Juicy, refreshing and sweet… loquats They are a spring fruit that does not last long in the markets, so it is advisable to make the most of them during the few weeks that they can be found.

It is best to enjoy it naturallyas a dessert, snack, in salads, in fruit salads or in smoothies, although you can also use it to prepare delicious jams and cakes.

Origin of loquats

He common loquat (Mespilus germanica) is a large deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8 meters in height. It has been cultivated for its fruits since the time of the Romans, who brought it to Europe from Asia.

The variety of japanese loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), which actually comes from China and is quite different from the common medlar, It is the one that is consumed the most and it is very present throughout the Mediterranean.

The loquat requires warm summers and mild winters and prefers sunny, dry places with slightly acidic soils. It is one of the earliest fruits of spring: starting in April it is easy to see the loquats full of fruit in the orchards of the peninsular Levante. In fact, in Callosa d’en Sarrià there is a designation of origin for this fruit.

The flavor of the loquat changes as it matures. When it is not green, it is very astringent and acidic. However, as it matures it becomes sweeter.

loquats: healthy properties

Medlars are an orange fruit sweet, meaty, with an acidic and exotic touch. They contain vitamins C and group B, as well as minerals: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium.

Its orange color is a sign of its carotene content.antioxidant pigments, and is also a source of phenolic compounds and flavonols, which makes it a good source of natural antioxidants.

Also, just eating three loquats can get you half of the vitamin A you need a day. They provide it in the form of beta-carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A as it needs it.

Health benefits of loquats

Loquats provide various health benefits. His high proportion of water makes them a very hydrating fruit and, given their low calorie intake (about 40 Kcal per 100 grains of fruit) and fats, they are an excellent option for those people who want to control or lose weight.

They also have a diuretic effectthanks to its potassium content, which helps the functioning of the kidneys and is especially useful for people with fluid retention problems. The flavonoids and vitamins it contains are beneficial for liver function and help with its purification.

However, loquats have a slight astringent effect due to its tannins, responsible for the rough sensation that remains on the tongue after eating them.

On the other hand, loquats contribute to a good state of health. hair and skin healththanks to its antioxidant content. Carotenes, precursors of vitamin A, are also linked to eye health care.

In addition, the vitamin A in the loquat gives it a protective effect on the digestive mucosaespecially of the stomach and also the intestine.

Its high amount of vitamin C stimulates the immune system and promotes good energy levels and a better mood.

The soluble fibers of the loquatparticularly pectins, in addition to contributing to improving digestive health and avoid constipationcan act as laxatives, reducing cholesterol absorption. It is believed that it may help reduce the risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis (the buildup of cholesterol plaque on the walls of the arteries). Also thanks to its antioxidant content, it can help reduce cholesterol and prevent various inflammatory diseases.