Table of content A-Z
loquat
Synonyms: Japanese medlar, Japanese/Chinese plum
botanical name: Eribotrya japonica
The loquat is native to Japan and China. Today it is common above all in the subtropics and the mountain slopes of the tropics.
Availability
The amount of loquats on sale in Germany is negligible. They are available mainly between April and June and in August and September.
Appearance, taste, characteristics
Loquats are related to apples, pears, quince and medlars.
The small, egg-shaped fruits grow to 4-6 cm. Their thin skin is very tough, more or less hairy, and yellow to orange. Beneath the skin is the orange pulp, in the middle of which are 2-5 large seeds that are not edible. Loquats taste tart-sweet, and the flavour is reminiscent of apples and apricots.
Ingredients
100 g contain:
|
|
Loquat, fresh |
|
Energy (kcal) |
53 |
|
Water (g) |
85 |
|
Protein (g) |
1 |
|
Fat (g) |
<1 |
|
Carbohydrates (g) |
12 |
|
Fibre (g) |
2 |
|
Vitamin C (mg) |
4 |
|
Vitamin A (RE) (µg) |
133 |
|
Folic acid (µg) |
8.0 |
|
Potassium (mg) |
263 |
|
Sodium (mg) |
4 |
|
Calcium (mg) |
19 |
|
Magnesium (mg) |
10 |
|
Iron (mg) |
0.3 |
Quality criteria, optimal storage conditions
Loquats are very sensitive. In particular, they react to pressure with brownish discoloration of the skin and the pulp.
Nevertheless, pressing with the finger is the best way to determine whether the fruit is ripe. If it yields to pressure, the loquat is ripe.
Fully ripe fruits taste sweet, with a light apple flavour. Unripe fruits contain a great deal of acidity and have an astringent effect.
Loquats can be kept in the refrigerator for several days.
Form of consumption, use, processing, practical tips for preparation
Owing to the high acidity of unripe loquats, it is recommended that only fully ripe fruits be used for fresh consumption. The skin is removed first, and the seeds must be discarded.
Loquats are an enhancement for fruit salads. In addition, they can be cooked to make compote or jam, or they can be eaten dried.
Tinned loquats come chiefly from Taiwan, Spain and China. The seeds are comparable in taste to almonds and are used in the same way.
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