FoodFood InformationFruitTropical
The loquat, like the Iychee, is of Chinese origin. Although popular with
Asians, it has yet to make significant inroads in Western culture.
Loquats look like small, downy-skinned apricots, which they only resemble
in shape and color. Unlike the apricot, which contains a single stone, the
loquat has three or four pits. When loquats are ripe, they are fairly sweet
and taste somewhat like a Royal Anne cherry. However, they have more pit
than edible flesh. Their peak of season is mid-March to May. They are one
of the earliest of the summer stone fruits to arrive on the scene. At one
time this early debut added much to their desirability. Today, when so many
fruits once limited in season are now available year-round, loquats are
no longer prized for their early arrival. Unless you want to try them as
a curio, they are usually too costly to be a good buy. Serve as a raw fruit.
Deamer 5/97