Early summer is the season for loquats to ripen. Loquats are not only delicious and nutritious but also have high medicinal value. However, while loquats are good, do not overindulge.
Types of Loquats
There are more than 200 varieties of loquats. According to their ripening period, they can be divided into early, mid, and late-season types. Early-season varieties are available in May, mid-season varieties arrive in large quantities in June, and late-season varieties can extend until the first week of July.
Based on the color of the fruit, they are also divided into red-fleshed and white-fleshed varieties. The red-fleshed loquat, with its golden-yellow skin, is called the "golden pill." The red-fleshed variety has a thick skin that is easy to peel, a sweet taste, and a coarse texture, making it suitable for canning. The white-fleshed loquat has jade-like flesh, which the ancients called the "wax pill." The white-fleshed variety has a thin skin and thick flesh, with a fine texture and sweet taste, making it suitable for fresh eating.
Among them, "Ruantian Baisha" from Yuhang, Zhejiang, has white flesh and a sweet taste; "Jiefang Zhong" from Putian, Fujian, has thick and tender flesh with abundant juice and a delicious flavor; and "Zhaosheng Baisha" from Wu County, Jiangsu, has abundant juice, a fine texture, and are all superior varieties of loquat.
Nutritional Value of Loquats
The "Compendium of Materia Medica" states, "Loquats can moisten the five organs and nourish the heart and lungs." Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the loquat fruit has the effects of resolving phlegm and stopping coughs, promoting the production of body fluids to moisten the lungs, and clearing heat and strengthening the stomach.
Loquats contain various organic acids, which can not only stimulate the secretion of a large amount of gastric juice but also greatly increase saliva secretion, thereby achieving the goal of strengthening the spleen, whetting the appetite, and promoting digestion. Loquats contain amygdalin, which can moisten the lungs, stop coughs, and resolve phlegm. The fruit and leaves of the loquat have an inhibitory effect on the influenza virus and can prevent colds.
Not to be consumed in excess
Loquats are considered a cooling fruit and should not be eaten in excess to prevent causing or worsening indigestion. Consumption should be based on an individual's gastrointestinal symptoms and feelings. It is recommended that each person consume 100-200g per day.
In addition, people with spleen deficiency and diarrhea should not eat loquats, as it can easily lead to diarrhea. Loquats are high in sugar, so they are not suitable for diabetics.