Juicy fruit

Many, many years ago, my husband introduced me to a new fruit while on a trip to Japan.  I had never seen, nor heard of, this elongated, light orange, juicy fruit.  I'd best describe the shape as a cross between an Italian plum and a pear.

My husband called it "biwa."  While living in the US, he missed eating it each spring.  After our trip, I learned the English name for it is loquat.  However, I never saw it in the US, even at the Asian markets we frequented.  After moving here, my husband practically jumped for joy when he saw them arrive in stores in early May.  (Fruit really is seasonal here!) 

After a bit, we did not just see them in stores.  We started to notice there were biwa trees around the neighborhood.  The fruit grows in clusters on tall trees with long dark green leaves.  The light orange fruit contrasts with the dark green leaves, letting people and animals know the fruit is ready.

According to organicfacts.net, biwa can help to prevent diabetes, lower cholesterol, and protect bone mineral density. It also helps to improve gastrointestinal and vision health, strengthen the immune system, sooth the respiratory tract, boost circulation, and decrease blood pressure.  That is a lot of claims for one little fruit, but there is no harm in enjoying it regardless.

We peel the biwa by hand as the thin skin easily pulls away from the fruit.  I recommend doing this over a plate or sink, as the fruit can be super juicy, making a mess in the process.  I then either gently bite it or break it in half to remove the large seeds in the center.

The flavor is gentle, sweet, and reminiscent of a very ripe melon, but also is a flavor all to its own.  I didn't need a second taste to know I loved this fruit.  It only took one bite and I was hooked.