Stuff To Do With Kumquats

Kumquats are small, oval-shaped citrus fruits.

What are kumquats?

Kumquats are small citrus fruits that are similar in appearance to oranges, but smaller and oval-shaped. Kumquats are small fruits, typically about the size of a large olive, measuring around 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) in diameter. They are oval or oblong in shape and have a smooth, glossy skin. Some cultivars can be slightly larger or smaller. They grow on small evergreen trees or bushes that can reach up to 4-6 meters (13-20 feet) in height.

They have a sweet, edible rind and a slightly sour pulp. They are often eaten whole, including the rind, and are commonly used in preserves and marmalades. They can also be candied or pickled. They are typically in season during the winter months.

Kumquats are native to China and Southeast Asia. They have been cultivated in China for over a thousand years and have been known in Europe since the 19th century. They are also grown in Mediterranean regions such as Italy, Spain, and California.

Nutritional Facts About Kumquats

1 Serving = 5 kumquats
Calories per serving: 71
Grams of protein: 1.9
Grams of carbs: 15.9 (No added sugar if you just eat them whole!)
Grams of fat: 0.9
Grams of fiber: 6.5
68% daily allowance of vitamin C per serving
(No way you’re going to eat just five kumquats once you try them, lol. It’s a low-guilt snack, though.)

Can I grow kumquats?

Yes, you can grow kumquats! Kumquats are a type of citrus fruit that is native to China. They are small and oval-shaped, with a thin, edible skin. The flesh is sweet and tart, with a unique flavor that is similar to a mandarin orange. Kumquats are a great choice for growing in containers, as they do not require a lot of space. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, and will produce fruit in as little as two years. The below video demonstrates how to grow your own kumquat trees.

How to make kumquat jelly

Ingredients:
1 pound kumquats
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:
1. Wash and slice the kumquats.
2. Combine the kumquats, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and let cool.
6. Pour into a sterilized jar and seal with a lid.
7. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Or you can make kumquat marmalade!

How to make kumquat pie

Ingredients:

9-inch pie crust
3/4 pound kumquats
1 14-ounce can condensed milk
Not more than 1/4 cup lemon juice. I like less.
1 carton whipped cream
Additional kumquats and mint

Directions:

Place the pie crust in a pie pan.
Cut 3/4 pound kumquats in half and remove seeds. If desired, save the seeds to grow your own kumquat trees.
Puree the kumquats in a food processor. I consider this optional because the skins are the sweet part, but you can strain the kumquat puree and discard the skin and pulp. If you end up keeping the skin and pulp, you might end up with enough kumquat puree to make two pies. Just make sure you add additional condensed milk and lemon juice to suit.
Mix puree with condensed milk and lemon juice.
Transfer puree mix to pie crust.
Refrigerate pie for at least four hours.
Slice the additional kumquats if desired. Garnish with mint and additional kumquats.
Serve with whipped cream. Vanilla or citrus-flavored ice cream also goes good with this.

How to make candied kumquats

Kumquat Ice Cream

Ingredients:

Ice Cream Machine
2 pints kumquats
5 cups milk
4 cups heavy whipping cream
3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Remove the seeds from the kumquats and puree the kumquats in a food processor. Again, I think it goes good if you completely puree it so there are no chunks of kumquat left. It really brings out the flavor.
Mix the kumquat puree with the rest of the ingredients.
Put in a frozen ice cream maker and use the ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.