Loquats are going crazy at the moment, which means that anyone with easy access to these delicious little gems is definitely going to be in need of some Loquat Recipes. Especially if you have a loquat tree in your yard and need to know how to use up the loquats before they become overripe.
Jump to:
- What Is A Loquat?
- Tips for Using Loquats In Recipes
- Loquat Recipes
- Loquat Cobbler in Mini Mason Jars
- Naturally Sweetened Honey Loquat Butter
- Tropical Loquat Macadamia Cereal Bowl
- Loquat Jam Recipe (using fresh loquats)
- Loquat Upside Down Cake
- Loquat Tea
- Loquat Orange Cocktail Recipe
- Loquat Lemonade
- Kumquat Basil Ginger Limeade
- Loquat Smoothie (loquat lassi)
- Loquat barbecue sauce
- Loquat & Carrot Hummus
- Loquat Vinaigrette Dressing
- Loquat and Cranberry Chicken Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Loquat?
The loquat is a large tree, grown for its orange fruit and for its leaves, which are used to make tea.
The fruit of a loquat tree ripens very quickly once it is picked, so it can be hard to find loquats in the store or at a farmer's market.
The best way to get your hands on some of the fruit is to have a tree in your yard, have a friend with a loquat tree, or look up one of the foraging apps and find some growing locally.
When your loquat tree ripens you will literally have hundreds of little loquats ready for the picking overnight and will need some amazingly creative kumquat and loquat recipes to make sure you get the best out of this delicious summer bounty.
A loquat is quite similar to a kumquat, and I find that they can be used interchangeably in recipes, with just a little bit of a difference in preparation.
Tips for Using Loquats In Recipes
Once you get used to using loquats in your baking and cooking, they are quite easy to work with.
You might want to set up a bit of a production line for getting the seeds out of the fruit, as this is the most time-consuming part of using them.
Some tips:
- For the best flavor, loquats should be picked and used when they are yellow. Once they turn orange, they are not quite as flavorful;
- Loquats should be used within a day or two of being picked as they ripen very fast once they are removed from the tree;
- Picked loquats can be frozen and used in smoothies and baked goods. To freeze simply remove the seeds, blanche the fruit to prevent discoloration, allow to cool and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-bag or freezer-safe container.
As the skin on a loquat is quite tough, in most cases they should be peeled before being used in a recipe.
Simply:
- cut in half,
- twist off the stem,
- remove the seed,
- peel the skin.
If you are doing a large batch of loquats you may want to blanch them in boiling water and lemon first to make peeling a lot quicker.
Loquat Recipes
Now for some creative ways to use these delicious fruits.
The fruit of the loquat tree is perfect for using in baking, smoothies and salads for a great little pop of flavor and color.
Tropical Loquat Macadamia Cereal Bowl
This 6-ingredient Tropical Loquat Macadamia Cereal Bowl recipe can be ready in about 30 minutes, offering a great way to boost your busy day with good health and taste. A combination of steel-cut oats, loquats, macadamia nuts, and shredded coconuts will help you feel full and provide the energy you need to get through the day.
Loquat Jam Recipe (using fresh loquats)
How can you go wrong with a loquat jam? This Loquat Jam recipe from Hildas Kitchen Blog is super simple and requires just a little preparation. The only ingredients you'll need are loquats, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Pectin is not needed for this recipe since Loquats are naturally high in pectin.
Loquat Upside Down Cake
Why not make this simple loquat upside-down cake. It’s quick, easy, moist, and not overly sweet. The loquats are caramelized with brown sugar as the cake bakes, and the result is to die for!
Loquat Tea
Learn how to make flavorful loquat tea (Biwa Cha) using loose leaves prepared by herbal infusion. Enjoy the fresh, flavorful, and beneficial taste of loquat leaves at home with this easy step-by-step method.
Loquat Orange Cocktail Recipe
This fresh loquat cocktail recipe is mixed in a blender and combined with tequila and a splash of sweet orange juice.
Kumquat Basil Ginger Limeade
This tasty refreshing Kumquat Basil Ginger Limeade is perfect when you want a fancy drink but don’t want a headache the next day! Simply swap the kumquats for loquats and you are good to go.
Loquat Smoothie (loquat lassi)
Creamy and tasty smoothie made with loquat and protein-packed yogurt, milk, and pistachio.
Loquat barbecue sauce
A sharp, tangy, and spicy bbq sauce recipe to use up that seasonal glut of loquats. Pairs well with chicken.
Loquat & Carrot Hummus
This loquat and carrot hummus makes the perfect snack paired with seed crackers or veggie sticks.
Loquat Vinaigrette Dressing
Ready in just a few minutes with a handful of ingredients, this bright, citrusy loquat vinaigrette dressing recipe is the perfect complement to a spring salad.
Loquat and Cranberry Chicken Recipe
The thick, sweet, and tangy sauce in this Loquat and Cranberry Chicken is really wonderful when paired with orzo. The perfect savory option for these sweet little delights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Loquats are good for baking, adding to smoothies and jams, and throwing into salads.
Because they are naturally high in pectin, they take on a jam-like consistency when baked.
Once you have picked the loquat from the tree it will start to ripen immediately.
The fruit should be good for about 2 days, so only pick what you need, and what you think you can use in that time.
Yes.
Simply cut the fruit in half, remove the seed, blanche in boiling water mixed with lemon juice, and then allow to cool.
Arrange ina. single layer and freeze, before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Loquats need to be fully ripe before they are picked from the tree.
Once they are yellow-orange, with no green remaining on the fruit, and they are soft to the touch then they are ripe.
Happy Eating
xx
14 Great Loquat Recipes
Ingredients
- ripe loquats freshly picked
- other ingredients of choice
Instructions
- Choose a recipe from the list that you think you and your family will love.
- Make a shopping list and buy all of the ingredients.
- Make the dish and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you have any kumquat or loquat recipes you love, then be sure to leave them in the comments to share with others. I love cooking with seasonal fruits, so you can be sure we will be adding more kumquat and loquat recipes here in the years to come!
rohit aggarwal says
thank you wholefoodbellies for giving me wonderful information
Molly Kumar says
Hi Donna, such a wonderful collection of 'Kumquat & Loquat' recipes. I love both these fruits and their flavors are so summerish. I'm going to try these recipes soon and thanks for including my Kumquat - Cake & Marmalade' recipe.
Donna1 says
Oh you are very welcome Molly 🙂 We just love loquat and kumquat season as well, such great flavors!!