The loquat is a small, sweet-tart fruit native to Asia that grows on an evergreen tree. It is a good source of vitamin A (as beta-carotene) and pectin, a water-soluble fibre, with smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, manganese, folate, copper and antioxidant flavonoids.
Wellness
What is a loquat you may ask? A great question, considering it really should be one of your new culinary best friends. Here’s what this little fruit brings to a balanced diet:
Antioxidants Loquats contain beta-carotene and flavonoids, antioxidants that help protect your cells from everyday oxidative stress as part of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
Digestive health Pectin is a soluble fibre that supports regular digestion and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
Eye health Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, and diets rich in carotenoids are linked with healthier eyes as we age.
Heart health Loquats are naturally low in fat and sodium and provide potassium and fibre, both of which support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol as part of a balanced diet.
A word of caution about the seeds Loquat seeds (and the seeds of related fruits such as apricots) contain amygdalin, which the body converts into cyanide. Amygdalin, sometimes sold as “laetrile” or “vitamin B17”, is not a vitamin and does not treat or prevent cancer, and eating the seeds can cause cyanide poisoning. Enjoy the flesh and always discard the seeds.
Beauty
Anti-oxidant properties Both the flavonoids and Vitamin A inherent in loquat’s fend off cell-damaging free radicals and protect the body from the oxidative stress that can often cause premature ageing including fine lines and wrinkles. These anti-oxidants also strengthen the hair and nails and make both less likely to experience breakage.
Weight management
Loquats are very low in calories with only 70 in a one-cup serving, and a great treat for waist watchers, especially considering their high fibre content. One cup has 2.5 grams of fibre, which will keep you feeling full and sated between meals.
Cooking
Loquat leaves are traditionally brewed as a tea in parts of Asia. If you would like to try it, buy a commercially prepared loquat leaf tea rather than making your own, and check with your GP first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.
Loquats are beaudelicious eaten fresh, au naturel.
If you want to get kitchen experimental with them, there is no shortage of interesting culinary creations to be made. Add loquats to your festive fruit salad or boil them down into a sumptuous fruit leather, add some coconut cream, lime zest and flax seeds for a healthier option.
Loquat’s also make surprising additions to salsa’s when combined with olive oil, chilies, peppers, red onions and citrus juices and served with baked at home tortilla chips or as a colourful topping to grilled kobia, tuna or cod steaks.
Looking for an innovative and savory appetizer that is sure to wow your dinner party guests? Layer pumpernickel bread with some smoked Gouda cheese, raw red cabbage sauerkraut, a chunk of fresh loquat and an equally fresh sprig of basil and crushed pistachio nuts.
A raw loquat and cashew nut cheese tart would make a unique contribution to your next gathering. Another super cool idea is to substitute loquat’s for pineapples and make a loquat upside-down orange and polenta cake.
Some daring enthusiasts even make and age their own delicious loquat wine and/or liquor. And on the topic of libations, boil down a simple syrup made of loquats and mix it with mint, lemon juice and a healthy splash of gin, you have yourself a stand-out cocktail or loose the gin and add some smashed juniper berries for mocktail.
“I like making pies. I have a bunch of fruit trees in my backyard. My loquat tree sprouted, and I like making loquat pie. They’re really hard to peel and everything, and it took me forever, but they make the best pies. They’re amazing.”
This article is general information about food and wellbeing, not medical advice. Please talk to your GP or a qualified health professional about any health condition, medication or major change to your diet.
