Orange County, CA was once the largest growing area of loquat in the United States, but was grown commercially throughout coastal California. And people bought and ate loquat. Pretty much, loquat grows wherever citrus grows. There are many varieties that have been selected over the years. There were close to a 1000 acres grown in the State. But most of the growing is confined to backyards now. The Spaniards have a nice loquat industry. Orange Counties is no more. Is it time for the American consumer to get a new introduction?

There is a nice write up of loquat in the CA Rare Fruit Growers (CRFG) website - https://crfg.org/wiki/fruit/loquat/ . But now there's a big book that cover all aspects of the Loquat - “Loquat: Botany, Production and Uses”. This book is the first big book in English on loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). Over 31 experts in their fields helped in preparing this book.
This book covers all the updated information compiled by eminent loquat researchers round the world. The book provides a comprehensive survey of loquat growing from a scientific and horticultural perspective covering different issues including origin, history, production and processing, taxonomy, botany and plant development, propagation, biotechnology, orchard management, flowering and fruit set, fruit growth and development and ripening, pests and diseases, and postharvest management. The book is mainly targeted at loquat researchers, teachers and academics, students, advisers and industry support personnel.

For more information: https://cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/9781800620988.0000