Food · Fermented foods
Biwa (Loquat)
びわ (Biwa)
Also known as: Biwa, Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica fruit, 枇杷
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Biwa (Loquat)? Tell usAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | びわ |
| Common Japanese notations | びわ, 枇杷, ビワ |
| Origin | Loquat fruit (Eriobotrya japonica); cultivated in Japan since prehistoric times; principal modern production regions Nagasaki (volume leader, Mogi-biwa heritage), Chiba (Bōshū-biwa), Kagawa, Ehime; late-spring harvest (May-June) |
| Typical functions | Premium late-spring fruit retail, Biwa-cha (loquat leaf tea) — see eriobotrya-japonica-leaf-extract for the leaf, Confectionery (biwa cake, biwa jelly, canned biwa), Premium gift retail (Mogi-biwa Nagasaki, Bōshū-biwa Chiba) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard agricultural product labeling. Mogi-biwa Nagasaki, Bōshū-biwa Chiba regional brands. Not a designated allergen. |
Biwa (びわ / 枇杷) — loquat (Eriobotrya japonica fruit) — is a defining Japanese late-spring fruit with substantial regional gift retail. Nagasaki (Mogi-biwa heritage) is volume leader; Chiba (Bōshū-biwa) is also major. Note: the leaf is a separate functional ingredient (see eriobotrya-japonica-leaf-extract).
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Fresh whole biwa (May-June peak)
- Canned biwa (in syrup, established retail category)
- Mogi-biwa Nagasaki and Bōshū-biwa Chiba premium gift retail
What it is
Eriobotrya japonica fruit, late-spring Japanese specialty.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Fresh premium retail.
Canned biwa.
Confectionery (cake, jelly).
Mogi-biwa Nagasaki and Bōshū-biwa Chiba premium gift retail.
For OEM: fresh retail, canned biwa production, premium regional gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Regional brands established. Not a designated allergen.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Niche specialty positioning. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty positioning. |
| China | China has substantial loquat (枇杷) production. |
| Korea | Niche specialty positioning. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of regional origin.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Abura-age (Fried Thin Tofu)
油揚げ
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)
あげまき
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ago Dashi (Flying Fish Stock)
あごだし
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ahiru-niku (Domestic Duck)
あひる 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Aigamo-niku (Hybrid Duck)
かも あいがも 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
References
- MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — びわ 各形態
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.