The loquat recipes are a wonderful way to feature this interesting fruit.
A loquat, scientifically known as Eriobotrya japonica, is a small, sweet, and tangy fruit native to China. It belongs to the rose family and is often cultivated in subtropical regions worldwide. The loquat fruit is round or pear-shaped, with a fuzzy skin that ranges in color from yellow to orange. Its succulent flesh can vary in hue from pale yellow to orange and is dotted with dark brown seeds.
Beyond its delightful flavor, loquats offer several health benefits. They are a rich source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which contribute to healthy skin, immune function, and antioxidant protection. The fruit also contains dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a sense of fullness. Loquats are low in calories and fat, making them a great option for weight management. Incorporating loquats into your diet can be a delicious way to enjoy a range of nutrients while relishing their unique flavor profile.
And if you are looking for more delicious desserts, be sure to check out my collection of healthy dessert recipes.
1. Homemade Loquat Jam
Anytime you have fresh fruit, making jam is a great idea. Jam is easier to make than jelly, so if you’re concerned about making it at home, jam is the way to go. Loquat jam only needs five ingredients. Loquats are sweet when ripe, so you will have a delicious spread for your buttery biscuits.
2. Loquat Upside Down Cake
Loquats are a fun way to mix up the traditional pineapple upside-down cake. The loquats add a sweet, citrusy flavor to the cake, and combine with the caramelized sugar to create an amazing summer dessert. It’s got a beautiful presentation, so use this recipe to surprise your dinner guests.
3. Loquat Cobbler
This is a bit easier to make than a loquat upside-down cake, but it’s just as delicious. Brown sugar and almonds pair so well with the fruit. If you’ve ever wanted to make a “fancy” cobbler, this is it! It’s tart and sweet and perfect with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
4. Loquat Peach Salsa
If pineapples and mangos can go in salsa, why not loquats?! Loquats have a short shelf life, so if you have a few you need to use up, salsa is the way to go. Make this for your next taco night, and you’ll love the summery flavor. Serve it over fish tacos or with tortilla chips.
5. Loquat Margaritas
Speaking of taco night, why not make a loquat theme of it. Margaritas can be sweetened with fresh fruit by blending them with tequila, mango juice, ice, and a few other ingredients. The virgin version is also delicious, so your kids can join in as well. Perfect for a family taco night.
6. Potato Loquat Curry
Loquats add a bit of sweetness to curry, to help calm the heat a bit. This tart, savory dish is amazing when served over a bed of cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or grilled naan bread. The loquats soak up the curry spices and blend into a fantastic, filling dish.
7. Loquat Cheesecake
This cheesecake has loquat preserves swirled throughout, creating a creamy, dense, fruity dessert. Pairing this cheesecake with a shortbread crust ensures that the loquat flavor is really the start of the show. It’s not too sweet. Use this for a Saturday night potluck dessert or a summer BBQ cookout.
8. Loquat Pistachio Smoothie
Smoothies are such an excellent way to enjoy refreshing fruit. Blended with dates, this smoothie is thick and creamy – definitely a summertime treat. You could even add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make a delicious post-workout shake. It’s very nutritious, so it’d be a great option as a quick breakfast or on-the-go snack.
9. Japanese Loquat Wine
Yes, you can absolutely make wine from a loquat. Start early though, because it takes about a 3-month wait. And after a year, you can use the flesh of the loquat to make a delicious jam, so it’s a two-for-one recipe. This wine has added sugar, so it will be a sweet, fruity wine. The loquat wine would make a unique housewarming gift if you make it in cute bottles.
10. Loquat Apple Crumble
If you’re moving into autumn weather, it’s time to switch from a cobber to a crumble. Loquat apple crumble will give you the comforting apple fall flavors, while the loquat will keep it bright and flavorful. The crumble topping is made from butter, flour, oats, and spice, but you could certainly add chopped nuts if you desire.
11. Loquat BBQ Sauce
Similar to a peach or apricot BBQ sauce, loquat BBQ sauce really rounds it out and brings in a sweet tangy flavor. It would be a dream on pork loin or ribs. If you’re planning on a BBQ cookout anytime soon, whip up a batch of this sauce so you can use it on all the grilled meats. Your guests will be begging for the sauce recipe.
12. Pickled Loquats
Pickling a fruit is actually quite easy, and it allows you to store it for a long time. This recipe adds a kick with jalapeno and ginger which really melds well with the citrus flavor of the loquat. You just have to let the loquats sit for 5-7 days, then dig in!
