How to store loquats to keep them fresh for a longer period?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Place the loquats in a plastic bag or airtight container and store them in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment at a temperature of 0-5℃. This will reduce the respiration rate of the loquats and delay spoilage. However, care should be taken to avoid storing them with foods that have strong odors to prevent odor absorption. They can typically be stored for 5-7 days. After washing and air-drying the loquats, peel and remove the seeds, then place them in a sealed bag.
Loquat can usually be preserved for a longer period through refrigeration, quick freezing, soaking in salt water, preservation with dry grass, or processing into loquat jam. The specific methods are as follows:
1. Refrigeration: Place the loquats in a plastic wrap or a sealed container and store them in the refrigerator's chilling compartment at a temperature of 0–5°C. This method reduces the respiration rate of the loquats and delays spoilage. However, avoid storing them with foods that have strong odors to prevent odor absorption. They can generally be preserved for 5–7 days.
2. Quick freezing: Peel and remove the seeds from the loquats after washing and drying them thoroughly. Place them into sealed bags, expel the air, and store them in the freezer at around -18°C. Quick-frozen loquats can be stored for several months, although their texture may become relatively softer after thawing.
3. Soaking in salt water: Prepare a basin of light salt water and soak the loquats in it for 5–10 minutes. Then remove them, drain and dry them thoroughly, and seal them in plastic bags. Salt water helps disinfect and inhibit microbial growth, thereby prolonging the storage life of loquats, which can be preserved for about 3–5 days.
4. Preservation with dry grass: Line the bottom of a cardboard box with a layer of dry grass, place the loquats neatly inside, and cover them with another layer of dry grass. Dry grass absorbs the moisture released by the loquats, maintaining a dry environment and preventing spoilage. Store the box in a cool, well-ventilated place, where the loquats can be preserved for about a week.
5. Processing into loquat jam: Remove the skin and seeds from the loquats, then add an appropriate amount of sugar and water and cook them into jam. Transfer the jam into clean, airtight jars while still hot, seal them tightly, and refrigerate after cooling. This allows for long-term storage and convenient usage, for example, spreading on bread or making desserts.
Loquats should not be stored for a long time at room temperature, especially in hot and humid conditions, as this accelerates spoilage. Please note that regardless of the storage method used, extended storage may lead to a decline in the texture and nutritional value of the loquats.
