When I was a child, my grandmother had a giant loquat tree in her yard. Every spring, she would take advantage of the season to make a good number of jars of loquats in syrup—a true delight. Every time I make this recipe, I am transported back to my childhood without fail. This simple recipe is not only delicious but also carries a piece of history and nostalgia. Enjoy!
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Place a pot on the stove and combine the water and sugar to make the syrup. Let it boil for about 30 minutes.
While the syrup is boiling, clean the loquats, peel them, remove the seeds, and, if possible, remove the inner remnants. Take care to keep the loquats as intact as possible.
Place the prepared loquats in a bowl with a bit of lemon juice, stirring them frequently to prevent discoloration.
Once all the loquats are prepared, transfer them to glass jars.
Allow the syrup to cool slightly, then fill the jars with the syrup. Seal the jars tightly.
Place the sealed jars in a pot and perform a water bath (Baño María) for 20 minutes, starting from the moment the water begins to boil.
Use ripe loquats with firm, well-colored flesh to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Adding lemon juice to the loquats prevents them from discoloring while you prepare the syrup.
Ensure the jars are sterilized before filling them to extend the shelf life of the loquats in syrup.
How long can I store loquats in syrup?
If stored in sterilized jars and kept in a cool, dark place, loquats in syrup can last up to a year.
Can I use unripe loquats for this recipe?
It is best to use ripe loquats with firm, well-colored flesh. Unripe loquats may cause indigestion and will not taste as good.
Do I need to refrigerate the jars after sealing?
No, as long as the jars are properly sealed and sterilized, they can be stored at room temperature. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a week.
Can I reduce the sugar in the syrup?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that sugar acts as a preservative and affects the sweetness of the final product.
What is the purpose of the water bath (Baño María)?
The water bath ensures that the jars are properly sealed and sterilized, which helps preserve the loquats and prevents spoilage.
