Loquats

The sweet and juicy flesh of the loquat is an often underestimated deliciousness, but what exactly is a loquat and how exactly does it end up on a dinner plate? In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at the lifecycle of the loquat, from origin to the time when it’s served at your dinner table.

What is a Loquat?

A loquat is a subtropical, evergreen tree with a rounded form, reaching heights of up to 10 meters. It is indigenous to the southern regions of China and was brought over to Europe by the Romans around 200 BCE. The fruit of the loquat is round or oval-shaped, with a soft and yellow to orange color skin. In terms of flavor, the flesh is light and sweet, often described as a mix between a peach and a tomato.

Propagation

Loquat trees are propagated through several methods. Layering is a popular method because it requires no grafting and is therefore simpler: the lower branches of the tree are bent and a strip of bark is removed to induce rooting. Another method is by grafting with a double-stem technique, which is the most reliable and the longest-lasting. In this method a branch from a loquat tree is cut, and another branch from a different variety is grafted onto it to create a multi-stemmed tree. This has the advantage of guaranteeing a more reliable and fuller yield as both branches will flower and bear fruits, and this kind of environment also makes it easier to select desirable characteristics of fruits.

Fruiting and Harvesting

Loquat trees usually produce flowers and fruits during late winter and early spring. The flowers are white and highly fragrant, and they grow in clusters of up to 30. Pollen is transferred by bees, flies, and butterflies, and then it is self-fertilized. After 4-6 weeks, the flowers will transform into the ripening fruits. The fruits are usually harvested when they’ve reached their maximum size and sweetness, which is around 120-160 days after pollination. The fruits can be hand-harvested or mechanically harvested.

Processing and Packing

After the harvest, the fruits need to go through a cold storage process to stop the ripening process and make them last longer. In cold storage, the loquat fruits stay at temperatures between 4-7 degrees Celsius for about a week. This ensures their freshness and quality for long distance journeys. After the storage process, the fruits are carefully packed in cardboard or wooden boxes, which can protect the fruits from any damage or diseases in transit. The packing process is very important as it is the first step of ensuring a quality product arrives at its destination.

Distribution

Once the loquats have been packed, they can be transported over long distances, generally by plane, truck, or ship. Depending on the destination, such journeys can take up to several weeks. In certain cases, loquats can also be shipped frozen to reduce the time of transportation. Wholesalers and retailers can then distribute the fruits over longer distances, reaching the local stores in cities, towns, and villages.

Preparing and Serving a Loquat

When a loquat reaches its final destination, one can choose to consume it fresh or use it in recipes. In many cultures, loquats are served fresh, as a snack or side dish, as it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Before consuming a loquat, it needs to be washed well and its small seeds should be removed. Loquats can also be cooked in various desserts, such as tarts, cakes, jams, or sauces.

Finally, when served on a dinner table, loquats can be used in sweet and savory dishes, such as salads, veggie burgers, roast chicken, and so on. In some countries, the fruits are also used as a condiment, such as in Japanese cuisine, where it is popular to serve a sweet and sour loquat sauce.

Conclusion

Loquats are a simple, yet delicious fruit that is worth exploring. From its origin in China to its final journey, the story of loquats has many steps and requires a great deal of care and attention. Through the careful selection and packaging, the quality of the fruits is maintained, all the way until it reaches a dinner plate.

We hope that this blog post has helped you learn more about this delicious fruit and appreciation for the journey it takes from propagation to consumption. From all of us here, thank you for your time and happy feasting!