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?
You can also call loquats Japanese plums or Japanese medlars. They are small, oval fruits that grow in groups on an ornamental evergreen tree. The loquat tree comes from China, but it does very well in warmer places like Florida, California, 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:
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Highly nutritious – Loquats provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. There are more vitamin A nutrients in one fruit than in all the other fruits combined.
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Support eye health – The vitamin A found in loquats help keep eyes healthy and protect against vision loss.
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Boost immunity – Loquats have lots of antioxidants to fight free radicals and inflammation. This helps strengthen the immune system.
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Aid digestion – The fiber in loquats can relieve constipation, improve gut health, and promote regularity.
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Anti-aging effects – Antioxidants in loquats may help slow aging by combating oxidative damage to cells.
When is Loquat Season?
From late spring to early summer, loquats ripen on the tree. The harvest season lasts from April to June in warmer places like Florida and California. 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:
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Specialty grocers – Asian and Hispanic markets may carry loquats when in season.
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Farmers markets – Ask vendors if they grow or source loquats. Ripe, in season loquats are often sold at outdoor markets.
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Pick-your-own orchards: If you go to an orchard with loquat trees, you can pick the ripe fruit right off the branch.
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Online stores – Some vendors sell fresh loquats for home delivery when the fruit is in season. Check minimum orders and shipping times.
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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:
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Color – Ripe loquats will be bright orange or yellow-orange. Avoid greenish or pale yellow fruits. Red blushes on the skin are fine.
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Give – Gently squeeze the fruit. If ripe, it will yield slightly to pressure but still feel firm.
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Aroma – Loquats release a lovely, sweet fragrance when ripe. Inhale the fruit’s perfume to check ripeness.
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Stem – The stem should give way with gentle pulling. If it’s stubborn, the fruit needs more time on the tree.
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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:
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Keep unwashed loquats in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Don’t wash until ready to eat, as moisture quickens spoilage.
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Loquats will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days. Discard any that become moldy.
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For longer storage, dehydrate loquats in a dehydrator or oven, then keep in an airtight container for months.
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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:
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Wash thoroughly just before eating. Peel the thin, bitter skin with a paring knife.
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Cut the fruit in half and remove the 1-3 large seeds. Discard any mushy portions.
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Chop, slice, or eat the peeled loquats out-of-hand for a sweet, refreshing snack.
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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.
Loquats: A Unique Addition to Your Landscape
Loquats, often referred to as Japanese plums, are small, tangy fruits that grow on evergreen trees. Native to southeastern China, these trees have found a home in various regions across the United States, including Austin, Texas. Here are some key points to consider when deciding whether or not to incorporate loquats into your landscape:
– Exotic Aesthetic: Loquat trees feature lush, dark green foliage with clusters of fragrant white blooms in the spring, which later yield small, flavorful fruits in the summer.
– Edible Delights: The fruit of the loquat tree is a sought-after delicacy, often enjoyed fresh or used in jams, jellies, and desserts. Their unique taste adds a delightful twist to any culinary creation.
– Low Maintenance: Loquat trees are relatively low-maintenance, making them an attractive option for homeowners looking to add a functional and aesthetically pleasing element to their landscape without excessive upkeep.
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Since 2014, Leaf Landscape Supply (North Austin) has been the place where wholesale landscape contractors and regular people go to find the best plants and materials for landscaping. Today, we’ll talk about loquats and everything you need to know if you live in or around Austin, Texas and want to buy and plant these unique fruit trees.
Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica) Trees For Sale – Great Fruit, Easy To Grow, Reasonably Priced
FAQ
Why are loquats so expensive?
Loquats are labor-intensive to grow, pick and pack; they’re subject to blights, birds and bats.
What time of year are loquats in season?
The one advantage the loquat has among others, though, is its fruit becomes available in late April – early May around a time many other fruits are not ready yet.
Can you buy loquat?
You can order loquats through Instacart. Instacart makes it easy to order from your favorite local grocery store. Shop for loquat from stores near you, with a selection of over 500 local grocers and retailers across North America.
How long does it take for a loquat tree to fruit?
Production: Grafted trees begin bearing in 2 – 3 years. Seedling trees may take as long as 8 – 10 years. Most varieties are self-fruitful. Loquats can easily produce 100# of fruits.
Where can I buy loquat?
Local Orchards – In California, Florida, and other loquat-growing regions, look for orchards that allow U-pick loquat harvesting in spring. Online – You can buy fresh loquats, loquat trees, and loquat products from online retailers if local sources don’t have them. The loquat harvest season is short, lasting only 2-3 months.
What is a loquat tree?
The Loquat is a beautiful evergreen fruit tree native to Asia, often called a Japanese Loquat. It is a small to medium sized tree growing 20 to 30 feet, but often smaller. The long, elliptical, serrated leaves add a tropical look to the garden and the bold textured foliage contrasts well with many other plants, such as palm trees.
Where can you grow a loquat tree?
Grown as a specimen, an accent, near a patio, or by the street, it doesn’t matter. This tree is beautiful pretty much everywhere. The flowers and leaves also amaze and astound in floral arrangements! Loquat fruit needs to ripen fully on the tree before you harvest it.
Where do loquats come from?
The loquat is an old fruit that has been grown in Japan for the past 1,000 years. It is thought to have come from cooler parts of China. For many years, loquats have been grown as ornamentals in California, especiallly along the southern coastal plains. What loquats are the sweetest? Where can I buy loquat? Buy your favorite Loquat online with Instacart.
Are loquat trees good in winter?
If you live in mild winter areas form Zones 7-10, the Loquat tree will make an attractive and tasty addition to your landscape. Experience fruity bliss with our selection of loquat trees for sale. Choose from many varieties to buy and create a garden bursting with deliciousness.
Do loquat trees ripen well?
Loquat varieties do not ripen well off of the tree, and are usually quite tart when picked early. Loquats are very disease resistant and typically are only slightly bothered disease or by Fire Blight. Loquat fruits are very similar to apples in that they are high in sugar, acid, and pectin.