries. The trees produce fragrant white flowers in late fall or early winter. By late spring and early summer, they bear the sweet, juicy loquat fruits.

What Do Loquats Taste Like?

A ripe loquat tastes like a mix between a peach citrus fruit and mango. The texture is similar to an apricot, smooth and succulent. The flesh is juicy and sweet with a slightly tangy, tropical flavor.

Loquats contain one to three large seeds that should be removed before eating Once peeled and de-seeded, loquats are delicious eaten fresh Their sweet flavor also makes them ideal for jams, pies, and other desserts.

Health Benefits of Loquats

Packed with nutrients like vitamin A, potassium, and pectin, loquats offer many benefits:

• Highly nutritious – Loquats provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Just one fruit contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin A needs.

• Support eye health – The vitamin A found in loquats help keep eyes healthy and protect against vision loss.

• Boost immunity – Loquats have lots of antioxidants to fight free radicals and inflammation. This helps strengthen the immune system.

• Aid digestion – The fiber in loquats can relieve constipation, improve gut health, and promote regularity.

• Anti-aging effects – Antioxidants in loquats may help slow aging by combating oxidative damage to cells.

When is Loquat Season?

Loquats ripen on the tree from late spring through early summer. In warmer regions like Florida and California, the harvest season is April to June. In cooler zones, the season lasts from May to August.

Unlike other fruits, loquats don’t continue ripening once picked from the tree. So timing is important when buying fresh loquats. For the sweetest flavor, select loquats that are fully ripe with an orange color. Avoid green or yellow fruits, which will be very tart.

Outside of peak season, you may be able to find dried loquats or loquat products like jam. Canned loquats are also available but often packed in syrup, so check labels for added sugar.

Where to Find Loquats for Sale

During loquat season, check your local grocer or farmer’s market first. Many stores will stock fresh loquats when they are in season in your area. Prices can range from $2-$4 per pound.

If you don’t see loquats at the supermarket, try:

• Specialty grocers – Asian and Hispanic markets may carry loquats when in season.

• Farmers markets – Ask vendors if they grow or source loquats. Ripe, in season loquats are often sold at outdoor markets.

• Pick-your-own orchards – Orchards growing loquat trees will let you pick ripe fruit straight from the branch.

• Online stores – Some vendors sell fresh loquats for home delivery when the fruit is in season. Check minimum orders and shipping times.

• Fruit stands or produce delivery – Local fruit purveyors may be able to source loquats from regional growers during peak season.

How to Select Ripe Loquats

Picking out perfectly ripe loquats ensures the best flavor. Here are a few tips:

• Color – Ripe loquats will be bright orange or yellow-orange. Avoid greenish or pale yellow fruits. Red blushes on the skin are fine.

• Give – Gently squeeze the fruit. If ripe, it will yield slightly to pressure but still feel firm.

• Aroma – Loquats release a lovely, sweet fragrance when ripe. Inhale the fruit’s perfume to check ripeness.

• Stem – The stem should give way with gentle pulling. If it’s stubborn, the fruit needs more time on the tree.

• Blemishes – Minor brown spots are okay, but avoid loquats with large bruises or damaged skin.

For the best flavor and texture, select plump, vibrant loquats without any mushy spots. Size can range from one to three inches long.

How to Store and Eat Loquats

Since loquats don’t ripen further after picking, it’s important to store them properly:

• Keep unwashed loquats in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Don’t wash until ready to eat, as moisture quickens spoilage.

• Loquats will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days. Discard any that become moldy.

• For longer storage, dehydrate loquats in a dehydrator or oven, then keep in an airtight container for months.

• You can also freeze peeled, sliced loquats for 6-8 months. They’ll be mushy thawed but fine for smoothies or baking.

To prepare loquats:

• Wash thoroughly just before eating. Peel the thin, bitter skin with a paring knife.

• Cut the fruit in half and remove the 1-3 large seeds. Discard any mushy portions.

• Chop, slice, or eat the peeled loquats out-of-hand for a sweet, refreshing snack.

• Add chopped loquats to yogurt, oatmeal, salads or use to top waffles, pancakes, and desserts.

So if you love trying new and exotic fruits, be sure to seek out loquats at your grocery store, farm stand, or orchard when they’re in season. The sweet, perfumed flavor of a ripe loquat is an unforgettable springtime treat.