Plant FAQs: Kumquat

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Bài viết do あかめ【Akame】 (@akame1623) chia sẻ

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What is a kumquat?

Kumquats are so weird! They look like tiny, shrunken oranges, no bigger than a large olive. I’ve only tried them a couple of times because they sort of freak me out – the whole idea of eating the peel of a citrus fruit is bizarre. But when I worked up the nerve, I was surprised! The peel is actually sweet and almost candy-like, which is a great contrast to the super tart, sour juice inside. It’s a full-on flavor rollercoaster, and honestly, I kind of love it.

How to eat a kumquat?

Okay, so I’m not the biggest fan of the full kumquat experience because that sourness blast in the middle is a lot for me. There’s a trick I learned that makes them a lot more enjoyable though. First, you gently roll the kumquat between your fingers – this breaks up the pulp inside and makes the sweet peel flavors stronger. Then, I make a tiny bite in the end and squish out most of the juice. Once it’s less juicy, I pop the whole thing in my mouth and chew. That way, I get the sweetness of the peel upfront, and then the tartness mixes in more gradually.

What does a kumquat taste like?

A kumquat tastes like a super-concentrated, mixed-up citrus experience. Imagine a tiny orange where someone flipped the flavors – the peel is sweet and sunshine-y, almost like candied orange zest, and then the inside is this crazy burst of sour that reminds me of a super tart lemonade. It’s a bit of a shock to your tastebuds at first, but the way the sweet and the sour play off each other is weirdly addictive.

Are kumquats good for you?

From what I understand, kumquats are definitely a healthy snack! They’re packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and they have a lot of fiber too. That makes them filling and good for digestion. I’ve also heard they have antioxidants, and those are supposed to be good for fighting off all sorts of health problems. Honestly, I wouldn’t eat them just for the health benefits since the flavor is so intense, but it’s a nice bonus knowing they’re good for me.

What does a kumquat look like?

Kumquats look like miniature, slightly squished oranges. They’re usually bright orange in color and about the size of a large olive or grape. Sometimes they can be round, but more often they have a slightly oblong shape. The main difference from an orange is that you can eat the whole peel of a kumquat.

When are kumquats in season?

I usually see kumquats popping up in stores during the colder months. It seems like they’re mainly a winter and early spring fruit. I’ve spotted them at the farmers’ market starting in December and as late as March or April sometimes. It might depend on where you live too – I hear they grow kumquats in California and Florida, so the seasons could vary slightly.

What to do with kumquats?

Honestly, I’m still figuring this one out! Kumquats have such a unique flavor that it can be a little tricky to figure out how to use them. I love the idea of making kumquat marmalade – I bet that sweet and sour combo would be amazing on toast. They also seem perfect for adding to cocktails, maybe muddled with some mint and a splash of rum. And candying them sounds interesting – that would tone down the tartness and make a fun, unusual snack.

Where can i buy kumquats?

Finding kumquats can be a little bit of an adventure since they’re not as common as regular oranges. Here’s where I’d check:

Farmers’ Markets: Your best bet, especially when they’re in season. Farmers who grow specialty fruits often have them.
Asian Groceries: Kumquats are grown in parts of Asia, so check out Asian grocery stores or markets.
Specialty Produce Stores: Places that focus on more unusual fruits and vegetables might carry them.
Online: If everything else fails, you can sometimes find them through online retailers specializing in fresh produce.

Can dogs eat kumquats?

While the fleshy inside of a kumquat itself isn’t technically toxic for dogs, it’s generally best to avoid feeding them kumquats. The main issue is that they’re citrus fruits, and the acidity can really give dogs an upset tummy. Also, the peel and seeds of kumquats can potentially cause digestive problems or even blockages. It’s better to stick to dog-friendly fruits as treats – things like apples or blueberries are safer options.

Is calamansi and kumquat the same?

Calamansi and kumquats are definitely similar, but not exactly the same! They’re both small, super tart citrus fruits with edible peels. However, calamansi are a hybrid of kumquats and another citrus fruit (likely a mandarin orange). This means they have a slightly different flavor profile compared to a pure kumquat. While both are very sour, calamansi tend to have a bit more of a distinct lime-like tang to them.

What color is kumquat?

Kumquats are typically a bright, vibrant orange color – just like miniature versions of regular oranges! Sometimes they can be a little more on the yellow-orange side, but they’re usually in the orange family.

When do kumquat trees bear fruit?

Kumquat trees usually flower in the summer and the fruits ripen during the cooler months. Harvest season can vary depending on the specific type of kumquat and your location, but generally, you’ll find ripe kumquats from around November or December through March or even April.

Can you eat kumquat seeds?

Yes, you can technically eat kumquat seeds, but they’re not particularly tasty. Like many citrus seeds, they’re quite bitter. Most people either choose to spit them out while eating the kumquat, or cut the kumquat in half and remove the seeds before eating. It’s really up to your preference!

Can you freeze kumquats?

Absolutely! Freezing kumquats is a great way to keep them around longer. Here’s how to do it:

Wash and dry: Give the kumquats a good rinse and pat them dry thoroughly.
Slice or whole: You can freeze them whole or slice them for easier use later.
Optional: Simple Syrup: If you want to preserve that sweetness, you can make a light syrup (water and sugar) and submerge the kumquats in it. This isn’t totally necessary, though.
Freeze: Spread them out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together and pop them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

Frozen kumquats should last for several months!

How to make kumquat jam?

Here’s a basic idea of how to make kumquat jam. There are many recipes with tweaks and variations, but this will give you a good starting point:

Ingredients:

1 pound kumquats
1 – 1 ½ cups sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

Prep the kumquats: Wash and slice them thinly, removing any seeds.
Cook: Combine the kumquats, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Simmer until jammy: Let the mixture simmer for about 30-45 minutes or until it thickens and the kumquat rind is soft. You can test the thickness by dropping a bit on a cold plate – it should gel slightly.
Can (optional): For long-term storage, ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace, and process in a hot water bath following proper canning techniques.
Enjoy! If not canning, let the jam cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks.

Tips:

The pectin trick: To help the jam set, tie any kumquat seeds in cheesecloth and toss it into the pot while cooking. Pectin in the seeds will thicken it naturally.
Flavor additions: Try adding spices like cinnamon or a bit of star anise for warmth.
Get creative: Kumquat jam pairs well with other fruits – try mixing in some berries for fun flavor combos!

Do kumquat trees lose their leaves in winter?

While kumquat trees are fairly hardy, they can experience some leaf loss in winter under certain circumstances:

Extreme Cold: If you live in a region with very cold winters and your kumquat tree experiences prolonged freezing temperatures, it can lose some of its leaves.
Drastic Light Changes: Kumquats moving between very different light levels (like from indoors to outdoors, or vice versa) might shed some leaves in adjustment.
Other Stressors: Factors like underwatering, overwatering, or nutrient problems can also cause leaf drop, regardless of the season.

However, it’s important to note that some leaf shedding is normal, even for healthy trees. Older leaves naturally fall off throughout the year to make way for new growth.

How to make kumquat marmalade?

Here’s a simple kumquat marmalade recipe to get you started. There are lots of variations out there, so feel free to adjust and experiment!