Kumquat - what is it? Methods of use and useful properties of an exotic fruit

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Kumquat has several names: in European countries it is often called fortunenella, and in Japan - kinkan. This citrus plant comes from China, where it is called the "golden apple". Like other, more familiar citrus fruits, Fortunella produces fruits of bright orange color (though small in size) with a characteristic aroma. But to taste, it does not particularly resemble either an orange or a tangerine. Moreover, unlike their counterparts, kumquat is eaten with the peel (although it has a taste of essential oils, it is sweeter than other citrus fruits).

As for the benefits of this exotic fruit, it is huge. To the question: "Kumquat - what is it?" the correct answer would be - a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. This delicious baby contains a truly incredible amount of potassium and calcium, folic acid and pectin,as well as vitamins A, B, C and P. Moreover, they are rich in fresh kumquat, dried, and also cooked in the form of jam (in the latter version, of course, there is less benefit than in the others). Fortunella also contains a unique natural bactericidal and antifungal component called furocoumarin. Thanks to him, the kinkan perfectly fights infections that affect the respiratory, digestive and other systems of the human body.

Unfortunately, kumquats are not very common in our markets. What it is and where you can buy it, not all fruit distributors know. And even if fresh Fortunella is on sale, the price for it will be exorbitant compared to other citrus fruits.

In addition to fighting infections, kumquat is indicated for stress, for the prevention of peptic ulcer, in addition, it is great for a hangover. Surprisingly, only a few miniature fruits are able to completely eliminate the symptoms of a serious feast.

As for the use of Fortunella, the easiest option is to eat it just fresh. This fruit is pleasant to the taste, sweet and sour, with a pronounced citrus flavor. The only thing that can cause trouble when using it is the bones, which are quite a lot in some varieties of kinkan. In many salads (and not only fruit ones), kumquat can also be added. The photos, which show sections of miniature citrus fruits in a salad, just speak of his presence. In addition, fromit, as from any fruit, you can make jam (however, then you need to stock up on fruits in sufficient quantities). Some types of Fortunella grow in Georgia, they are more affordable, but not as tasty as Japanese or Chinese ones. If desired, a kumquat tree can be grown at home. It is not too whimsical and, with proper care, it may well bear fruit even in a flower pot.

Growing enough kumquat at home, you can make jam from it, which will be an excellent immune stimulant and help with colds. For him, you will need ginger, sugar and, of course, kumquat (what it is is already clear). For 400 g of its fruits, you should take 100 g of sugar and 50 g of ginger. Syrup is boiled from sugar, adding half a glass of water and grated ginger, then the fortunella fruits cut in half are sent there and boiled, stirring, for 20 minutes. The finished drug is stored in the refrigerator and consumed at the first sign of a cold or just with tea.

In supermarkets, you can often find dried kumquats. What it is is written on the price tag or on the packaging. They can sell it either sliced, in the form of chips, or whole in syrup, like candied fruit.