13. Loquat Pepper Jelly
I love pepper jelly, especially spread over cream cheese as a dip for crackers. This loquat pepper jelly is a great addition to a charcuterie board – it’s very unique! You need two different peppers for this jelly, but it just adds to the depth of flavor. Sugar, loquats, thai chili peppers, and serrano peppers make the base of this pepper jelly. It boasts lots of bold flavors.
14. Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing
How fantastic would this loquat vinaigrette dressing be on a summer salad with baby spinach, sliced peaches, prosciutto, and some goat cheese! It would add a creamy, tangy, but slightly sweet flavor to the salad. You could even use this to pour over grilled chicken or pork loin for a yummy meat sauce.
15. Summer Vodka Cocktail
Loquats don’t just go with tequila, they can be combined with vodka too. It’s low in calories compared to other cocktails, so it’d make a perfect poolside summer drink. It’s light and refreshing due to the bit of lemon juice and club soda. The loquat simple syrup adds a fruity sweetness that will keep you sipping all afternoon.
16. Fruity Dessert Bars
Think Lemon dessert bars, but peachy. Since loquats have a flavor similar to peaches, apricots, and mangos, they absolutely would work in a dessert bar. The loquat filling tops a shortbread crust and is baked until firm enough to cut and eat. Don’t forget a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a pretty presentation.
17. Loquat Pie
Like most fruit, you can absolutely make this into a pie. Mix it with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and vanilla and you’ve got a tart, sweet, spiced pie ready for your next fall gathering. If you’ve never tried a loquat, this is a good recipe to start out with. Everything tastes better in pie form!
18. Loquat Avocado Salad
Just as peaches and avocado would go together, so do loquats and avocado. Chopped and mixed together with pepita seeds and a homemade vinaigrette, this dish is ready for your next dinner party. Serve it as a side dish along with a roasted chicken or a baked salmon fillet. It’s divine!
19. Eucalyptus Honey Ice Cream
Speaking of dinner parties, if you need a fun dessert to cool you all off, but want it done ahead of time, make Ecualyptus Honey Loquat Ice Cream. It’s bright and creamy, and with the honey, it’s very rich. The perfect ending for a fancy dinner party. Plus, it’s made ahead of time, and is ready in the freezer when you’re ready for it.
20. Ground Lamb Meatballs with Loquat
I’ve talked about loquats being paired with roasted chicken or pork loin, but lamb is another fantastic choice. This is a unique dish, perfect for when loquats are at their peak season. Teh ground lamb meatballs are tender and flavorful while the loquats keep the dish from being too heavy.
21. Loquat Vegan Cheesecake
If you’re vegan or just dairy-free, this cheesecake is for you! It’s just as rich and creamy as the cheesecake listed above, but without cream cheese. Instead, it uses Tofutti cream creese and a blend of cashews and non-dairy milk. The fat from the cashews keeps this cheesecake dense and creamy.
22. Bourbon Smash
Loquats give the bourbon smash a sweet-tart flavor, while the mint adds a refreshing touch. You can make this as sweet or as tart as you like – just adjust the amount of loquat simple syrup. It’s great for a late spring, early summer cocktail. Right as boat season and BBQ cookouts start back up.
23. Lemon Banana Bundt Cake
This loquat lemon banana bundt cake is absolutely beautiful. I love a snack cake – it’s not too sweet and it goes so well with a cup of coffee or tea. Have it as is as an afternoon tea cake snack, or dress it up for an after-dinner dessert with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
24. Sorbet with Tequila and Salt
Another dairy-free dessert, sorbet is amazing when it’s hot outside. The tequila adds a bite to this sorbet to keep it from being too sweet. It also helps prevent it from freezing solid. You do want it to be scoopable, and the tequila helps accomplish that. The Hawaiian black lava salt adds a nice contrasting flavor to the sweetness of the loquats.
25. Loquat Fruit Salsa
A fresh fruit mint salsa is the perfect summer appetizer. The cold, chopped, sweet fruit contrasts so well with the bite of the onion and the salty chips. This recipe is a fun way to get in some vitamins and minerals with all of the fresh veggies and the loquats.
26. Loquat Muffins
I love a fruit muffin, don’t you? They’re perfect for a grab-and-go snack, or breakfast. No fork, spoon, or napkin is needed. This recipe pairs the loquats with brown sugar to really bring out the sweetness in the flavor. It’ll get you ready for fall, and all the coziness that comes with it.
