Kumquat vs. Loquat - What's the difference?

Kumquats and loquats are two of the most underrated and underutilized fruits of all time that, while they sound and look a bit alike, are very different in terms of their taste, their uses, and the climate in which they are grown.

When in season, kumquats are available at the farmer’s market and are well-stocked in both grocery and specialty stores. Loquats, on the other hand, are a bit difficult to find and are usually imported and a bit expensive.

It’s important to know their differences so that the next time you come across these delicious fruits, you’ll know what to expect from each one and feel more comfortable incorporating them into your recipes.

So what is the difference between a kumquat and a medlar? Kumquats are citrus fruits with a sweet-sour flavor and an appearance similar to a tiny, oblong orange. Loquats are in the same family as apples, pears, peaches, and nectarines, and have a smooth, dark orange skin.

Read on to learn the differences between kumquats and loquats based on their flavor, size, texture, appearance, and uses—and whether or not they can be substituted for each other!

What are kumquats?

Kumquats (Cantonese for “golden orange” or “golden mandarin”) are tiny citrus fruits that grow on small, bush-like trees in hot climates.

Often used in gardens, kumquats are abundant in East Asia and are at their best in December and January.

The fruit resembles an orange in shape and color, although it is much smaller, and belongs to the same family as oranges, lemons, and limes.

Kumquats are usually round or oblong and are enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some common varieties are Nagami and Meiwa.

The Nagami kumquat is a small, easy-care evergreen plant and is the most common kumquat grown in the United States.

It tends to have a more bitter taste, and in addition to the delicious fruit, your tree also bears sweet-smelling white flowers.

The Meiwa, on the other hand, is usually sweeter and rounder and is more common to find it in China. Although it was introduced to the United States in 1910, it is still a rarity here.

What are loquats?

Loquats, also called Japanese medlars, are Asian fruits cultivated for thousands of years.

They belong to the apple, pear, and peach family, are round or pear-shaped, and have a sweet to spicy flavor, depending on the variety.

The medlar is a large evergreen shrub that grows where citrus. It is a medium-sized tree, with a short trunk and woolly twigs, which can reach up to 6 or 7 meters, and in which the medlars grow in clusters of 4 to 30.

Loquats are best during the months of April, May, and June, and are harvested when ripe. The tree’s white flowers are highly fragrant and add beauty to gardens where loquats are planted.

Some common varieties are Algerian (Algar) and Tanaka, of which the former is sweeter and more suitable for eating fresh. The Tanaka, on the other hand, is more bitter and more suitable for use in the kitchen.

Difference Between Kumquats and Loquats

Kumquats and loquats may sound and look similar, but they are very different from each other in terms of taste, appearance, nutrition, and uses. Let’s see their differences in detail.

Taste

Kumquats have a similar citrus flavor profile to oranges, although their thin peel tastes sweet rather than bitter. In fact, it is the sweetest part of the fruit.

The soft, somewhat chewy rind gives way to its juicy interior, which can range from sweet to sour depending on the kumquat variety and the level of ripeness.

Loquats have a bittersweet flavor that is often reminiscent of mangoes, apricots, and tangerines.

They are quite sweet and juicy when ripe and have floral undertones. Some varieties even have a pear-like flavor. If you like tropical fruits, you will surely love medlars!

Aspect

The loquat fruit is round or oval and resembles an orange in color and shape. However, its size is much smaller, similar to that of an olive.

The Nagami variety is the most common species, which is oval in shape, yellow-orange in color, and grows to about 2.5 cm in diameter.

Meiwa kumquats are medium in size, round in shape and contain many seeds that taste slightly bitter when eaten.

Loquats come in many varieties, each with a slightly different appearance. They are usually pear-shaped, with smooth dark-orange to yellowish-orange skin, which can sometimes be reddish or white.

They have a slightly spongy but firm edible skin and a creamy yellow flesh with 2-4 large seeds in the center.

Health benefits

Although kumquats are small in size, they are packed with essential nutrients. They are high in vitamins A, C, E and the B complex, and also include vital minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, zinc, potassium and manganese.

Loquats are also a nutritional powerhouse that is abundant in antioxidants and has been shown to reduce inflammation.

Applications

Loquats are best enjoyed raw as a sweet and sour appetizer. They can be used as a fruity palate cleanser and as part of a party decoration.

They are also often sliced and candied to make a delicious addition to desserts and, like oranges, can be juiced and pureed.

Since its skin is smooth and sweet in flavor, it is not necessary to peel the fruit. However, you will need to strain out its tiny seeds (which you can do with this little strainer!).

Cooking loquats reduces their acidity, making them a popular choice for preserves, jams and chutneys that can pair wonderfully with savory dishes such as roast and grilled meats.

Loquats can also be enjoyed raw and cut into pieces to add to a fruit salad. Like kumquats, they can be cooked to a light syrup and can easily be made into jams and preserves.

They can be blanched, peeled, deseeded, and frozen for later use, and baked into pies and desserts.

Related questions

Now that you know all the differences between kumquats and loquats, here are some additional questions we thought you might have:

Can kumquats be substituted for medlars?

Kumquats and loquats are different fruits with different flavor profiles and it may not be the best idea to substitute them for each other, especially if you are looking for their unique flavor.

The kumquat is a citrus fruit, while the loquat is related to apples, pears, apricots, and cherries. Loquat tastes very different from kumquat and has a mild flavor similar to mango or peach.

Some good substitutes for kumquat are clementines, oranges, lemon wedges, calamansi, and berries with a squeeze of lemon juice.

If you don’t have access to loquats, you can use any juicy fruit with a good balance of sweetness and acidity, such as apricots or plums.

How to choose the best medlars?

For the best flavor, loquats should be picked from the tree and eaten when yellow. They are not as flavorful once they turn orange.

They should be consumed a day or two after being picked, as they can ripen very quickly. You can freeze them to keep them longer.

How can you tell if a medlar is bad?

A medlar in poor condition will have some signs that indicate that it is no longer suitable for use. It will have a waxy or slimy feel, a brown outer layer, and start to smell musty.

You will be able to feel the moisture inside and if it is dripping with juices and has mold on the outside, don’t risk eating it and get rid of it immediately.

What is a limequat?

Limequat is a hybrid between lime and kumquat, combining the tartness of lime with the sweetness of kumquat. It can be used in various recipes in place of lemons or limes.