Food glossary

A variety of fruit

Nisperos

An exotic fruit, also known as loquat, which originates from China. Nisperos are a yellowy orange pear-shaped fruit with large, hard seeds and can be up to 8cm in length. They have a sweet flavour which is like a mixture of apricots, apples and plums. Waitrose sell nisperos in packs of 6.

Uses: Nisperos can be eaten raw. Slice and serve with cheese or cold meats. They are particularly good for making into jams, jellies and relishes if the seeds are included during cooking they will impart an almond-like flavour.

To store: Keep in the fridge and use within 2 days. Allow to come to room temperature if eating raw.To prepare: Peel the nisperos - the skin will pull away quite easily once you start it off. Score into quarters lengthways, pull apart and discard the hard brown seeds and the thin skin surrounding them.