Key Highlights: 

• Kumquats are small, citrus fruits native to eastern Asia. 
• They come in several varieties, each with its own taste and physical properties. 
• Kumquats are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. 
• They can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. 
• They are available from November to April, with peak season being February and March. 

Introduction 

Ever heard of kumquats? They are bright, tiny fruits that hail from Eastern Asia. These little beauties, with their sweet-tart flavour and dazzling orange hue, are a real treat. They are also supposed to be good for you. So, let’s learn more about them. In this blog, we will explore the many facets of kumquats. We will discuss where they come from, what they taste like, and how they may benefit your health. On top of that, we will share hints on how to pick, keep, and cook with this wonder fruit.  

Origin of Kumquats 

Kumquats come from the Rutaceae family, just like most citrus fruits. They’ve been grown for hundreds of years in places like China, Japan, and the Philippines. After a while, they made their way to Europe and the US, finding their place in warm climates, particularly California and Florida. 

1. History and cultivation 

The story of kumquats traces back to 12th-century China.These petite fruits expanded their horizons over time and other Asian countries began to grow them too. Scottish botanist Robert Fortune brought them to Europe in the mid-19th century. Since then, kumquats have been gaining followers non-stop. 

2. Where do they grow? 

These grow in warm subtropical climates, like China, Japan, the Philippines.It is also seen in the US (especially California and Florida). These are the major kumquat cultivators. 

3. Cultivation process 

Kumquat trees can handle some cold, surviving even when temperatures drop to 18°F (-7°C). They generally like sun-soaked locations with well-draining soil. You can grow them from seeds or graft them onto other rootstocks. 

Physical appearance and varieties of Kumquat 

Did you know that kumquats come in many unique shapes and sizes? Some common kinds are: 

1. Hong Kong kumquat 

This variety is grown more as an ornament. It has tiny, large-seeded fruits that are tart and somewhat bitter. 

2. Meiwa kumquat 

Originating from China, the Meiwa variety has bigger and sweeter fruits compared to others. The egg-shaped fruits have sweet pulp and rind. 

3. Oval Kumquat 

Also called Nagami kumquat, this variety has oval-shaped fruits. The skin is sweet while the inside is tangy and a bit sour. 

4. Round kumquat 

This round fruit is native to Japan. Known as the Marumi kumquat, it has a pleasing mix of sweet and sour flavours. 

5. Jiangsu kumquat 

Jiangsu kumquats are known for their round leaves. The fruit is edible, and you can eat it raw or cook with it. 

6. Malayan kumquat 

A hybrid variety, the Malayan kumquat has thin peels and bigger fruits than other kinds. It is thought to be a cross between a kumquat and some other citrus fruit. 

Based on what I know, kumquats are small, round or oval fruits that closely resemble miniature oranges and usually do not exceed 2 inches in size.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

The Unique Taste of Kumquats 

Kumquats are a joy to the taste buds with their sweet-sour flavour mix. These little fruits are really tasty and can be a cool addition to many meals. While kumquats might look a bit like teeny oranges, their taste is completely different. 

Sweet and sour flavour balance 

Kumquat peel tastes sweet, almost like candy. The flesh, on the other hand, has a tart and slightly sour flavour. Bite into one and the clash of sweet skin and tart pulp gives you a burst of enjoyable, refreshing flavour. 

Unique texture 

The skin of a kumquat is thinner than other citrus fruits. This means you can easily eat the whole fruit. Plus, the pulp tends to be juicier and softer, giving it a nice texture when you eat it. 

Research indicates that kumquats belong to the citrus fruit category and like other citrus fruits, they contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is typically recommended for supporting a robust immune system and warding off illnesses related to a deficiency in this essential nutrient.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Health and Nutritional Benefits of Kumquats 

They are loaded with key nutrients and because of this they may potentially have a lot of health benefits, which we will be discussing below. They also fit easily into many meals and snacks. 

1. Vitamin C content 

Kumquats are a top source of vitamin C.. One serving of raw kumquats (about 100 grams or 3.5 oz) contains around 43.9 mg of vitamin C. That’s about 53% of the daily value. Vitamin C may help support the immune system in the body. 

2. Antioxidant properties 

Kumquats are rich in powerful antioxidants. These may help fight inflammation and protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. They may also lower the risk of long-term diseases like heart disease and cancer. These are its potential benefits, further probing with regards to this is needed. 

