Hey there! I’m super excited to share everything I know about eating loquats. I first discovered these amazing fruits during a random trip to a farmer’s market, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about enjoying these delicious little fruits!
What’s a Loquat, Anyway?
Before we dive into how to eat them, let’s get the basics down
- Loquats are small, yellow-orange fruits (not related to kumquats at all!)
- They’re actually Japanese plums (surprising, right?)
- Think of them as tiny, oval-shaped fruits with either smooth or fuzzy skin
- Inside, you’ll find juicy flesh and a few large pits
- They taste like a magical mix of cherries and apricots, with a hint of citrus
When Can You Get Your Hands on Loquats?
Here’s the tricky part – loquats are pretty seasonal:
- Early spring is prime loquat season
- The season is super short, lasting only until early summer
- Trees bloom in winter and fruit appears in spring
- You probably won’t find them in regular grocery stores
- Best bet: farmers’ markets or local orchards
The Right Way to Pick Loquats
When choosing loquats look for
- Fully yellow or orange-yellow color
- Slightly soft when gently squeezed
- No green patches
- No bruises or dark spots
- Firm but not hard texture
5 Easy Ways to Eat Loquats
-
Raw and Fresh (The Classic Way)
- Wash the fruit
- Eat whole like an apple
- Or peel if you prefer (though skin is totally edible!)
- Just avoid eating the seeds (they’re not good for you)
-
Sliced in Salads
- Cut in half
- Remove seeds
- Slice into wedges
- Toss into your favorite green salad
-
In Smoothies
- Remove seeds
- Toss whole fruits in blender
- Add your usual smoothie ingredients
- Blend until smooth
-
Cooked in Desserts
- Great in pies
- Perfect for cobblers
- Awesome in jams
- Works well in chutneys
-
As a Snack
- Pack whole fruits for lunch
- Add to fruit platters
- Serve with cheese boards
- Mix into fruit salads
Health Benefits (Because Why Not?)
I love that loquats aren’t just tasty – they’re good for you too!
- Low in calories
- High in Vitamin A
- Good source of B6
- Rich in magnesium
- Packed with potassium
- Contains beta carotene
Quick Tips and Tricks
- Eat them soon after buying – they don’t last long!
- Store in the fridge for a few days max
- Cut fruit will turn brown quickly (like apples)
- Don’t eat the seeds – they’re not good for you
- The skin is edible but some folks prefer to peel it
Some Fun Ways I Like to Use Loquats
Listen, I’ve experimented a lot with loquats, and here are some of my fave ways to enjoy them:
- Loquat morning smoothie (with banana and yogurt)
- Quick loquat jam (great on toast!)
- Loquat and arugula salad
- Grilled chicken with loquat chutney
- Loquat ice cream (yes, it’s amazing!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Here are some oopsies to watch out for:
- Don’t wait too long to eat them
- Don’t store at room temp for days
- Don’t eat the seeds
- Don’t pick green ones
- Don’t expect them to ripen after picking
Where to Find Loquats
Finding loquats can be a bit tricky, but here’s where to look:
- Local farmers’ markets
- Asian specialty stores
- Backyard gardens (if you’re lucky!)
- Small fruit orchards
- Community gardens
Wrapping It Up
So there ya have it – everything you need to know about eating loquats! They might be a bit hard to find, but trust me, they’re worth the hunt. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked just like I was. They’re this perfect little fruit that’s sweet, tangy, and super versatile.
Remember, the best way to eat a loquat is however YOU enjoy it most! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different ways of eating them. And if you’re lucky enough to find a loquat tree, make friends with the owner – you might just score yourself a regular supply of these amazing fruits!
Have you tried loquats before? What’s your favorite way to eat them? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your loquat adventures!
Pro tip: If you can’t find fresh loquats, check Asian markets for canned versions. While not quite the same as fresh, they’re still pretty tasty!
