Are you living in a warm climate and require a plant that is decorative as well as a good food source? Then you should try a kumquat. It can give pleasure to your eyes as well as your palate. Now let’s check these 10 facts about kumquat and learn more about this fruit.
10 Facts about Kumquat
The kumquat originated in China around 12,000 years ago. It was also reported to be cultivated in Japan since prehistoric times.
In 1846, Robert Fortune, a collector for the London Horticultural Society, introduced this queen of weird fruits in Europe. Subsequently, the kumquat reached North America and today is one of the most popular cultivated fruits in California and Florida.
Though the kumquat was originally placed in the Citrus family, later botanists transferred it to the family Fortunella.
Kumquat trees not only produce delicious fruits but are also widely used as ornamental plants for their shiny leaves and summer-blooming white flowers.
The fruits of kumquat trees are small and edible and can easily be mistaken by a layperson for an orange. It resembles a lot in color, size, nature, and texture with the orange.
The fruits are oval in shape, yellow or orange, and contain fleshy juicy pulp.
Kumquats are available in markets from December to June. While buying these fruits make sure that the fruits are a bit hard and without any bruises or soft patches. The fruits can stay well at room temperature for a week or two. However, they should be packed in a plastic bag or container to keep in the refrigerator.
A kumquat is best eaten fresh. You can cut the fruit into slices and add them to salads or mix them in your desserts.
Kumquats are used for preparing jam, jelly, marmalade and can be dipped into syrup for future use. Kumquats are also found in a candied form in some grocery stores, where they are treated as Chinese confectionery.
A kumquat is not only tasty it is nutritious too. They are a rich source of Vitamin A and C and fiber. The kumquat is free from cholesterol, fat, or sodium and contains traces of calcium and iron.
Hope you enjoy these ten interesting facts about kumquat!
