Loquats are not as popular as fruits like apples, mangoes, or bananas, but they are cherished in many parts of the world. These small, golden fruits have a sweet and slightly tangy taste that many people love. Because loquats grow in different countries and cultures, they are known by many different names. This can be confusing when you hear a new name and don’t realize it is the same fruit. In this post, we’ll explore the different names of loquats so that you can better understand this unique fruit.
What Are Loquats?
Loquats are small, round to oval fruits that grow on evergreen trees. They are usually about the size of a plum and turn yellow or orange when ripe. The skin is smooth or slightly fuzzy, and the flesh inside is juicy and soft. Loquats taste sweet with a mild tang, depending on how ripe they are.
Inside each fruit are a few large, shiny brown seeds, which are not edible. Loquats originally came from China and have been grown for hundreds of years. Today, they are found in many warm regions around the world and are often grown in gardens for both their fruit and their attractive trees.
Loquat Names
Below is a clear table showing some of the most common and widely used names for loquat across different regions.
| Language / Region | Name(s) |
|---|---|
| Scientific | Eriobotrya japonica |
| English | Loquat, Japanese medlar, Japanese plum, Japanese loquat |
| Japanese | Biwa, Bipa |
| Chinese | Pipa, Pi-pa, Bi-ba, Luju |
| Spanish | Níspero japonés, Nisperera, Nispolero de Japón |
| Portuguese | Nêspera, Ameixa do Japão, Magnório |
| Italian | Nespolo del Giappone, Nespola giapponese, Nispolero |
| French | Bibace, Bibassier, Néflier du Japon |
| German | Japanische Mispel, Japanische Wollmispel, Loquate |
| Arabic | Beshmelah |
| Hindi / India | Lokat, Nespli |
| Malay / Indonesian | Lokwat, Lokat, Papalaan |
| Thai | Lokhwot, Pee-pae |
| Vietnamese | Tì bà diệp, Nhót tây, Sơn tra Nhật Bản |
| Cambodia (Khmer) | Ton leap |
| Brazil | Ameixa-japonesa, Ameixa-amarela, Nêspera |
| Lesser Antilles | Prune de Japon |
| Netherlands | Japanese mispelboom |
| Puerto Rico | Níspero de España |
Recommended: 15 Fruits Similar To Loquats