Exotic Fruit – Kumquat Nutrition
Exotic Fruit…
Kumquat Nutrition
The kumquats or cumquats are a group of small fruit-bearing trees in the flowering plant family. The edible fruit closely resembles that of the orange but is smaller and is often oval. They are slow-growing, evergreen shrubs or short trees, from 2.5 to 4.5 metres (8 to 15 ft) tall, with dense branches, sometimes bearing small thorns. The leaves are dark glossy green, and the flowers pure white, similar to other citrus flowers, borne singly or clustered in the leaf-axils. The kumquat tree produces 80 to 100 fruit each year.
Kumquats have been called “the little gems of the citrus family”. There are four varieties of kumquats. They are the Hong Kong Wild, Marumi , Meiwa, and Nagami. The two most common species of kumquats grown in the United States are the ‘Nagami’ and the ‘Meiwa’.
The Nagami or Oval Kumquat is the most common variety in the United States. It was introduced into Florida from Japan in 1885. It is oval in shape, 3/4″ to 1″ in diameter and between 1″ to 2″ long.
The Meiwa or Large Round Kumquat is grown extensively in China. In Japan, it is also called the ninpo or neiha kinkan. It was introduced into the United States from Japan in 1910.
Selection, Storage, and Preparation.
Kumquats can appear in markets from October (at the earliest) through June, and during some unpredictable off-season times as well. Considered a winter fruit, their golden color is a welcome sight. Select fruits that are firm, not soft. Because of their skin, they tend to spoil more easily than thicker skinned fruits such as oranges. Kumquats will last a few days at room temperature or for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. The entire kumquat is consumed in a bite or two. Because of their size and color, they are also great as drink garnishes or as an addition to salads. Wash kumquats before serving.
Kumquat Nutrition Information
Serving Size 1 medium fruit, raw (19g) Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 15
Calories from Fat 0
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 2g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin C 15%
Calcium 2%
Iron 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Source: FruitsandVeggiesMatter.gov
Kumquat Marmalade Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups chopped kumquats
1 cup water
6 1/2 cups sugar
1 pkg Sure Jell or Certo
DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare kumquats, half fruit and remove seeds, chop coarsely or slice thinly (Can be put through food chopper).
2. Combine chopped kumquats, water, and Sure Jell.
3. Add sugar and bring to a boil that cannot be stirred down.
4. Continue to boil for one minute. Pour into sterile jars and seal.
Note: Certo can be substituted for Sure Jell but you will need to follow the directions on the Certo package.
Source: Kumquat Growers, Inc.
If you found this post interesting or helpfull leaving me a comment would be much appreciated. Thanx Jeanne 
Tags: Citrus, Fruit, Kumquat, Kumquat Nutrition Information, kumquat recipe, kumquat recipes, kumquat tree, Technorati
March 9th, 2009 at 2:53 am
I love these fruit – they grow really well in a pot and are often used to flank the front door.
When they are ripe you can eat them even with their skin on!
I think these are the perfect citrus for someone to try, especially if they don’t have a garden because they can be used on the balcony or the front door step. Wouldn’t it be nice to green your street by placing a plant like this beside every front door. Thanks for the reminder about how good these are – I’m getting one this weekend!