Loquat: Benefits, Varieties and Cultivation
Loquat, which heralds the arrival of spring, is also known as Maltese plum and is a delicious and juicy fruit with a unique aroma. Maltese is a fruit whose homeland is China and spreads to Japan through trade and then to all countries of the world. The Loquat, which grows especially in regions where the Mediterranean climate is common, came to our country from Lebanon and Algeria. It is grown in the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey.
Loquat tree, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, is a plant that grows up to almost 10 meters in height and has large elliptical leaves. Although the Loquat tree, which is an evergreen tree, is generally grown for its fruit, it is also planted in gardens as an ornamental plant with its magnificent leaves and cream-colored flowers in some countries. Including vitamin A high percentage of these vitamins is that the Maltese orange yellow plums. Loquat, which is also a fruit rich in vitamin C and B vitamins, is also high in fiber. It also contains high amounts of iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
Loquat is a wonderful summer fruit that is preferred because of its benefits and taste. However, since it is fresh for a short time, it can be consumed in all seasons by making Maltese plum vinegar, Maltese jam, Maltese plum marmalade and Maltese compote.
Loquat Cultivation: Maltese Plum Tree
It can be grown with the seeds of the Loquat tree, namely the seeds of the Maltese plum, as well as using the Maltese plum saplings produced from steel. Maltese tree, which likes hot and tropical climates, grows in clay and sandy soils that are moist, rich in organic matter and well watered. Loquat seedlings are planted in autumn. The tree, which starts to bear fruit within a few years after planting, can live for 70 years depending on its type and the region where it is grown.
The Maltese plum tree begins to bear fruit in the spring and ends in the early summer. There should be at least 6-7 meters of spacing between Loquat trees. The pruning of the tree is done at the beginning of the spring setting. Sick and dry branches should be cut and the vaccine paste should be applied.
What are the Loquat Varieties?
There are more than 800 varieties of Loquat in the world.
Some of these varieties can be listed as Victor, Wolfe, Uzun Çukurgöbek, Ahmar, Ahdar, Agroti, Asfar, Grasse, Cardona, Golden, Golden Red, Golden Yellow, Magdall, Mammoth, Kusunoki, Premier, Obusa, Mizuho, Mogi, Safeda, Pineapple. In our country, 52 varieties of Loquat are grown. Among these varieties, the ones with commercial importance can be listed as Sayda, Tanaka, Uzun Çukurgöbek, Round Çukurgöbek, Light Çukurgöbek, Gold Nugget, Akko XIII.
What Are the Benefits of Loquat?
- Due to its high fiber content, it accelerates bowel movements and is good for constipation.
- Maltese fruit is a fruit that supports the weight loss process. Since it increases blood sugar gradually, it provides a feeling of fullness for a long time and prevents sudden hunger attacks. Its low calorie and high fiber content make it an indispensable fruit of slimming diets.
- Loquat, which is an antioxidant nutrient with its high vitamin and mineral content, protects the body against diseases by increasing body resistance. In particular, it prevents the proliferation of cancer cells.
- Loquat, which is also rich in carotene, protects eye and skin health.
- It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Loquat, which has a calming effect, regulates the body’s water balance and has an anti-vomiting effect. In addition, malt plum seed is good for kidney diseases with its diuretic feature.
- Consumption of prune during pregnancy can prevent the risk of miscarriage.
Benefits of Loquat Flower
- When the Loquat flower is dried and made into tea, it helps to reduce kidney stones and sand.
- The antioxidants in its content increase the body’s immune system and protect against infections.
- It has a detox effect by removing toxins from the body. It has a cleansing effect on the liver.
- It prevents edema by removing excess water from the body.
- It positively affects the digestive system by ensuring the regular functioning of the stomach and intestines.
- It is used in the treatment of cells renewing themselves and in the treatment of damage to cells.
- It nourishes the hair roots and scalp, making the hair lively and bushy.
- Its antioxidant feature supports the removal of wrinkles on the skin and its brighter appearance.
Benefits of Loquat Leaf
- The leaves of the Loquat tree have properties that are good for asthma and respiratory ailments. The water obtained by boiling the leaves of the Loquat tree can prevent asthma when 1 tea glass is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach for about 6 months.
- Loquat leaves, which attract attention with their expectorant properties, are especially useful for smokers. Tea prepared from Malta leaves, which reduces the harmful effects of smoking on the lungs, should be drunk on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Maltese leaf has high tannin content. Tannin is an anti-diarrheal agent. In case of diarrhea, cessation of diarrhea can be observed naturally when tea prepared from the leaves of the Loquat is consumed.
