Loquats are one type of fruits that are first to appear in spring. While most other fruits don’t appear or ripen up until summer or autumn. The loquat tree is also considered to be an evergreen, as the leaves do not turn brown and fall, very much like citrus trees.

These fruit trees originated from China, but can bee seen growing in much warmer climates of the U.S., from Texas to California. Even in the warmer parts of Europe too. They are actually fast growing trees and very easy to propagate. The best part is that they are drought resistant trees. So this would be a great time to grow one, especially when water is scarce.

As seen here, the photo of young loquats and leaves growing in San Jose, Ca. This photo was taken in springtime. The leaves are glossy green in the front but fuzzy in the back. And the fruit itself can be a bit fuzzy like a peach too.

The fruit is tangy to sweet. But it is delicious when it ripens and turn yellow. Loquat fruit and leaves have high concentrations of Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin A and Ascorbic Acid.

The leaves can also be used to make tea. I have made tea with some of the dried leaves and the taste is very light. The color is interesting, it’s dark pink, almost reddish in color. It is important that the leaves used to make tea are organic and not sprayed with pesticides. Traditional Chinese herbalists have used the leaves of the loquat tree to support respiratory health. You can even find cough drops in Chinese grocery stores that contains loquat leaves too.

Global Healing Center has more information on the health benefits of Loquat Leaf. They said that some of these benefits of loquat leaves are cited by Eastern tradition. But many of the traditional benefits have a scientific backing. You would have to look into the footnotes and research to see if it’s true. The list of benefits is very extensive. Some of my favorite:

“Loquat Leaf Fights Skin Inflammation - One of Loquat leaf’s oldest reported benefits is the reduction of skin inflammation. And when Loquat leaf is used in topical cream, it can combat edema and histamine-induced skin contraction. In short, it helps the skin heal from inflammation of various kinds.5 Skin inflammation can often be painful and the soothing effect of Loquat leaf can be very beneficfial.” You can read more for yourself here.

California Rare Fruit Growers (a neat organization I hope to join one day) has a fact sheet that is full of interesting information about loquats. But there is one information that I would like to question. They stated that grafted trees will begin to bear fruit in 2 to 3 years, compared to 8 to 10 years in seedling trees. I have seen many people grow the tree from seeds and it has started to fruit in about 2 to 3 years. But then again, I live in California. This year, I will convince my mom to make room for one tree and see if it will start to bear fruit in a couple of years too. In the meantime, we have a friend who has a tree and is willing to share some of the bounty with us.

Very beautiful ripen loquats on branch. Photo taken by Dr. Jerry Parsons, Texas Cooperative Extension.

More interesting info, Ken Love of Hawaii Fruit breaks down the business of growing loquats. Interesting for those who want to grow and sell them.

Chinese loquat and honey candy (cough drops). Good for fighting colds! Image source.

“This traditional Chinese soothing formula is reverently prepared in the form of a candy that has a hard minty shell and a soft syrup center of blended herbs. This Honey Loquat Candy tastes great and also works as a unique throat soother. Loquat is world famous as a great remedy for coughs for kids and adults.” - Starwest Botanicals