Loquat is a fruit-bearing deciduous tree in the family Rosaceae with fruits called medlars loquat. The fruit is ripe here in Cyprus and the season has just started.
Mispeln compares with its distant relative of the apple in several ways; it has a lot of sugar, acid and contains pectin. Great for eating on its own or together with other fruits in fruit salad. In Cyprus and other places loquat fruit is commonly used for jams, jellies, chutneys, or canned in syrup. Less ripe fruits are used in pies. In North Cyprus you will find the fruit growing wild and is a common fruit trees in private gardens. They can be purchased at grocery stores, but can be picked up along the way for free.
In the UK you will find the fruit mainly among tropical fruits in well-stocked fruit stalls or markets.