What is a loquat?
The loquat, also known as the Chinese Plum, is a subtropical fruit native to the cooler hill regions of China. For more than 2000 years, it has been cultivated in China and is now in more than 30 countries (1), including right here is the USA. In fact, I have one right in my Florida backyard.
It’s a beautiful ornamental tree, but what does the fruit taste like? At first taste, tart would be the word I’d use to describe the loquat. On its own it can cause one to pucker up with the sour/tart flavor… but mix with the right ingredients and it becomes a delicious treat!
Is it good for me?
I like to know what nutrients are in the foods I’m eating so I did a little research on the loquat. (ibid) While high in potassium, it may promote heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. In Chinese folk medicine, the loquat leaves have been used to treat inflammatory issues such as chronic cough and asthma.
How do I make it?
So what can be combined with this tart and tangy fruit? Well, it’s strawberry season here in Florida, so lets try that! Since the strawberry pairs so well with the tartness of rhubarb, I thought I’d see what the loquat could offer. I’m so glad I did because this treat is a winner! My family approved of this tart yet sweet dessert and has asked that I make it again!
Note: This was my first time cooking with the loquat. I simply washed the fruit and squeezed out the seeds. Interestingly, there was anywhere between 1-5 seeds in the fruit I used. Once the seeds were out, I cleaned out any membranes and sliced.
Strawberry Loquat Crisp
The sweet strawberry and the tart loquat make a delicious combination in this springtime dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups loquats, chopped
- 3 tablespoon corn starch or flour (divided)
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ cup raw rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
Directions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 375.
- Step 2 In a medium size mixing bowl, add the chopped strawberries and loquat.
- Step 3 Pour in maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of flour or corn starch and vanilla. Stir to combine and pour into a small baking dish or pie pan.
- Step 4 In a small mixing bowl, combine oats, sugar, remaining flour/corn starch, cinnamon, salt and melted coconut oil. Pour over fruit mixture in an even layer.
- Step 5 Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes, remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes.
- Step 6 Delicious served warm with whipped cream or vanilla nice cream.