Where are the main loquat-producing areas in China, and in which month do they generally ripen?
The loquat gets its name because its leaves closely resemble the shape of the musical instrument known as the pipa. As a common fruit, it has long been popular for its rich nutrition and sweet taste. But do you know when loquats all ripen? And where are the main loquat-producing areas in China?
I. Loquat growing conditions
The common loquat is native to the northern subtropics; its flowers and young fruit cannot tolerate temperatures that are too low, yet high temperatures are also unfavorable for its growth and development. Loquats grow and develop best in humid areas with annual rainfall of 1200 to 1500 mm, summer rainfall of 200 to 300 mm, and fairly even distribution of rain. Loquat seedlings have very low light requirements and should be kept out of direct sunlight, while in the later stage of fruit growth they need gentle sunlight so the fruit ripens slowly. Plains, hills, and mountains are all suitable for growing loquats, with hills and mountains being the best. This is because such areas have good light and ventilation, and cold air and standing water drain away quickly.
II. Distribution of the main loquat-producing areas
The main loquat-producing areas in China are mainly in Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Taiwan, China. Wild loquats also exist in Sichuan and Hubei. Tangqi Soft-branch White Sand in Hangzhou, Zhejiang; Dongshan in Suzhou (Zhaozhong White Sand loquat); Xishan in Suzhou (Qingzhong loquat); and Baokeng Jiefangzhong in Putian, Fujian, are China's three major loquat-producing areas.
III. Ripening periods of loquats in different regions
Unlike most fruit trees, the loquat blooms in autumn or early winter, and its fruit ripens in late spring or early summer, earlier than most fruits, so it is called “the only one among fruit trees that embodies the qi of all four seasons.” In modern times, loquats have developed into many varieties, and because the production areas and varieties differ, the ripening periods also differ; some early-maturing varieties are already on the market in March. Examples include Yunxiao and Putian loquats in Fujian. Of course, some are grown in greenhouses for off-season sales and can ripen and reach the market right after the Spring Festival.
The market times of China's main loquat-producing areas are as follows:
On the market in March: Yunxiao loquat from Fujian, Mengzi loquat from Yunnan.
On the market in April: Putian loquat from Fujian, Longquan loquat from Sichuan.
On the market in May: Dongting loquat from Jiangsu, Santan loquat from Anhui, Tangqi loquat from Zhejiang, Qingpu loquat from Shanghai.