Loquat, << LOH kwaht, >> is an orange or yellow fruit that has the shape and size of an egg. It is a type of fleshy fruit called a pome and contains many seeds inside a papery core.
The loquat tree is an evergreen that grows from 18 to 25 feet (5.5 to 7.6 meters) high. It is grown extensively in Japan. The tree was brought to the United States from China and Japan in 1784. Today, it is grown commercially in California. It also grows along the Gulf Coast and in northern South America.
Loquat fruit is soft and bruises easily when mature. Loquats have a mildly tart flavor. They are eaten fresh, cooked, and as a jelly.
