Loquat, a southern delicacy, has a unique aroma and is juicy with a sour-sweet taste.There's an old saying that "when hungry eat loquats; when full eat loquats," indicating its digestive benefits."Eat loquats to be full" of loquats means eating them can aid digestion.Especially in summer, eating loquat can quench thirst and prevent heatstroke.Fresh loquat has a short shelf life, but if processed into candied fruit, it can extend its storage period.Last year's loquat candy, sealed and refrigerated, tastes amazing and is great for snacking or brewing in water.This time, I made loquat candy to share with friends; the sour-sweet taste was widely praised.

The homemade candied loquats have a sour-sweet flavor.

Homemade candied loquatsPreserved Kaffir Lime

Ingredients: 1500g (net weight) of ripe loquats, 750g of rock sugar, 15g of salt

　　Instructions for making secret-loquat candy

1. Choose fully ripe loquats.

2. Soak the loquats with branches and leaves in salty water for 10 minutes.

3. Rinse thoroughly, cut off the loquats from their stems, and air-dry them.

4. Place the dried loquats in a crockery jar.

5. Add rock sugar.

6. Steam using a steamer or crockpot on high heat for 3 hours.Boil, then switch to low heat and simmer for another 5 hours.

7. Pour the mixture into glass bottles while hot and remove any seeds.

8. Store the filled bottles upside down to seal; unopened they can be kept at room temperature for half a year or longer in the fridge.

9. Tips for making candied fruits: Use fully ripe loquats for better flavor.

Cooking Tip: For the best flavor, use fully ripe kaffir limes when making preserved fruit.