Finding Different Ways to Enjoy Loquats
- 1 Eat loquats on their own. Before you dress the fruit up too much, try it plain and see what you think. A perfectly ripe loquat should have a sweet, perfumed flavor similar to a peach or apricot, with just a hint of citrusy tartness.
- Even if you dont care for the taste of loquats on their own, you can still use them in different recipes to take advantage the host of health benefits they offer.
- 2 Jazz up a fresh fruit salad by adding some loquats. Dice 1-2 cups (150-300 g) of loquats into 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) chunks and place them in a large serving bowl with a variety of other seasonal fruits. Mix the fruit thoroughly and add a splash of orange or lemon juice to prevent it from browning. The loquats lend a unique flavor and a splash of vibrant color to the ensemble.[8]
- Use sugary fruits like strawberries, blueberries, banana, and kiwi to offset the sharp notes of the loquats.
- Loquats are fairly acidic, which means they may not pair well with other sour selections like pineapple.
- 3 Blend ripe loquats into a smoothie for a unique and irresistible treat. After halving and de-seeding 4-5 loquats, toss them into a blender along with 1 banana, 1 cup (240 mL) of Greek yogurt, and 8-10 ice cubes. Feel free to incorporate any of your other favorite fruits and veggies, as well. Blend the mixture until its smooth and free of lumps, then serve and enjoy.[9]
- Loquats also work well in green smoothies made with leafy greens like spinach and kale.
- 4 Juice your loquats to take advantage of their many health benefits. Put some peeled, diced loquats through your juicer to extract as much of their sweet nectar as possible. Loquats are very succulent fruits, which makes them ideal for juicing.
- Drink your loquat juice straight, or mix in juice from other nutritious offerings like apples, celery, berries, grapefruit, and tomatoes for a concoction thats as tasty as it is good for you.
- In many parts of the world, loquats are eaten to cure colds, treat asthma, and increase vitality, and are even believed to lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer![10]
- 5 Bake underripe loquats into a pie. Peel the skin from your loquats, then remove the stems and seeds like usual. Cut the fruit into halves or quarters and add the pieces to the other ingredients youll be using to make your pie filling. Once theyre baked, theyll soften up and lose some of their acidity, giving them the perfect mouth-puckering sweetness.[11]
- You can also try baking your loquats into a decadent crumble if youre short on time or looking for a simple single-serving dessert.[12]
- 6 Use bruised or overripe fruits to make jam, jelly, or preserves. If you have some leftover loquats that are a little past their prime, peel and de-seed them and boil them with water, sugar, and pectin. You can use more or less fruit, depending on your preferences. Dont forget to stock up on mason jars for storing your jam or jelly when youre done![13]
- After the mixture has thickened and cooled, try spreading it on toast or biscuits, or use it to put together a loquat-inspired parfait, galette, or cake-filling.[14]
- Its easy to whip up a batch of homemade jelly or jam at home using simple ingredients and only a few pieces of cookware.
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Expert Q&ASearch
- Loquats
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Blender (optional)
- Juicer (optional)
- Large pot and canning accessories (optional)
How to open and eat Loquat fruit
FAQ
Can you eat raw loquat?
The Chinese used loquat fruits and leaves to treat coughs, diabetes, and cancer, among other ailments. The fruits were first brought to Europe by a Portuguese explorer in the 16th century. Loquat fruits are often eaten raw or as an extract, but the fruit is also found in jams, pies, and juices.
Do loquats make you sleepy?
If the thought of eating soft, sweet loquats that you grow yourself in pots makes you dreamy, it might not be your imagination. Eating lots of loquats has a proven noticeable sedative effect, one that lasts up to 24 hours. And that can make a gardener’s dreams come true.
How can you tell if a loquat is ripe?
Loquats are typically ripe in the spring, specifically between March and May, though this can vary slightly depending on the weather and specific location.
Why are loquats not sold in stores?
Loquats are rarely sold in stores due to their delicate nature and short shelf life. They bruise easily during shipping and handling, and their flesh can discolor quickly after picking, making them difficult to market in large grocery chains.