The best loquat recipes

Spring is here and, with it, appears a tasty fruit in a vibrant orange colour with a flavour between acidic and sweet that delights young and old alike. We are talking about the loquat, which, despite originally being from Asia, has found the perfect climate to develop in the Mediterranean basin. So much so that its official designation of origin is that of Callosa d’en Sarrià (Alicante).

It is the perfect time to enjoy this fruit, so if you are looking for loquat recipes that go beyond peeling and eating, you have come to the right place. Keep reading and we will tell you more!

Homemade loquat jam

For many people, loquat jam using the traditional recipe is the best way to preserve the essence of spring throughout the year. In addition, as it is a fruit rich in pectin, its texture is silky and delicious, ideal for spreading.

Making loquat jam is easier than it may seem. You just need clean, destones loquats, sugar (about 50% the weight of the fruit) and a splash of lemon. If you prefer the comfort of technology, loquat jam in the Thermomix is an infallible option: simply program 30 minutes at Varoma temperature and speed 2 for an impeccable result.

Don’t overthink it: loquat jam is the ideal accompaniment for a table of cured cheeses or breakfast toast!

Warm loquat and langoustine salad

The loquat brings freshness and, thanks to its slight acidic touch, also enhances the taste of seafood. The salad that we present to you is not only a feast of textures, but also of flavours. In addition, there is no doubt that these types of recipe are appealing now that temperatures are rising. We’ll tell you how to prepare it.

1. Sauté some langoustines with a little garlic and ginger.
2. Add the halves loquats to the same pan until they are slightly caramelised.
3. Place it all on a bed of tender buds, and add, to finish, some nuts and a sweet honey vinaigrette.

It is a surprising dish that shows that stone fruits are not just for the end of the meal, do you dare to try it?

Loquat empanadillas

If you are looking for an interesting and different snack, empanadillas are the solution. You can opt for a sweet version, sautéing the fruit with a little cinnamon before filling the dough, or a sweet and sour version combining it with some goat cheese and caramelised onion. It is an excellent way to introduce little ones to the flavour of this fruit in a familiar and appealing way.

Easy loquat sponge cake

There is nothing more comforting than the aroma of a freshly baked cake. As if that were not enough, by including the chopped loquats in the batter, we provide extra moistness that guarantees that the cake remains tender and fluffy for days.

To achieve that cloud texture, the secret lies in the mixing: Emulsify the eggs well with the sugar, and when adding the sifted flour along with the chemical yeast, make sure the loquat pieces are peeled properly. Do not forget to mix everything with enveloping and delicate movements. You can save a portion of the fruit to decorate the cake.

If you are having a special celebration, this recipe can also be used to make a more complex loquat cake, adding a layer of pastry cream or a crumble on top. As a loquat dessert, it is unbeatable for its simplicity and for how it respects the original taste of the recipe.

We hope these ideas inspire you to fill your table with flavour and colour. Good luck and enjoy the harvest!