Description
Loquats are delicious fruits that offer a variety of health benefits. They’re low in calories but boast plenty of vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory plant compounds. This delicious all-natural jam goes perfect with cheeses, pancakes, desserts and so much more. The latest addition to the Azores islands collection of jams and preserves this exotic fruit is grown on the island of Sao Miguel on a family orchard and is produced in small batches for optimal quality and flavor.
According to legend, when Portuguese navigators reached China in the 16th century, they offered Chinese dignitaries a rose bush. The Chinese felt that this gift was an insult as the bush was full of thorns and had no flowers. To signal their displeasure, they offered the Portuguese a tree whose fruit was tart.
The Chinese planted the bush and when the first roses bloomed they marveled at their beauty and perfume.
The Portuguese upon their return to Portugal and the Azores planted the tree and admired its fruit because the sunny weather had made it deliciously sweet. They called it “nêspera” (loquat). It is the first fruit to ripen in the Spring on the Azores islands.
