The pear-shaped fruit known as the loquat takes its name from the Cantonese luh kwat, meaning rush orange, so named because it grows best in marshy soil among rushes. One of the Cantonese words represented in loquat also appears in kumquat, a small citron fruit whose name means gold orange. Kumquat appeared in English at the end of the seventeenth century; loquat in the early nineteenth.
This is a fruit native to Asia that bears a close resemblance to a pear in both shape and color. It is commonly grown in the southern states for the purpose of making preserves. The fruit itself has soft, slightly acidic flesh that has been compared to the taste and texture of a cherry.
Originating from Japan, the Japanese medlar is a distinctive species known for its yellow-hued fruit, roughly the size of a large grape, offering a delightful interplay of tartness and sweetness on the palate. Highly sought-after for its unique flavor profile, this fruit finds its purpose in the creation of flavorful jams and jellies. While its roots may be traced back to Japan, the cultivation of this remarkable medlar has transcended borders, now finding a fruitful home in the United States as well.