Loquat Vs Kumquat (Key Differences)

Have you ever wanted to make a Loquat Vs Kumquat comparison?

Orange, lime, lemon and other citruses are popular in this family. But have you come across kumquat and loquat? Both citrus fruits may seem alike in pronounciation but are not the same. Knowing their differences is one way to easily differentiate them.

Reading this guide will give you all information you need to know about loquat and kumquat, including their tastes, appearances and health benefits.

If you want to what makes them unique and why they are not identical in many ways, you will have to read on. You will discover more about their taste, texture, appearance, sizes and benefits. You will also find if they can make an excellent substitute for each other. Dive in!

What Are Loquats?

Loquats are also known as Japanese loquats and can be found throughout Asia. They have existed for several thousand years. They can be either round or pear-like and are either sweet or tangy. Loquats are members of the pear, apple and peach family, which also grow among citrus. The trees of loquats are medium-sized, with trunks that are short and twigs that are wooly. They can be as high as 20 to 30 feet. Loquats grow in clusters of four to 30.

You can find loquats in their numbers between April and June. They are best harvested and enjoyed when ripe. The trees of loquats have white blossoms with fantastic fragrances, adding beauty and brightness to their gardens.

Like kumquats, loquats are in different varieties, with the commonest being Tanaka and Algar (Argelino). Algar can be eaten with the flesh and is sweeter than Tanaka. However, Tanaka’s tarter taste makes it a great cooking ingredient.

What are Kumquats?

Kumquats are Cantonese fruit known as ‘golden orange’ or ‘golden tangerine.’ They are miniature citrus fruits produced by small, shrub-like trees and can be found in temperate climates. They are commonly grown for landscaping and exist in large numbers in eastern Asia. Besides, December and January is their season.

Also, they have the color and shape of orange but are much tinier. A typical kumquat is oblong or round and can be eaten in different methods. The most popular among them are Meiwa and Nagami.

Although smaller, Nagami is an evergreen kumquat that can be easily cared for. It majorly exists in the US. The flavor is tart and delicious, while the flower is white and sweet-smelling.

In sharp contrast, Meiwa is typically sweet and round. It commonly grows in China; however, you can find it in the US, but in small numbers.

Difference Between Kumquats and Loquats

While loquats and kumquats have the same sound and similar looks, they have their dissimilarities. It includes their taste, appearance, health benefits and uses. Here, we will give a detailed explanation of their differences.

Appearance

When comparing Loquat Vs Kumquat, their appearance is a key difference. The shape and color of kumquats are oval (or round) and orange. In comparison, it is a bit smaller than an olive fruit.

Meiwa kumquat is round and average-sized, with several seeds that can be somewhat bitter. But the most popular kumquat is the Nagami variety. The shape is oval, while the color is yellowish-orange. It grows as much as 1.2 inches in thickness.

You can find some ranges of loquats, each being slightly different from another. Generally, they appear in pear shapes and have soft, dark orange to yellowish skin. You can find a red-blushed or white skin variety of the fruit. In the same way, the skin can be downy but rigid and edible, with yellowish cream flesh. Each loquat has two to four seeds.

Health Benefits

Kumquats are loaded with vital nutrients for your health. Thus, they contain many vitamins A, C, E and B-Complex. They have essential minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper.

Similarly, loquats can boast of essential nutrients. However, they have rich antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation.

Taste

When comparing Loquat Vs Kumquat, their taste is a key difference. Loquats can be said to possess a sweet and sour taste, closely related to that of apricots, tangerines and mangoes. You can describe them as sweet and succulent when ripe, with floral traces. You can equally find yourself eating some varieties with pear-like tastes. Loquats are tropical fruits you can hardly resist if you are a fan.

Kumquats have the same citrusy taste as orange. But their skin is thin and sweet, unlike that of oranges, which is bitter. Surprisingly, the skin is the most precious component of the fruit. It is equally soft and somehow chewy and houses a juicy core. The juice of kumquats can range from sweet to tart, according to the ripeness level and variety you eat.

Uses

When comparing Loquat Vs Kumquat, their taste is a key difference. You can snack on raw kumquats to derive the best of it. They also serve as a fruity dessert and good holiday spread decoration. You can slice and candy them as part of a tasty dessert. If you like, you can puree and juice them as you prepare your oranges.

Since they are sweet, you may not need to peel their skin before using your kumquats. But it is necessary to strain out the seeds before you use them. Kumquats can also be good for cooking, and this reduces their tarts. Cooked kumquats make excellent jams, chutneys and marmalades, which you can use to consume your roasted or grilled meat and similar dishes.

For loquats, you can choose to consume them raw or slice them into bits as an additive to a fruit salad. They also serve as great jams and light syrups for your meal. In addition, you can blanch, peel, seed and freeze your loquats to be used later. You can also bake them into pies and desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions – Loquat Vs Kumquat

Conclusion – Loquat Vs Kumquat

Knowing the difference between loquats and kumquats, it will be great if you can use them well. The most important thing is to understand their appearances, color and taste. They both have loads of vitamins and minerals that benefit your health.