The loquat became established in Mediterranean areas in the early 19th century but had already arrived from Japan in England in 1778. In Tuscany it is often planted on the margin of a vineyard to give its dense shade. Flowering in late October and November, the fruits develop during winter, and are the first fruits with kernels to appear in April and May. They are peculiar little apricot-coloured fruits, growing in clusters, with a large brown nut inside. In northern Italy a rather penitential fruit, sharp and acid; sweet-sour and refreshing further south. Peel it, pop it in, spit out the stone.