Loquat Characteristics: The Fruit That Doesn't Wait

Hi! I'm Elena, your nutrition expert from Castelló. Today we're going to talk about one of the most beloved fruits in our land and the one that marks the true beginning of spring: loquat.

This morning, while walking through the Callosa d'en Sarrià area, I was thinking about how lucky we are to have this crop so close by. The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is the first stone fruit of the season (from April to June) and a fantastic nutritional tool thanks to its antioxidant power and its help with intestinal transit.

Loquat Characteristics: The Fruit That Doesn't Wait

Technically, the loquat is a non-climacteric fruit. What does this mean? Once it is harvested, it stops ripening. That's why it's vital that it ripens on the tree so it can develop its characteristic sweet and aromatic flavor.

• The skin: It's thin and peels off easily when ripe. We usually don't eat it.

• The spots: If you see small brown spots, don't worry, they are usually a sign of ripeness or handling. But if it is very wrinkled, that means it has lost its water content.

• Sensitivity: It's an extremely delicate fruit; handle it gently so it doesn't oxidize.

Nutritional Properties: Water, Fiber, and Vitamin A

The loquat is a very light fruit (only 43 kcal/100g) thanks to the fact that 85% of its weight is water.

The "cocktail" against constipation

What makes loquat special is its combination of soluble fiber (pectins) and sorbitol (a type of natural sugar). These elements work together to soften stools and make bowel movements easier. Along with plums, it is one of the best natural allies against constipation.

Antioxidants and skin

Its orange color tells us loud and clear that it is rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotenes. These are essential for maintaining the health of our mucous membranes and skin, protecting them from oxidative damage now that we're starting to spend more time in the sun.

Elena's "Life Tip"

The ideal serving: One serving of fruit is about 3 or 4 loquats. If they taste a little sour or "rough" on the palate, it's because they contain tannins (astringent substances). In that case, instead of acting as laxatives, they'll help if you have an episode of diarrhea! But my advice is to enjoy them fully ripe to make the most of their filling effect and soluble fiber.

Are you the kind of people who wait eagerly for the first loquats of the season, or do they usually get forgotten in the fruit bowl because they're so delicate? Tell me how you enjoy them!