Spring is a range of good feelings, sunshine, warm temperatures, long days, various aromas, colors and, of course, beautiful walks through the various fields of our Spanish geography full of flowering trees and seasonal fruit, which rushing towards its maturation, we can already begin to taste. It is, therefore, the season of the loquat of Alicante, a delicious fruit typical of the Mediterranean.
The loquat was discovered in the 17th century by the Dutch company of the Indies. A few years later he was classified as “eribotrya japonica” by the Swedish botanist Carlos Linnaeus. In the eighteenth century after introducing it in Europe, it is used as an ornamental tree in the botanical gardens of Naples, Paris and Mauritius.
The botanist Juan Bautista-Berenguer i Ronda of the Callosa d’en Sarrià town introduces the loquat in Spain at the beginning of the 18th century. Some specimens were planted in Callosa d’en Sarrià and acclimated quickly thanks to their Mediterranean climate, resulting in these magnificent fruits.
On 14th January of 1992 they were distinguished with the Denomination of Origin of Callosa d’en Sarrià for the high quality.
The loquat of Alicante, especially those of Callosa d’en Sarrià, are sweet, healthy, juicy and firm fruits. They have a skin that is thin but resistant at the same time that detaches easily to delight us to the maximum with its flavor. Spring is the time of your arrival and we can enjoy them until mid-summer. It is known as “The Fruit of Beauty” for its nutritional properties. It is a source of vitamins and minerals, low in cholesterol and calories, as well as antioxidant.
In Alicante Delicatessen, you can enjoy the loquat from Alicante as jam in a box of 6 mini jams, as well as other artisan preserves. Enjoy!
