Kumquat refers to a very small citrus fruit with the unique quality of having a sweet skin and bitter flesh. Also, it is a fruit which resembles a miniature orange. It is sometimes mistaken for a citrus fruit, but actually belongs to the genus Fortunella. The kumquat, also spelled cumquat, has a thin, sweet skin with a tart, sour flesh.
The kumquat can be eaten whole, though some find its juicy center to be too sour.These are used in pastry making, preserves, and chutneys. It is also often candied or used to make preserves and jelly. In China, kumquats are sometimes preserved whole in sugar syrup and sold in restaurants as desserts, or preserved in salt and served with the brine mixed with hot water to treat sore throats. A kumquat liqueur can be made be soaking the fruit in a clear spirit. Kumquats are also added to salads, as well as used to make marmalades and sauces.
Kumquat
Selection Information
Usage: In fruit salads, gelatins, fruit drinks & desserts.
Selection: Texture of the kumquat is juicy, the flavor is tart then sweet and the fruit contains tiny white seeds, but the entire fruit is edible. Good-quality kumquats will be firm, bright orange and fairly large.
Avoid: Avoid product that is too small, overly soft or wrinkled.
Seasonal Information
available December to May from Southern California and Florida.
Kumquat Nutritional Information
12 calories per fruit.
Kumquat
Related Articles | |
Salak | ■■■■■■■■■ |
Salak (Salacca zalacca) one of popular Thai fruit described as pear-shaped, with dark brown scaly skinthick . . . Read More | |
Hong | ■■■■■■■■ |
Hong is a Vietnamese term meaning "persimmon" Vietnam has many kinds of persimmon such as: (1) "My" which . . . Read More | |
Dalanghita | ■■■■■■■■ |
Dalanghita in the food context refers to a type of citrus fruit that is widely cultivated and consumed . . . Read More | |
Cherry | ■■■■■■■■ |
Indian: Cherry, CherrypazhamThe cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus Prunus, and is a fleshy . . . Read More | |
Imbe | ■■■■■■■ |
Imbe refers to a tropical fruit with bright orange skin that hails from eastern Africa, though it is . . . Read More | |
Combava | ■■■■■■ |
Combava refers to a citrus fruit with a strong aroma used in Reunion Island cooking. Combava's zest and . . . Read More | |
Naranga | ■■■■■■ |
Naranga, commonly known as orange, is a citrus fruit with widespread popularity in the culinary world. . . . Read More | |
Plum | ■■■■■■ |
Plum refers to a round, juicy stone fruit. Several varieties include: GreengageMirabelleBullaceJapaneseVictoria. . . . Read More | |
Rambutan | ■■■■■■ |
Rambutan in the food context refers to a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, often recognized by . . . Read More | |
Filling | ■■■■■■ |
Filling may refer to a food mixture used for stuffingIn the food context, filling refers to the mixture . . . Read More |