🍯 Sweet Juicy Loquats Recipe
(Caramelized Loquats with Honey & Citrus)
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 2 cups (about 500 g) fresh loquats, ripe but firm
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or orange zest for a floral twist)
- 1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cardamom for warmth
Instructions
- Prepare the loquats
- Wash and halve the loquats.
- Remove seeds and the thin papery seed coat inside.
- If the skins are thick or tough, you can peel them — though they’re usually fine to leave on.
- Make the caramel base
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add honey and brown sugar, stirring until it begins to bubble and turn golden.
- Cook the loquats
- Add the loquats, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir gently to coat all the fruit in the syrup.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the loquats are tender but not mushy and the syrup thickens slightly.
- Optional flavor boost
- For extra depth, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cardamom while cooking. Remove before serving.
- Serve warm or chilled
- Serve immediately over vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or crepes.
- Or let cool and refrigerate for up to 5 days — the syrup gets even more flavorful!
Serving Ideas
- 🍨 Dessert: Spoon over ice cream, panna cotta, or cheesecake.
- 🍞 Breakfast: Swirl into oatmeal or spread on toast with ricotta.
- 🥞 Brunch: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Tip
If your loquats are very juicy or soft, shorten the cooking time and reduce the honey a little — they’ll release plenty of natural sweetness.