David Hare-Scott wrote:
> "Nobody" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>There is a tree known as "loquat" that was widely planted in California
>
> for
>
>>decorative purposes over the past century or more. It is a kind of medlar,
>>and bears one of my favorite fruits. When I was growing up in southern
>>California it was widely used for jam and pies, although I only ate it
>
> raw.
>
>>It has a wonderful taste, sort of a cross between a peach and an orange.
>
> You
>
>>are very lucky to have a regular supply.
>>
>
>
> We are not talking about the same fruit. Medlars are about the size of a
> golf ball, with a brown skin a bit like a pear but thicker, the end opposite
> the stem has a strange rounded depression with a fringe around it, in some
> old books they were called the "open arse fruit". When underipe the flesh
> is cream and woody like a quince but when ripened (bletted) it goes brown
> and soft. The flavour is most like a spicy (some say cinnamon) overripe
> apple. Neither the flavour nor the texture are like peaches or oranges.
>
> Apparently the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is sometimes called the Japanese
> medlar and it is distantly related to the medlar (Mispilus germanica). I
> have tried to grow the loquat but so far withour success, it does not like
> frost.
>
> David
>
>
>
If anyone is going to try a loquat they need to get a named variety. I
grew one from seed here in SW Louisiana and it was a sorry producer.
Plus with one very large seed they are a pain to handle and to make jam
or jelly from. Also have a tough seed. Luckily Hurrican Rita killed mine
and I can replace it with something else.

George