Loquat Fruit Benefits, Harvest Season, Taste, and How to Eat It

Hello. We are Merry Plastic Surgery Clinic, pursuing natural and beautiful changes.

When people hear the word loquat, many first think of the musical instrument.

There is also a fruit called loquat, named because it resembles the shape of that instrument.

It is said that the loquat fruit, which grows mainly in East Asia such as Korea, China, and Japan, is less well known than many people might expect.

However, as it has become known that loquat leaves as well as loquat fruit have a variety of benefits, more and more people are looking into it during the season.

Today, let’s take a look at the benefits of loquat fruit, as well as its harvest season and how to eat it.

What is loquat fruit?

Loquat fruit is a subtropical plant in the rose family, believed to be native to China, and was named because its fruit and leaves resemble the loquat instrument.

Recently, the benefits of loquat fruit have been drawing attention, and at the same time, loquat leaves have long been loved as tea and as an herbal medicine ingredient.

Because it grows well in warm subtropical conditions among East Asian regions, it is characterized by growing in small amounts only in the southern parts of Korea.

Loquat fruit has large, hard seeds inside its yellow flesh, and its unique taste and aroma are said to be a sweet flavor reminiscent of a mix of apricots and apples.

In the past, people even roasted the seeds and ate them like nuts.

What are the benefits of loquat fruit?

✅ Prevention of respiratory diseases

One of the benefits of loquat is that it is known to help prevent respiratory diseases.

It is rich in water and antioxidant compounds, which are said to thin mucus and suppress inflammation in the bronchi.

✅ Relieving thirst

As mentioned earlier, loquat is characterized by its flesh containing a lot of moisture.

For that reason, during its season in June and July, it is said to help relieve thirst while also replenishing pepsin, sugar, vitamins, and more, making it helpful for people who are active outdoors even in summer.

✅ Anti-inflammatory action

Loquat fruit is characterized by being rich in antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenols.

Because of this, it is said to help suppress inflammation in the body and to be effective for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory actions.

Loquat leaves are also said to contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties such as ursolic acid and maslinic acid.

✅ Improving digestive health

Loquat is also known to help promote digestion.

Loquat fruit contains large amounts of ingredients that stimulate gastrointestinal activity.

At the same time, loquat leaves contain an enzyme that breaks down sugar called invertase and a digestive enzyme called amylase, which is said to help with chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

✅ Diabetes prevention

One of the benefits of loquat is that it is also said to be good for diabetes.

Although some people may worry that its distinctive sweetness could make it unhealthy, loquat fruit actually contains a rich amount of pectin, a water-soluble dietary fiber, which is said to help prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar and prevent triglycerides from accumulating in the body.

✅ Diuretic effect

A notable feature of loquat is that it is rich in potassium.

In addition, it contains abundant minerals and water, which are said to promote diuresis and help remove waste products from the body.

Are there any side effects of loquat fruit?

Loquat is said not only to aid digestion in the stomach but also to help lower heat.

However, because it has a cooling nature, consuming too much or having a naturally cold constitution may cause stomach pain or diarrhea, so caution is advised.

In particular, since loquat contains a lot of potassium, people with kidney disease should consult a medical professional before consuming it.

When is loquat fruit in season?

As mentioned earlier, loquat fruit mainly grows in subtropical climates, so in Korea it is mostly found in the southernmost areas such as Wando and Busan.

It is generally harvested between May and July, which corresponds to late spring and early summer.

How do you eat loquat fruit?

Today, we looked at the benefits of loquat fruit. Since loquat fruit has a short season and is a fruit with high moisture content, it is not easy to store, so it is usually eaten fresh during the season, or you can freeze it, or make it into jam or fruit syrup and consume it that way.

A few years ago, a celebrity was also seen on a broadcast making infused liquor with loquat.

Loquat is low in calories, and its leaves can also be consumed as tea, so please keep that in mind when trying it.

Thank you.

Previous image Next image