At first glance, this small golden-orange fruit may look like a miniature apricot or even a strange variety of plum. But if you look closely at its smooth yellow-orange skin, soft flesh, and large brown seeds in the center, you may be looking at a loquat.
Loquats are an underrated fruit that many people have never tried. They are small, oval-shaped fruits with a naturally sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Once peeled or opened, the fruit reveals juicy golden flesh surrounding several large, glossy brown seeds.
The fruit shown in the image appears to be a loquat, scientifically known as Eriobotrya japonica. Despite its name, the loquat originated in southeastern China and has since become popular in many parts of Asia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and other warm regions.
So what exactly is a loquat, what does it taste like, and why do people enjoy eating it?
The loquat is a member of the Rosaceae family, which makes it related to familiar fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, and strawberries.
It grows on an evergreen tree that can reach several meters in height. Unlike many common fruit trees that produce fruit during the summer, loquat trees can produce their fruit during cooler parts of the year in suitable climates.
The fruit itself is usually oval or slightly rounded.
Depending on the variety and ripeness, the skin can range from:
Pale yellow
Golden yellow
Yellow-orange
Deep orange
The flesh is usually juicy and soft when ripe.
Inside, however, you’ll find something very noticeable: large brown seeds.
These seeds can take up a surprisingly large portion of the fruit.
The flavor is one of the reasons loquats have such a dedicated following.
A ripe loquat typically tastes sweet, juicy, mildly tangy, and refreshing.
Some people compare the flavor to a combination of several familiar fruits.
You may notice hints reminiscent of:
Apricot + peach + citrus + apple
The exact flavor depends on the variety and ripeness.
A perfectly ripe loquat should generally have a pleasant aroma and soft but not mushy flesh.
If the fruit is underripe, it may taste more acidic and slightly tart.
As it ripens, the sweetness becomes more noticeable.
This makes loquats especially enjoyable when eaten fresh.
Eating a loquat is relatively simple.
First, wash the fruit thoroughly.
Then you can cut or tear it open and remove the large seeds.
The skin is technically edible, although some people prefer to peel it because of its texture.
The typical process is:
Wash → cut open → remove seeds → eat the flesh.
The seeds should not be eaten.
