Health-boosting golden orange fruit |
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Kumquat (Latin name Fortunella) is a winter/spring seasonal citrus fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family, in the genus Fortunella.
The earliest historical reference to kumquats appears in the 12th century Chinese literature.
Consequently, it is thought to have originated in central China, where it is known by various names, among them chin-chat ("golden orange"), chin-kan ("golden mandarin") or chin-tou ("golden bean").
Native to Asia, kumquats were brought to Europe and the Americas in the 19th century and today they are most widely cultivated in Brasil, Argentina, Spain, California and South Africa.
In Croatia, kumquat is most widely grown in Dalmatia.
Due to its dwarf size, dense green shrubs and beautiful white flowers, kumquat has gained popularity as an ornamental tree in many parts of the world.
Grown as a pot plant, kumquat will make an enchanting adornment to your balcony or spruce up your terrace decor.
As an ingredient, it entirely justifies its "golden" epithet, since it abounds in valuable nutrients.
Whole kumquat fruits – rich sources of nutrients
The major nutritional value of this citrus lies in its attractive fruits which contain numerous essential nutrients.
The fruits are orange-yellow in colour, usually round or oval shaped, about 3 to 5 centimeters wide.
The kumquat is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamins B1 and B2, minerals like calcium, potassium and iron, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats as well as carotene, tannin and pectin.
It also contains a good amount of essential phytonutrients which protect the body from oxygen free radicals.
The kumquat fruit resembles miniature juicy orange, but unlike orange and other citrus fruits, its skin is edible and deliciously tasty.
Therefore, kumquat is eaten whole, including its peel, which differentiates it from other citrus family fruits.
Before consuming kumquat, gently rub the fruit between the palms of your hand to get the juices and oil going, thereby releasing the sweet aroma from the rind and obtaining a perfect sweet-tart flavour balance. Kumquat's sweet, edible rind contrasts pleasingly with its sour flesh.
Kumquat boosts immune system function
Due to the rich source of Vitamin C, the kumquat is especially beneficial to protect from cold, flu and other common infections.
100 g Kumquat fruit provides 47.9 mg Vitamin C, fulfilling 73% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance), which is a good enough reason to taste this unusual fruit.
Kumquat enhances wound recovery
Vitamin C is a well-known and effective antioxidant, important for wound healing because it increases healing capacity of the cell by stimulating collagen growth.
It has been shown that daily consumption of this citrus significantly improves healing of all skin wounds, such as open wounds, scrapes, scratches or bruises.
It also helps with skin inflammations.
Kumquat protects from cancer and infections
Due to a high amount of antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as well as a good amount of phytonutrients flavonoids like carotene, tannin and pectin, the "golden orange" protects the body from oxygen free radicals which damage DNA of the cell.
Kumquat is a potent natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with excellent antiviral and anti-bacterial properties. It helps protect against infections, cancer and chronic diseases.
Kumquat helps remove gallstones and kidney stones from the body
Studies have shown that natural citric acid plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of gallstones and kidney stones.
Sour foods tend to imitate the acid in the stomach (gastric acid) and stimulate gallbladder contractions, which flush the stones out.
They also help lower cholesterol, which forms most gallstones. Consequently, regular kumquat consumption prevents the growth and development of kidney stones and gallstones and offers many stone-preventing benefits.
Antioxidants found in kumquats provide complete health benefits to the kidneys – they neutralize and eradicate the free radical toxins in the body, improve fat burning and enhance absorption of nutrients.
Kumquat improves cardiovascular health
Phytonutrients contained in kumquats lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, thus increasing the flow of blood in the nervous system and reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Kumquat contains a good amount of potassium, which helps maintain blood pressure levels and ordinary heart rate.
It is also rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats, whose cardiovascular benefits have long been confirmed.
Kumquat provides a natural energy boost
Kumquat is also an excellent source of Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, which promotes better food metabolism and is required for the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, fats, nucleic acids and vitamins.
Therefore, kumquat provides instant energy boosting benefits and you may consume it anytime.
Kumquat prevents early ageing
Recent research has found that eating anti-oxidant rich foods may help slow the ageing process.
Antioxidants are effective against wrinkle formation, age spots and freckles and all types of skin disorders. They also help the skin look younger, by giving it firmness and elasticity.
Kumquat improves bone health
Due to its high levels of Vitamin A and calcium, regular consumption of kumquats significantly improves your bone health and strenghtens your bones and teeth.
It also protects against diseases such as rheum, arthritis and gout.
Other kumquat health benefits
- regulates digestion and bowel function
- stimulates metabolism
- treats inflammation
- fights arthritis and rheum
- increases blood production
- reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack
- relieves allergic reactions
- protects skin, eyes and hair
- soothes and refreshes
- keeps the nervous system healthy
- protects against stress and depression.
Cultivation and storage
There are several cultivars of kumquat, three of which are most widely grown: oval or Nagami kumquat (Fortunella margarita), round or Marumi kumquat (Fortunella japonica) and egg-shaped or Meiwa kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia).
In Croatia, kumquat is cultivated in Central and South Dalmatia.
In continental part of the country, it is mostly grown as a pot plant, kept in moderately heated areas during the winter.
If you are interested in trying your hand at growing kumquat trees this spring, you should bear in mind that these trees require neutral to slightly acidic soils, a sunny area protected from the wind and proper relative humidity levels.
Kumquat fruits ripen in late autumn through early winter and may remain fresh on the tree for months, provided that the temperature does not fall below -3 degrees C.
The warmer the climate, the tastier and sweeter the fruits.
When picked, they can be stored at room temperature for about 4-5 days, and inside the refrigerator up to three weeks.
Culinary uses for kumquat
Kumquats are great as drink garnishes and are widely used in the preparation of various beverages, such as juices, syrups, cocktails and liqueurs.
They also make excellent marmalade, jams, jellies, fruit-concentrates and ice-creams.
These fruits may be used in flavouring cakes, cookies, pies and fruit salads.
Kumquat essential oils and its extracts may boost your lung health and treat sore throat and other respiratory concerns.
Attractive kumquat fruits can also be used as a garnish in both sweet and savoury dishes.
We recommend:
A Simple Kumquat Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
- 60 g creamy cheese to taste
- 50 g cream
- 250g sliced kumquat
- sweetener to taste – honey, brown sugar or stevia
- whipped cream to taste, for garnish
Directions:
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until well mixed, add whipped cream for garnish (to taste), allow to cool and enjoy the healthy dessert.
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