The Holy Writ “ kumquat ” comes from the Cantonese “ kam kwat , ” which translates to “ golden orange tree . ” kumquat are aboriginal to Southeast Asia and have been develop wild since ancient times . The yield were first documented in China in the twelfth 100 , produce for culinary , medicinal , and ethnic uses , and were symbolically believed to bring good luck and prosperity when placed in household .
Kumquats were also extensively naturalize in Taiwan , Japan , the Philippines , and India in the early historic period . In 1846 , Kumquats were introduced into Europe by Robert Fortune , a Scots phytologist who was also a plant explorer for the London Horticultural Society . From Europe , Kumquats were brought to North America with immigrants and were planted in Florida as a potential yield for commercial cultivation .
Kumquats resemble miniature oranges , typically ellipse or round , and about the size of it of a large Olea europaea . Their skin is bright orange when ripe . Unlike other citrus fruits , the cutis of the kumquat tree is sweet and edible , while the form can be tart or sour . This creates a delightful direct contrast in flavors when eaten whole .
Kumquats are quite hardy for citrus plants . They can tolerate dusty temperatures than many other citrus yield but still thrive best in warm to subtropical climates . They ’re popular in domicile garden because they can be grown in mountain , making them suitable for smaller space or as decorative Tree due to their decorative appeal when fruit .
Kumquats have multiple fruiting season throughout the twelvemonth in Asia and Southeast Asia . In the United States , the fruits are primarily available in the winter through former summertime .
Kumquats can be eaten fresh , skin and all , which is how they ’re often consumed to enjoy the contrast between the sweet rind and tart flesh . They ’re used in marmalade , kettle of fish , and chutneys . Kumquats can also be glaze , pickle , or used in salad and desserts . In mixology , the fruits are used as an eatable garnish and can be impregnate into vodka for a citrus gadget . The yield can also be sliced and stirred into champagne cocktail , fruit punches , or sparkle juice .
In various culture , kumquat tree are used in traditional dish antenna . For example , in Chinese culinary art , they ’re often preserved in sugar or dear and eaten during the Lunar New Year for good luck , symbolizing prosperity .
Kumquats pair well with nuts such as Prunus dulcis , pecan , and walnut , fruits , including calamondin , stock oranges , pineapple plant , kiwis , cranberry , and cherries , mint , dearest , ginger , meats such as pork , duck’s egg , and domestic fowl , seafood , and greens including cresson , spinach , endive , and frisee .
Kumquats are an excellent source of vulcanized fiber to regulate the digestive tract and vitamin C to strengthen the resistant arrangement and cut down kindling . The fruits also contain manganese , vitamin A to conserve healthy organ operation , Ca to protect bone and teeth , and provide lower amount of Fe , zinc , K , vitamin E , and copper . Inside the sweet peel , essential oils such as limonene and flavonoid offer antioxidant and anti - instigative properties . herb doctor in Asia also utilize Kumquats as a redress for symptom of colds and grippe . The fruit are traditionally smash , mixed with ginger , Strategic Arms Limitation Talks , and honey , and steeped as a soothing tea .
Kumquats have been hybridized with other citrus tree to create new fruit like the limequat , lemonquat , and orangequat . There are several varieties , let in the most vernacular Nagami ( oval ) and Meiwa ( pear-shaped , sweeter , and often seedless ) . There ’s also the Marumi , Hong Kong Wild , and others , each with slight sport in flavor and shape .
Today Kumquats are primarily grown in California and Florida of the United States , sometimes on a minuscule weighing machine in Texas and Louisiana , and are also cultivated in Asia , the Middle East , South Africa , Australia , Europe , and Central and South America . When in season , the yield can be discover fresh at farmer ’s markets , metier grocers , and select supermarket .
Types of Kumquats
Nagami Kumquat ( Fortunella margarita )
Marumi Kumquat ( Fortunella japonica )
Meiwa Kumquat ( Fortunella crassifolia )
Hong Kong Kumquat ( Fortunella hindsii )
Jiangsu Kumquat ( Fortunella obovata )
Centennial Variegated Kumquat
Malayan Kumquat ( Fortunella polyandra )
Australian Kumquats ( varies but often refer to Fortunella coinage )
Calamondin ( Citrofortunella microcarpa )
Limequat ( Citrus × Fortunella crossbreed )
