Benefits of Eating Loquat Fruits
You may have spotted the small, yellow cluster of fruits grown from the gorgeous, exotic-looking trees along the streets of California. Also known as the Japanese plum, the loquat fruit tastes sweet and tangy, with a hint of sour at the same time.
Peel the thin outer layer, and you will be rewarded with the succulent and juicy flesh of the fruit. Picking loquat straight from the loquat tree and eating them raw reminds me of careless warm days of summer.
Not only do they taste delicious and refreshing, there are many health benefits to the loquat fruit.
What Do Loquat Trees Look Like?
The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) can grow up to 30 feet, with their impressive foliage that adds that tropical look to any landscape. Loquat leaves are dark green, with a glossy appearance. Small white flowers provide a sweet subtle fragrance that appears early spring or late winter. The fruits are usually ready to be harvested by March.
I have a smaller loquat tree that is about 10 feet in my garden. Our friendly squirrels also love to compete for the fruits. I have to tie plastic bags around the clusters of fruits to protect them from the squirrels.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Loquat Fruits?
Loquats are extremely helpful for diabetics. My aunt is diabetic and uses the loquat leaves to brew tea, which helps stabilize her blood sugar level.
- Loquats are rich in soluble fiber due to pectin, which is a soluble dietary fiber found in citrus fruits. Pectin binds to cholesterol in the stomach, and slows glucose absorption by trapping carbohydrates. Pectin also reduces cholesterol levels.
- Pectin in loquats also helps retain moisture in the colon and protects it from binding to toxic chemicals.
- Loquats are high in antioxidants. The riper they are, the higher the concentration of antioxidants.
- They have a high amount of vitamin A (2276 IU per cup).
- They are also high in potassium and also contain some vitamin B-complexes.
- Loquats are a good source of minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- They have a low Glycemic Load Index of 4.
According to Dr. Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D. , the loquat leaves are also:
- "...beneficial to the vital energy of the lungs. It dissolves and expectorates phlegm and alleviates cough. Relieving coughing and vomiting. The flesh promotes the secretion of body fluids and eliminates thirst. The tender leaves are used for various types of coughs but the under side is usually prepared by rubbing the hairs off so they do not irritate the throat."
How to Eat Loquat Fruits
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeWhere Can Loquat Trees Be Found?
Although the loquat originated from southeastern China, Japan is actually the leading producer of loquats. Loquat trees are also commonly found in Brazil and Israel. Surprisingly, they are now quite common in California!
In California, you can see them commonly lined along the coastal areas from San Diego to Sacramento. The fruits are now grown in many farm gardens such as Brentwood, California.
The fruits are usually harvested between the months of March to June. Harvesting these fruits can be somewhat labor intensive for farmers, since it is difficult to handle the fragile clusters of fruits. They also have a shorter shelf life. Thus, it limits the loquat fruit as a major commercial fruit.
Disclaimer: The information and reference guides that are provided are intended solely for the general information for the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.
Have You Eaten Loquats Before?
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Comments on Loquat Frutis and Loquat Trees
Looking forward to my ripening fruit .tree is laden
interesting. we do have them all over in California
I am a gardener, plant scientist, trained in "fruit and vine science " many years ago. I've love loquats since childhood. However, after it is overripe and still on the tree, it gets moldy. Trees are covered with a black powder that start with the fruit. This mold is Aspergillus Flavins and this fungi produces aflatoxins which are very carcinogenic. The cure is to knock off or pick all of the fruit soon after the fruit has become overripe. The mold cannot thrive without moisture and sugars.
Here in Pakistan Loquat trees have started bearing fruit my home rear garden is colourful with Loquat we enjoyed fresh loquat direct from trees during drizzling
wow nice article. ... i am sitting here in Pakistan, tooo far to taste this fruit from your garden....but please next time don't tie one cluster and leave it for squirrels........ u r so generous to your friends... pls a little show to this tiny nice innocent creature..........GOD Bless u
I never had loquats until a friend gave me some the other day. I must say I love it and that piqued my curiosity. I'm thinking of writing a hub about it but you've covered it so well, I may have to reconsider. Thanks for sharing and rated up.
They also grow everywere in florida too and the are good.
You are most welcome
Nice Hub. Great pics and info. Loquats are fabulous if you can find them.
I would love to try one after reading your hub. Thanks for sharing.
I live on the East Coast, so I haven't seen a loquat tree, but I have to tell you that it is INCREDIBLY FUN when you discover something just growing anywhere that you can eat and that is incredibly good for you. Yum!! I'd love to try this. Hmm, someone needs to start making Loquat preserves and ship them east! :D
I grew up in California and am rather sad, because I never tried a loquat! I can't find them in Western NY (and sadly, the trees wouldn't grow here). Great hub!
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