If you like exotic fruits with sweet flavor and quirky names, keep reading, the kumquat fruit will not disappoint you. With a sweet, edible skin that beautifully balances the tangy inside, the kumquat is like a sweet orange cleverly disguised in a compact package. But before we unveil the secret of “how to eat kumquat fruit,” let’s learn a few things about this underappreciated citrus star.
Brief Overview Of Kumquat
Before we tell you how to eat kumquat fruit, let’s cover some basics. I know the name of this fruit sounds quirky and not at all apetizing but give kumquat a chance. This underrated and often forgotten Asian exotic fruit that looks like a miniature orange is one of the most flavorful members of the citrus family. It has a soft and sweet skin that is also edible and a tangy inside.
So, if I had to describe it I’d say it’s like a sweet orange trapped in the body of an olive. It thrives in sunny locations and is generally a very low maintenance plant.
Origin And Uniqueness
Kumquat originates from China and the Asia-Pacific region and according to most history books, was likely discovered in the 12th century in China, and a few centuries later, this tiny delicious fruit made its way to major European and American cities.
Now, what makes the kumquat so unique? First off, it’s the only citrus fruit you can eat whole – skin, seeds, everything. That’s right- no peeling fuss, no spitting seeds (how awesome is that)! The quirky thing about it is that its skin is sweet, while the inside is tart.
Unlike its citrus cousins who flaunt their insides, the kumquat’s rind has essential oils and a sweet flavor that offsets the tartness of the flesh and there are also several different varieties of this fruit with the most common one being the oval-shaped Nagami and the round Marumi.
Do you like exotic fruits? Then you may also like our article guides to buddha hand fruit, Lulo fruit, Araza, Cempedak, and Santol.
Nutritional Profile & Health Benefits
Firstly, these tiny treats are bursting with Vitamin C. Not just a smidge, mind you, but a whopping amount that could give even the mightiest orange a run for its money. Think of them as your pocket-sized immune boosters and are also packed with dietary fiber, especially in their edible skins.
Kumquats are like the undercover agents of the fruit world, loaded with flavonoids that help fight off the bad guys – free radicals and for those watching their waistline, here’s a cheer-worthy news: kumquats are low in calories.
How To Choose The Best Kumquat Fruit
Before learning how to eat kumquat fruit, you should first learn how to choose the perfect kumquat fruit, don’t you agree? First off, size matters, but maybe not how you think. When it comes to kumquats, the rule of thumb is the smaller the fruit, the sweeter the flavor. You’re looking for fruit that’s about the size of a large olive or a small date as bright vibrant orange as possible. No green patches, please – that’s kumquat for “I’m not ready yet!” And steer clear of any that have turned to the dark side (read: overly brown or spotty).
Next, feel the texture. A prime kumquat has a firm, yet slightly yielding feel, if it’s too hard, it’s not ripe (common sense), if it’s too squishy, it’s past its prime. And you can also do a small sniff test! A ripe kumquat will have a subtly sweet and citrusy aroma. Anything else is a no-no. Lastly, here’s a little insider tip: check out the stem end. If it’s still looking fresh and green, it’s a sign you’ve got a kumquat that’s been recently plucked from its tree.
Tips For Storing Kumquat Fruit
Before learning how to eat kumquat fruit, you may want to know how to store it and handle it whether that’s before you eat it or after. First thing’s first: kumquats are not big fans of the cold, but they do like to chill. So, the fridge is your go-to spot, just tuck them into a plastic bag or a container with a lid, and you’re good to go.
Pro tip: Keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits (or keep them close if you’re in a rush) like bananas and apples because this can speed up the ripening process.
Preparation Tips
Preparing them is easier than convincing a toddler that veggies are fun – seriously, it’s a breeze but here are a few tips.
Washing and Handling:
Kumquats, like any fruit that’s about to be eaten skin-on, need a good wash.
Tools and Equipment:
- A Sharp Knife is essential for slicing and dicing.
- Cutting Board: Opt for a non-slip one. Kumquats might be small, but they’re mighty, and you don’t want them rolling away.
- Zester or Grater (Optional): If you’re feeling zesty and want to add some kumquat zest to your dishes, a fine grater or zester is a great tool.
- Container to store all the kumquats you’ll not be using right away.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to eating ugly fruit.
How To Eat Kumquat Fruit?
Now that we covered some other important things about this fruit, let’s answer the most important question of this article- how to eat kumquat fruit?
First, the most wonderful thing about kumquats: you eat them whole, skin and all. Just pop a whole kumquat into your mouth and brace yourself for a flavor explosion. However, there are also other ways to enjoy these zesty gems. You can slice them into thin rounds and toss them into salads for a burst of citrusy joy or even candy them into a sweat treat.
You can use them in your homemade cake or as a topping to your ice cream or sweet yogurt, you can make juice out of them, or even serve them alongside a slowly cooked piece of meat. The possibilities with kumquat are basically endless; they’re the laid-back, no-rules fruit of the citrus family.
Did this article help you learn how to eat kumquat fruit? Did you learn some new things about this fruit? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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