Kumquat Vs Loquat – What’s The Difference?
Kumquats and loquats are two of the most underrated and underutilized fruit of all time which, although sound and look a bit similar, are very different in terms of their taste, uses, and the climate that they are grown in.
When in season, kumquats are available in the farmers’ market and are well-stocked in both grocery stores and specialty stores. Loquats, on the other hand, are a little difficult to find and are usually imported and a bit expensive.
It is important to know their differences so that the next time you come across these delicious fruits, you know what to expect from each and will be more comfortable incorporating them into your recipes.
So, what is the difference between a kumquat and a loquat? Kumquats are citrus fruit with a sweet-tart flavor and an appearance similar to a tiny, oblong orange. Loquats belong to the same family as apples, pears, peaches, and nectarines, and have smooth, dark orange skin.
Read on to find out the differences between kumquats and loquats based on their flavor, size, texture, appearance, and uses, and whether or not they can be substituted with each other!
What Are Kumquats?
Kumquats (Cantonese for “golden orange” or “golden tangerine”) are tiny citrus fruits that grow on small, shrub-like trees in warm-weather climates.
Typically used in landscaping, kumquat trees are found in abundance in Eastern Asia and are at their best in December and January.
The fruit resembles an orange in its shape and color, although much smaller in size, and belongs to the same family as oranges, lemons, and limes.
Kumquats are typically round or oblong and are enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some common varieties include Nagami and Meiwa.
The Nagami kumquat is a small, evergreen plant that is easy to care for and is the most common kumquat tree grown in the United States.
It is usually tarter in taste and, in addition to the delicious fruit, its tree also bears sweet-smelling white flowers.
Meiwa, on the other hand, is usually sweeter and rounder and is more commonly found in China. Although it was introduced into the United States in 1910, it remains somewhat of a rarity here.
What Are Loquats?
Loquats, also called the Japanese loquat, are Asian fruit cultivated for thousands of years.
They belong to the apple, pear, and peach family, are either rounded or pear-shaped, and have a sweet to tangy taste depending on their variety.
The loquat tree is a large evergreen shrub that grows where citrus trees do. It is a medium-sized tree with a short trunk and wooly twigs that can reach up to 20-30 feet, growing loquats in clusters of 4-30.
Loquats are best during the months of April, May, and June, and are harvested when ripe. The white blossoms on the tree are very fragrant and add beauty to gardens where loquat trees are planted.
Some common varieties include the Argelino (Algar) and the Tanaka, out of which the former is sweeter and more suitable for eating fresh. The Tanaka, on the other hand, is tarter and more suitable for use in cooking.
Difference Between Kumquats And Loquats
Kumquats and loquats may sound and look similar but they are very different from one another in terms of their taste, appearance, nutrition, and uses. Let’s look at their differences in detail!
Taste
Kumquats have a citrusy flavor profile similar to oranges, although their thin peel is sweet-tasting instead of bitter. It is, in fact, the sweetest part of the fruit.
The soft and somewhat chewy peel gives way to its juicy interior that can be sweet to tart depending on the kumquat variety and ripeness level.
Loquats have a sweet and sour taste that usually reminds you of mangoes, apricots, and tangerines.
They are quite sweet and juicy when ripe and have floral undertones. Some varieties even have a pear-like flavor. If you like tropical fruits, you will love loquats for sure!
Appearance
The fruit of the kumquat tree is round or oval and resembles an orange in terms of its color and shape. It is, however, much smaller in size similar to an olive fruit.
The Nagami variety is the most common species that has an oval shape, a yellowish-orange color, and grows to around 1.2 inches in diameter.
Meiwa kumquats are average-sized, round in shape, and contain lots of seeds that taste slightly bitter when eaten.
Loquats have many varieties, each with a slightly different appearance. They are generally pear-shaped with a smooth dark orange to yellowish-orange skin, which can sometimes be red-blushed or white.
They have slightly fluffy but firm edible skin and creamy yellow flesh with 2-4 large seeds in the center.
Health Benefits
Although kumquats are small in size, they are packed with essential nutrients. They are high in vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, and also include vital minerals including calcium, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, manganese.
Loquats are a nutritional powerhouse as well that are abundant in antioxidants and have been proven to reduce inflammation.
Uses
Kumquats are best enjoyed raw as a sweet-tart snack. They can be used as a fruity palate cleanser and as part of a holiday spread decoration.
They are also often sliced and candied to make a delicious addition to desserts and, like oranges, can be juiced and pureed.
Since their skin is soft and sweet-tasting, peeling the fruit isn’t necessary. You will, however, need to strain out its little seeds (which you can do with this little strainer!).
Cooking kumquats reduces their tartness, making them a popular choice for jams, marmalades, and chutneys that can pair wonderfully with savory dishes such as roasted or grilled meats.
Loquats can also be enjoyed raw and cut into pieces to add to a fruit salad. Similar to kumquats, they can be cooked into a light syrup and can be easily made into jams and preserves.
They can be blanched, peeled, seeded, and frozen for later use, and can be baked into pies and desserts.
Related Questions
Now that you know all the differences between kumquats and loquats, here are a few additional questions we thought you might have:
Can you substitute kumquats with loquats?
Kumquats and loquats are different fruit with different flavor profiles and it might not be the best idea to substitute them with one another, especially if what you’re after is their unique taste.
A kumquat is a citrus fruit whereas a loquat is related to apples, pears, apricots, and cherries. A loquat tastes very different from a kumquat and has a mild flavor resembling a mango or a peach.
A few good substitutes for kumquats include clementines, oranges, lemon slices, calamansi, and berries with a dash of lemon juice.
If you don’t have access to loquats, you can use any juicy fruit with a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, such as apricots or plums.
How do you choose the best loquats?
For the best flavor, loquats should be picked off the tree and eaten when they are yellow. They are not quite as flavorful once they turn orange.
They should be used within a day or two after being picked since they can ripen very fast. You may freeze them to preserve them for longer.
How can you tell if a loquat is bad?
A bad loquat will have a few signs that indicate it isn’t suitable for use anymore. It will have a waxy or slimy feel to it, a brownish outer layer, and will start to smell musty.
You will be able to feel moisture inside it and if it’s dripping its juices and has mold on the outside, do not risk eating it and get rid of it immediately.
What is a limequat?
The limequat is a hybrid between a key lime and kumquat, combining the tartness of the lime with the sweetness of the kumquat. They can be used in several recipes in place of lemons or limes.
If you’re interested in making kumquat marmalade, here’s a great video on how to do so!
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