Loquats offer tree-mendous rewards this time of year

Loquats are now in season. Actually loquats, also called Japanese plum, come into season throughout much of the year in my yard, but the first for this year are just now ripening. This small evergreen tree usually begins blooming in September and sets fruit during the winter. Although it is not native to the area, it grows with any difficulty.

Because most of the birds are not yet nesting and feeding young, I have a much better chance of getting a few of these delicious fruits for my own table. Although I do eat the preserved ones on the oriental buffet whenever I can, eating those from the yard is much better because I know they are grown organically.

Some grow this small tree as an ornamental, using the large gray/green leaves to offset more lustrous dark green ones. In St. Augustine, the trees grow along many of the streets. I like it because of the loose multi-trunked shape as well as the fruit. It is also great for drawing in good pollinators such as bees.

There are several ways of preparing the fruit. We like it out of hand, so all I have to do is wipe off the slight down coating on the outside of the fruit. Then, it can be peeled or not, according to taste. When ripe, the fruit is sweet and juicy.

This fruit makes a great jam as well. Use slightly less ripe fruit than you would normally eat. Wipe the fruit and remove the blossom end. Cut in half and remove seeds. I usually add some lemon juice and a little water for the first cooking. When the fruit has softened, I add about half as much sugar as fruit and cook until thickened. If you prefer, you can make it with pectin, using the directions on the side of the package.

There seem to be several varieties of this fruit in the area. Some produce much larger fruit than others, some produce later in the year, and some are much more sweet than other varieties. Those that are grown from seed may not have the characteristics you especially want. Some nurseries sell grafted varieties but you must ask to be sure of the variety and culture.

I have been told that since the loquat is in the rose family, the seed is edible, tasting much like an overgrown rose hip. I have not tried them as yet although they are supposed to be high in vitamin C. You may have eaten loquat and not even known it as it is often served in tropical fruit cups with pineapple, kiwi and other fruit. The St. Johns Agricultural Center has the information on growing many kinds of fruit in your own landscape. You can call a Master Gardener for information any weekday morning between 9 AM and noon at 209-0430.

Join me and Audubon members at Alpine Groves Park at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 for a walk through the park to identify some of the wild edibles located there. Learn some of the secrets to foraging in Florida.

Beverly Fleming is a park naturalist with the St. Johns County Recreation and Parks Department. She can be reached by calling (904) 284-9488.