Loquats in Central Texas: A Sweet Springtime Treat

Photo Attribution: Larry Hoffman on Flickr. 

As spring unfolds in Central Texas, a golden-orange fruit begins ripening on trees across the region—loquats. These small, pear-shaped fruits grow in clusters on evergreen trees and are often overlooked despite their sweet, tangy flavor. Whether found in backyards, urban landscapes, or public spaces, ripe loquats offer a delightful seasonal treat and can be transformed into delicious homemade jam.

Photo Attribution: Ed Uthman on Flickr

Harvesting Ripe Loquats

Loquats (Eriobotrya japonica) typically ripen between March and May in Central Texas, depending on the weather. When fully ripe, they turn a vibrant orange-yellow and become slightly soft to the touch. They have a delicate, tropical flavor reminiscent of apricots and peaches, with a hint of citrus. If you come across a loquat tree laden with fruit, consider harvesting some before the birds get to them first!

Photo Attribution: Eric Petruno on Flickr

Make Something Delicious!

Using local edible fruits from neighborhood trees is a delicious way to connect with the seasons and reduce food waste. Loquats, in particular, are a hidden gem—sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor. These golden fruits can be transformed into a wide range of recipes, from classic loquat jam and fruit leather to pies, salsas, chutneys, and even infused cocktails or syrups. Their versatility makes them perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, and harvesting them from local trees adds a uniquely fresh and sustainable touch to any kitchen creation.

Ready to Find Some Loquats?

Search for your local loquats using the Falling Fruit online map. Falling Fruit is a collaborative online map that helps users locate publicly accessible fruit trees, edible plants, and foraging opportunities worldwide. The platform crowdsources data from individuals, municipalities, and other sources to highlight urban food resources, encouraging sustainable foraging and reducing food waste. Just enter your address in the Address bar and loquat in the Filter bar. Zoom out and in to locate nearby loquats. 

You can also post in NextDoor and your neighborhood Buy Nothing group to see if anyone has loquats to share. Often the bounty is more than one household can use and people are happy to share their fruit, especially if you offer to help harvest!

Harvesting Local Abundance

Embracing the abundance of local fruit and nut trees in our communities is a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with nature, reduce waste, and enjoy truly fresh, seasonal flavors. Whether it’s gathering loquats from a neighbor’s tree or pecans from your local park, these overlooked resources offer endless culinary possibilities. By using what grows around us, we not only nourish ourselves but also foster a sense of community, sustainability, and appreciation for the natural gifts that often go unnoticed.

Article by Leah Haynie, Urban Forest Program, City of Austin. 

Find resources and information about Austin's urban forest at www.austintexas.gov/trees.