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
There you have it—everything you need to know about loquats. They may be hard to find, but trust me, they’re worth the trouble. You’ll be hooked like I was once you try them. They’re the perfect little fruit—sweet, sour, and great for a lot of different recipes.
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!
Tell me about your loquat experiences in the comments below. Have you tried them before? What’s your favorite way to eat them?
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. Try the fruit without any extras first and see what you think. When it’s fully ripe, a loquat should smell and taste sweet and fragrant, like a peach or apricot, with a hint of citrusy sourness. You can use loquats in different recipes to get all the health benefits they offer, even if you don’t like the way they taste on their own.
- 2. Add some loquats to a fresh fruit salad to make it more interesting. Cut 1-2 cups (150–300 g) of loquats into 1/2-inch (1 Cut them into 3 cm chunks and put them in a big bowl with other seasonal fruits. Add a splash of orange or lemon juice and mix the fruit well to keep it from turning brown. The loquats give the whole thing a unique flavor and a splash of bright color. [8] To balance out the sharp notes of the loquats, use sweet fruits like banana, strawberry, blueberry, and kiwi. Because liquats are pretty acidic, they might not go well with other sour foods like pineapple.
- 3. Make a smoothie with ripe loquats for a unique and tasty treat. Cut four to five loquats in half and remove the seeds. Put them in a blender with one banana, one cup (240 mL) of Greek yogurt, and eight to ten ice cubes. You can add any of your other favorite fruits and vegetables as well. Mix it in a blender until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Then serve it and enjoy it! Liqueurs are also great in green smoothies with spinach, kale, and other leafy greens.
- 4. Juice your loquats to get all the health benefits they offer. Run some diced and peeled loquats through your juicer to get as much of their sweet juice as you can. Loquats are great for making juice because they are very juicy. This loquat juice is great on its own, but you can also mix it with juice from apples, celery, berries, grapefruit, and tomatoes to make a tasty and healthy drink. In many parts of the world, people eat loquats to get rid of colds, asthma, and tiredness. They are also thought to lower the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer![10]
- 5 Bake underripe loquats into a pie. Once you’ve peeled off the skin, take out the stems and seeds like you normally would. Cut the fruit in half or fours and mix the pieces with the other things you’ll be using to make the pie filling. They will become softer and less acidic after being baked, making them just the right amount of sweet. [11] You can also bake your loquats into a rich crumble if you’re short on time or want a simple dessert for one person. [12] .
- 6. To make jam, jelly, or preserves, use fruits that are bruised or too ripe. If you have some loquats that are past their best, peel and seed them, then boil them with sugar, pectin, and water. You can change how much fruit you use based on your taste. Don’t forget to buy mason jars to store your jam or jelly when you’re done![13] Once the mixture has thickened and cooled, spread it on biscuits or toast, or use it to make a parfait, galette, or cake filling that looks like a loquat. [14] Making jelly or jam at home is simple; all you need are a few simple ingredients and some cooking tools.
Advertisement
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 in pots makes you daydream, 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.