Loquats are a delicious and unique fruit that are prized for their sweet, tangy flavor. While they may not be as common as apples or oranges, you can find loquat trees and fresh loquats for sale if you know where to look. This article will cover how and where to buy loquats locally so you can enjoy this tropical fruit.
What are Loquats?
Loquats are small, oval fruits that resemble apricots They have smooth, thin yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh surrounding several large seeds The flavor is a mix of peach, citrus, and mild mango.
Loquats ripen to a yellow-orange color in early spring The fruits grow in clusters on small tropical trees These trees produce the coveted loquat fruits after growing for 3-5 years from seed.
Where to Find Loquats for Sale
Here are some of the best places to buy fresh loquats or loquat trees near you:
-
Farmers Markets – Check your local farmers market in spring for loquat fruits Vendors may sell them fresh or made into jams and chutneys
-
Fruit Stands – Small independent fruit stands and produce markets sometimes carry loquats when they are in season.
-
Asian Markets – Asian food markets frequently stock fresh loquats and canned or frozen loquat products since they are popular in Chinese cuisine.
-
Nurseries – Many garden centers and nurseries sell loquat trees you can grow yourself. Dwarf varieties work well for backyard growing.
-
Local Orchards – In California, Florida, and other loquat-growing regions, look for orchards that allow U-pick loquat harvesting in spring.
-
Online – You can buy fresh loquats, loquat trees, and loquat products from online retailers if local sources don’t have them.
When to Buy Loquats
The loquat harvest season is short, lasting only 2-3 months. Finding loquats at the peak of freshness takes timing:
- Florida – January to March
- California – February to April
- Pacific Northwest – May to June
- Mediterranean – March to May
Imported loquats from Mexico, South America, and Asia may extend the season. For the best flavor and ripeness, try to buy loquats during the peak season.
Choosing Ripe Loquats
Look for plump, orange-yellow fruits with smooth skin and no blemishes. Ripe loquats yield slightly when squeezed gently. Their fragrance will remind you of peaches or apricots.
Avoid loquats that are mostly green, which indicates under ripe fruit. Overripe loquats feel very soft and may have brown spots. The fruits are highly perishable, so select fresh, firm loquats for the best quality.
How to Eat Loquats
Loquats are quite versatile. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy them:
-
Eat them fresh as a snack – Simply wash and eat loquats out of hand like plums or apricots.
-
Make loquat jam or chutney – Cook loquats with sugar and spices to make sweet and tangy condiments.
-
Bake pies or crisps – Loquats work well baked into desserts. Pair them with ingredients like almond, lemon, or ginger.
-
Make vinegar or wine – Ferment loquats into sweet vinegar or country wine.
-
Grill or roast them – Drizzle sliced loquats with honey or spices and grill or roast briefly to caramelize.
Don’t let the short loquat season stop you from trying this delicious fruit. Follow these tips to find fresh loquats for sale in your area during spring. Then enjoy them while you can in both sweet and savory dishes.
Growing Loquats, The Best Fruit You’ve Never Heard Of
FAQ
When should I buy a loquat?
What month are loquats ripe?
Are loquats grown in California?
What loquats are the sweetest?
|
Variety
|
Harvest Season1
|
Fruit Flavor
|
|
Oliver
|
M-L
|
very sweet, good flavor
|
|
Seedling #1
|
M-L
|
sweet, good flavor
|
|
Seedling #2
|
M-L
|
sweet, very good flavor
|
|
Seedling #3
|
M-L
|
mildly sweet, good flavor
|
Where can I buy loquat?
Buy your favorite Loquat online with Instacart. Order Loquat from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours. How do I properly store loquats? Can I freeze loquats?
What is a loquat tree?
The Loquat is a beautiful evergreen fruit tree native to Asia, often called a Japanese Loquat. It is a small to medium sized tree growing 20 to 30 feet, but often smaller. The long, elliptical, serrated leaves add a tropical look to the garden and the bold textured foliage contrasts well with many other plants, such as palm trees.
Where can you grow a loquat tree?
Grown as a specimen, an accent, near a patio, or by the street, it doesn’t matter. This tree is beautiful pretty much everywhere. The flowers and leaves also amaze and astound in floral arrangements! Loquat fruit needs to ripen fully on the tree before you harvest it.
Where does loquat come from?
Japanese loquat in other names Family: Rosaceae Origin: native fruit tree of Southeast China (Chongqing, Hubei), where it is known for more than 2,000 years ago. This species was introduced in Japan, where it is cultivated since 1180.