Loquat is an evergreen tree native to southern China and belongs to the Rosaceae family.

Loquat is an ancient fruit tree with a history of thousands of years. It is known as the "Fruit of the South" and is famous for its unique taste and medicinal value.

Loquat is widely cultivated in China, especially in the south. Its fruits are not only edible but also have rich medicinal value and are used to treat a variety of diseases.

1. Botanical characteristics

Tree shape characteristics: Loquat trees usually grow to a height of 6-9 meters, with a round or broadly oval crown. The bark is grey-brown, sometimes with longitudinal fissures.

Leaf characteristics: Loquat leaves are oval or egg-shaped, leathery, shiny, 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The leaves' colors range from dark green to light green, with clear veins.

Flower characteristics: Loquat flowers are white, usually in cymes, with five petals and five calyx lobes. The flowering period is in late winter or early spring and has a strong aromatic smell.

Fruit characteristics: Loquat fruits are orange or yellow, oval in shape, and generally about 3-5 cm in diameter. The fruit has a thin peel, juicy pulp, and a sweet and sour taste.

Seed characteristics: There are many little seeds in the loquat fruit. The seeds are oval and brown.

Root system characteristics: Loquat has a well-developed root system with two types: deep and shallow roots. It has strong adaptability and does not have high requirements on soil.

Growth environment: Loquat has wide adaptability, likes warm and humid climates, and can tolerate mild cold. It is not strict on soil requirements and can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

2. Fruit Characteristics

Appearance characteristics: Loquat fruits are oval and usually have orange or yellow peel. The peel is glabrous and shiny, sometimes with fine wrinkles.

Internal structure: There are many little seeds inside the fruit. The seeds are usually brown and occupy the center of the fruit. The pulp is a key part of the fruit, which is light yellow or orange, soft, and juicy.

Taste characteristics: Loquat pulp tastes sweet and sour, sometimes with a slightly sour taste. The pulp is soft and tastes very smooth. It is one of the favorite fruits of many people.

Nutritional value: Loquat fruit is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other nutrients. They are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, boosting immunity, improving digestion, and more.

How to eat: Loquat can be eaten raw or made into juice, jam, molasses, and other foods. They can be used as part of fruit salads or added to ice cream, yogurt, and other foods to add texture and flavor.

3. Food value

Nutritional value: Loquat is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other nutrients. They are good for human health and can improve immunity, promote collagen production, improve skin quality, enhance vision, etc.

Taste characteristics: The pulp of loquat is soft, delicious, and tastes sour and sweet. They can be eaten raw or used to make a variety of delicious foods, such as juice, jam, ice cream, molasses, etc.

Culinary uses: Loquat can be used to make a variety of desserts, such as loquat pie, jam, jelly, salad, etc. They can also be used to add sweet and sour flavor to meat dishes, making them a very versatile ingredient.

4. Medicinal value

Relieves cough and reduces phlegm: Loquat is considered to have medicinal properties that relieve cough and reduce phlegm.

Loquat syrup is a universal medicinal preparation used to relieve sore throats, coughs, and phlegm. It contains extracts from the loquat fruit, which helps reduce the symptoms of respiratory illnesses.

Moistens the lungs and quenches thirst: Loquat is also used to treat dry coughs and sore throats. It has the effect of moistening the lungs, relieving lung discomfort, and improving breathing.

Clears away heat and detoxifies: Loquat leaves also have the medicinal value of clearing heat and detoxicating. Loquat leaf tea is thought to help treat colds, sore throats, fevers, and other symptoms.

Antioxidant effect: Loquat is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which can help resist free radical damage and help maintain good health.

In short, loquat is a delicious fruit with rich nutritional and medicinal value. Not only can it be enjoyed as food, it also plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine.

Loquat cultivation is a potential agricultural activity that provides a beneficial economic source for families and farms.