The loquat originated in China before making its way to Europe in 1513 as a gift from the Chinese emperor for Portuguese explorer Jorge Álvares to present to the king.
Álvares gifted the emperor a rose bush, which the emperor took as a poor gift given its thorns and lack of blooms. In spite, Álvares was sent home with the bitter loquat tree.
The gift turned out to be a small blessing, because while the tree produced bitter fruit in China, it thrived in the warm Portuguese climate, developing sweeter fruit.
The fruit is pleasantly tart with a flavor often compared to apricots, peaches, or cherries. However different varieties can be sweeter or even taste like strawberries.
Although rare, loquats may be found at a farmers’ market or online. Once bought, store them in the fridge where they can last up to a month, and avoid eating the poisonous seeds.
The fruit is a good source of provitamin A carotenoids, magnesium, and potassium, and it has long been used in Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation thanks to triterpene acids.