What is Loquat?

Loquat is a tree and its fruit, which was supposed to come from China. At least 1,000 years ago, the Japanese began to cultivate Loquat. Loquats are now being grown in the Middle East, parts of Europe and Africa, Brazil, Hawaii and throughout California. The Californians

began to grow in the 19th century. The tree is evergreen and is a pleasant complement to landscaping. In addition, loquat flowers at the end of autumn or early winter, when there are few flowers. The fruit of the tree in the beginning of spring, so the first of the summer berries appears. In general, if the loquat is not well established, the trees are shorter. The fruit itself has soft, fuzzy exterior comparable to apricot size and color, but not in shape. Loquat is in the shape of tears or pears and is generally not more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

Loquat Fruit is generally consumed as in most cultures. However, it has a relatively high content of pectin and can be a valuable complement to pits, jelly or chutney. Some consider the taste slightlyThey are releasing, but acidity is reduced if the fruit is consumed when it is completely ripe. Loquats taste exotic, the cross between the torts and Guava. Their sweetness makes them a perfect substitute for more calories of rich desserts.

Loquats are also beautiful in fruit salad and roasted fruit desserts such as Cobbler. Adventure winemakers also created Loquat wine. Others bake lamb or ham with Loquats. The Chinese use Loquat to produce cough syrup.

external and interior Loquat are edible, although some prefer peeling fruit. Three or four seeds that look a bit like hazelnuts are not edible because they contain a small amount of cyanide. In any preparation of loquat, the seeds should be discarded.

Although loquat enjoys great popularity in parts of Asia and South America, Japan is the largest producer in California, these tempting fruit is largely IGNorthled. Fruits are often left to fall on the ground and only a few recognize its delicious potential.

This writer will never forget to discover Loquat as he grows up in the San Francisco Bay area. After long winters, the consumption of apples that continued to reduce quality, the loquat trees were loaded with fresh fruit welcome. Trees can often be found in abandoned shipyards or on the basis of businesses, and most business owners were more than happy to allow small children to choose as much as they could hold.

If one is not so lucky to live in the area where loquat is grown, fruit is generally available in Asian or Hispanic markets. Loquats can also be ordered online when they are in the season. Loquat Marmalades and Jelies can be found all over the gorge on the Internet or in special grocery stores.