3. Dietary fiber 

Kumquats also have plenty of dietary fiber. One serving (100 grams) of raw kumquats gives you around 6.5 grams of fiber. A high-fiber diet may help improve digestion, decrease cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar. 

Other essential nutrients 

Kumquats also have small amounts of other key nutrients such as vitamin A, potassium, and folate. While you’d need to eat a lot of kumquats to get your daily nutrient needs, adding them to a balanced diet may help with overall health and wellness. 

Check out the summary table below: 

How to Eat and Cook with Kumquats 

Kumquats can be enjoyed in lots of ways. You can enjoy them raw or add them to a wide array of dishes and drinks. Their unique taste and texture add an exciting twist to both sweet and savory recipes. 

Eating the fruit raw 

One simple way to enjoy kumquats is to eat them raw. You can just have them as a snack or add them to fruit salads, yogurt, or granola. Just rinse the fruit under cool running water and eat it as is, including the skin and seeds. However, if you find the seeds are too bitter, you may choose to remove them before eating. 

• Removing the seeds and whole consumption 

To remove the seeds, you could cut the fruit in half and scoop them out or you could give the fruit a gentle squeeze to release the seeds. Remember, the skin of the kumquat is the sweetest part, so don’t throw it away. Eat the whole fruit for a delicious mix of sweet and sour. 

Cooking methods 

Kumquats can be prepared in lots of ways, from candying to baking: 

• Candying or preserving 

Kumquats can be candied or preserved, making them a delicious and pretty decoration for desserts, cheese boards, and charcuterie platters. When cooked, their natural sweetness increases, making them perfect for jams, jellies, and marmalades. 

• Adding to salads and sauces 

You can add kumquat slices to salads, fresh or lightly grilled. You can also add them to sauces, dressings, and salsas for a citrus touch and a bit of sweetness. 

• Baking and incorporating into desserts 

Kumquats can be added to baked goods like muffins, cakes, and pastries. Try them in pies, tarts, or cobblers, combined with other fruits for a blend of sweetness and tartness in every bite. 

Purchasing and Storing Kumquats 

Want to enjoy fresh, tasty kumquats? Knowing how to pick and store them right is key. 

Selecting the best kumquats 

When you buy kumquats, look for bright orange, firm ones that smell good and are free of blemishes or soft spots. 

• Appearance and texture indicators 

A good kumquat should be shiny with a bit of a waxy feel. Avoid fruits that are dull, wrinkled, or discolored. 

• When are kumquats in season? 

Kumquat season is typically from November through April. The peak is in February and March. When buying fresh kumquats, find firm, bright-orange fruits that smell good and have no blemishes or soft spots. 

Storing kumquats 

You can keep kumquats at room temp for a few days in a paper bag or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. 

• Refrigeration and shelf life 

If you are planning to store kumquats for over a week, keep them in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from drying out or getting moldy. 

• Freezing kumquats for long-term storage 

You can freeze kumquats for long-term storage. Just wash them, let them dry, then put them in a bag or container that you can freeze. After thawing, you can use the kumquats in your recipes or have them as a snack. 

Kumquat Recipes and Usage Ideas 

Now that you know all about kumquats, let’s discuss some yummy recipes you might want to try that highlight their unique taste and versatility. 

Sweet preparations 

Here are ways to use kumquats in sweet dishes: 

• Kumquat jams and preserves 

They’re great on toast, yogurt, or served with cheese and crackers. 

• Desserts and baked goods 

For a citrus hit, include kumquats in pies, tarts, cakes, muffins, and other pastries. They also pair well with fruits like berries, apples, and pears. 

Savory dishes 

Kumquats can also brighten up savory dishes. Some of them are as follows: 

• Salads and side dishes 

Add sliced kumquats to green salads, grain salads, or side dishes for a burst of citrus. They go quite well with food like avocado, nuts, and cheese. 

• Marinades and salad dressings 

Why not perk up marinades for meats or poultry with kumquat juice or slices? You can also try making kumquat-infused dressings and vinaigrettes for a tangy twist. 

Conclusion 

Kumquats are citrus fruits that people all over the world have grown to love. There are lots of varieties, each with a unique taste and texture. Apart from their amazing taste and versatility in cooking, kumquats are loaded with nutrients that may have potential health benefits, making them a smart choice as part of a wholesome, well-balanced diet.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

References: 

1. PubMed. Genomics of the origin and evolution of Citrus [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sep 19]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29414943