2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Kumquat is a perennial, evergreen citrus tree or shrub up to 150 cm in height. The name kumquat in Chinese means golden orange. The fruit of the kumquat really looks like an orange, but in size it is close to a mandarin, it is even smaller than it. The plant is also known as fortunella and kinkan.
Kumquat has dense branches, glossy green leaves and white or yellow flowers. Its fruits are round (Fortunella japonica) or oval (Fortunella margarita), small, golden yellow, orange or bright orange. Their length reaches from 3 to 4.5 cm and width - 2.5 cm. The skin of the fruit is smooth, fragrant and sweet in taste. The fruit is usually divided into 4 to 7 sectors, in which there are between 2 and 5 seeds. The fruits can be eaten with the peel.
The kumquat blooms in autumn with beautiful flowers, and the fruits ripen in February and March. It has a sweet, sour juice and is usually difficult to grow. Crosses are created and grown between kumquat and citrus plants - limequat (lime and kumquat), tangerine (mandarin and kumquat), sunquat (lemon and kumquat), etc. In Europe, kumquat can only be found on the island of Corfu and in Sicily.
History of the kumquat
In 1912, botanists separated the kumquat into a separate genus, Fortunella, because its rind was thinner and sweeter than other citrus fruits. The genus consists of four species, of which only one - the Hong Kong fortunella, is found in the wild.
The plant appeared on the island of Corfu only after the First World War, but was cultivated in China since the Middle Ages. Later in the genus Fortunella, the Japanese kinkan F. japonica was separated, which, despite its name, also originates from Southeast China. It also forms a small tree with round, small, bright orange fruits.
Over the years, many natural and artificial intergeneric hybrids have emerged. That is why the plant is sometimes called the Chinese mandarin, and other times the golden orange. In the middle of the 19th century, the English spread kumquata in Europe and today it is cultivated and cultivated in China and Indochina, Japan, Florida and California.
Kumquat content
Kumquats are preferred by fans of healthy eating because they are rich in mineral salts and vitamins, and especially vitamin C. Like other citrus fruits, kumquat is low in calories. 100 g of fresh fruit contain only 71 kcal. Exotic fruit is a source of nutrients. It is rich in fiber, contains vitamins E and pectin.
Benefits of kumquat
The exotic plant is a source of healthy minerals. Kumquat contains calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc, vitamins A, C and E, dietary fiber, antioxidants such as carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, tannins. Citrus contains good levels of B vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, folate and pantothenic acid.
Growing kumquat
Grown at home, this shrub reaches from 60 cm to 1 meter, in rare cases and more. Kumquat is a light-loving plant, so it should be provided with a sunny place, and in summer it is recommended to take it outdoors. In winter it is stored in a cool bright room with a temperature between 4 and 6 degrees.
During the summer months, abundant watering of the tree is mandatory. In winter, the water should be moderate, but excessive moisture or drying of the substrate should not be allowed. The plant should be sprayed regularly, especially in the summer heat, when the air is very dry, or in winter, if the tree is in a room with heating.
It's necessary kumquat to water only with warm water at room temperature, as the leaves of the citrus plant drip from the cold water. All shoots are cut in the spring, and no more than three or four young shoots are left on each branch. The plant is propagated by cuttings.
After the age of five, the tree can be moved to a larger container. It is recommended to transplant every 2-3 years. It is best to do this in March. In spring and summer, kumquat should be fed 2-3 times a month with mineral fertilizers, wood ash or liquid fertilizer. In autumn and winter fertilization is carried out less frequently - once a month.
Kumquat in cooking
The fruits of kumquata are sour and very fragrant. They can be eaten raw, along with the peel or processed. Due to its fresh appearance and small size, kumquat is one of the favorite cocktail fruits. Sometimes he can replace the olive in the martini. In addition to decorating cocktails, kinkan perfectly complements their taste. The orange flavor in the martini can be easily replaced with fortunella. In gin and tonic, kumquat displaces lemon.
Kumquats are used to make delicious marmalades, jams, compotes, juices and tinctures. The exotic fruit is used as an addition to ice creams or fruit salads. They are also used to prepare jellies, jams, to improve the taste of fish and poultry dishes. It can be used to decorate cakes or for original decoration of dishes.
From this small fruit a spicy sauce for roasted meats is easily prepared. Cut into thin circles, kumquat goes perfectly with asparagus and pork. Undoubtedly, it has a variety of culinary applications - in addition to raw, it can be consumed dried, candied, in the form of jam, liqueur, brandy, etc.
Citrus fruit has a tonic and refreshing effect. Kumquat juice mixed with hot water relieves sore throat. Kumquat can easily be included in diets. Of course, raw, not candied or in jam.
Kumquats improve digestion, refresh and recharge the body with energy. The fruits have bactericidal action, are used to treat fungal infections and respiratory diseases.
The ingredients it contains kumquat, help reduce the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, degenerative diseases and infections. In addition, the plant has antiviral and anti-cancer properties and helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis, diabetes and more.
As mentioned, this interesting plant is widely used in cooking. With its slightly bitter and sour fruits, kumquat easily wins over lovers of spicy flavors. However, if you do not like the bitter-sour note, you can dull the taste of the fruit with honey, sugar or other spices.
Kumquat smoothie recipe
kumquat - 8 pcs., Ice - 1 tsp., Lemon juice - 2 tbsp., Honey - 1 tbsp., Cinnamon - optional
Method of preparation: Wash the kumquats well and place them in the blender bowl together with the ice and lemon juice. Grind all the ingredients. Sweeten the resulting mixture with honey and stir. Serve the smoothie in glass cups. If desired, you can sprinkle with a little cinnamon.
Certainly not everyone would like this exotic fruit, but the diversification of the daily menu with it guarantees you excellent health, a fresher and toned look.
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Kumquat Is Made From Jelly To Brandy
The kumquat is a small citrus fruit with an orange color and round shape. It grows on an evergreen shrub, which reaches a height of three meters. It looks a lot like an orange and has a very pleasant slightly sour taste. Interestingly, unlike most citrus fruits, kumquat can be eaten directly with the peel.
