Japanese medlar, otherwise known as nispero or loquat, is a tree that comes from Asia. Its bright orange fruits are sweet and round, somewhat similar to apricots, little peaches or kaki fruit. They can be eaten raw, but they are also widely used in processing as a popular ingredient in cakes, jams, jellies, juices and sauces, and even wine or liqueurs. Loquat is grown in China, Japan, Israel, Spain and Portugal. Marmalade made of this fruit is sweet and sour and is perfect with fresh bread and lightly salted butter.
