What is a kumquat and what is it for?

A edible fruit that looks like a giant olive posing as an orange. It has a bitter taste and a strange appearance. The Kumquat looks like a mutant created by modern technology. But its development and domestication history dates back to more than a thousand years. Citrus fruits are good for the organism and have a wide range of uses.

What is this fruit, where and how does it grow?

The name Kumquat comes from the Chinese. Literally, it means “golden orange” or “golden tangerine.”The main tree cultivation zone is southern Asia. It is mentioned for the first time in Chinese documents of the twelfth century. He was introduced in Europe in 1846 by a collector named Robert Fortune. In his honor, the plant received the international name of Fortunella Margarita.

It belongs to the genus of citrus. The kumquat is a perennial leaf bush that easily tolerates fresh temperatures. It is grown in China, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and North America. The kumquat grows slowly. Its maximum height is 2. 5-5 m. Sometimes, Kumquat has thorns. The leaves are long (7-8 cm), dark green and bright. Every year, a single bush gives between 100 and 1, 000 fruits.

The main types of kumquat

  • Redond Kumquat. Its fruits are golden yellow. It is the most common because it is less sensitive to cold.
  • Oval. It is characterized by its acidic meat and sweet skin. For this reason it must be consumed without peeling. It is characterized by its dwarf size.
  • Siberian citrus. The shape of the leaf is more rounded. Cultivated for ornamental and fruit purposes. It does not resist frosts.
  • Stained. Derived from oval kumquats. It has fruits with green and yellow stripes.

Golden oranges are autogamous plants. But, like many citrus, they do not grow well from seeds. Therefore, vegetatively spread through a root system.

There are Kumquat hybrid varieties:

  • Calamondín (crossed with tangerine);
  • Citrinequat (crossing with sweet orange);
  • Limequat (Lima);
  • Orangquat (Unshiu mandarin, fros t-resistant);
  • Lemonquat (lemon);
  • And many others.

Calories and chemical composition

93% of Kumquat consists of an essential essential oil due to Limonene. In addition, the oil is rich in monoterpenes, droughtrpenos, bergamotenes and carifilenos. The presence of these substances influences the amaderad and spicy smell notes of the Kumquat.

Kumquat’s chemical composition
Substance Amount in 100 gr. Nutritional value in % of the daily ration
Vitamins (in mg)
Vitamin A 15 mcg 2
Lutein 129 micrograms
Thiamine (B1) 0. 037 3
Riboflavina (B2) 0. 09 8
Niacina (B3) 0. 429 3
Pantotenic acid (B5) 0. 208 4
Vitamin B6 0. 036 3
Folic acid (B9) 17 mcg 4
Hill 8,4 2
Vitamin C 43. 9 53
Tocoferol (E) 0. 15 1
Minerals (in mg)
Calcium 62 6
Iron 0. 86 7
Magnesium 20 6
manganese 0. 135 6
Match 19 3
Potassium 186 4
Sodium 10 1
Zinc 0. 17 2
Kumquat calories (grams)
Energy 71 kcal (296 kj)
Carbohydrates 15. 9
Dietary fiber 6,5
sugars 9. 36
Fats 0. 86
Proteins 1. 88

Kumquats are rich in ascorbic acid and contain important amounts of riboflavin and iron. But due to its excess sugar, it must be consumed with extreme caution. Especially diabetics.

Here is an interesting fact. Every year a Kumquat festival is celebrated in Dade (Florida, USA). About 35, 000 lovers of this dwarf citrus attend. In this event different varieties of golden orange are tasted. In addition to cakes, jams, ice cream, cocktails and even sauce.

The properties of the kumquats

The numerous health benefits of Kumquat give special qualities. Golden orange properties are beneficial to health. Kumquat is used

  • as antiparasitic and antifungal;
  • for ulcers prevention, gastritis;
  • cold treatment, flu;
  • to reduce cholesterol;
  • stimulates the nervous system
  • eliminates apathetic states;
  • Improves metabolism.

Benefits of the

Citrus fruits are often used for medicinal purposes. Replenish the deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Ascorbic acid, in which fruit is rich, stimulates collagen production. Manganese reinforces the cardiovascular system. Essential oils eliminate harmful bacteria and reinforce immunity.

For eyes

The shocking dose of kumquat lutein helps improve eye health. Vitamin A is the most essential substance for vision. The daily consumption of the lutein carotenoid significantly reduces the probability of cataracts.

For the heart and blood vessels

The walls of the blood vessels are composed of collagen. Vitamin C intervenes in the synthesis of this protein. Adding kumquats to your diet helps to guarantee an adequate intake of ascorbic acid. Thus the body has the material to build proteins, strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Diabetes

There is no data on the Kumquat glycemic index. But his closest brothers have an IG

  • Orange 50
  • Pomelo 45;
  • tangerine 50.

They are in the middle glycemic group. This means that diabetics should distrust the kumquats. Especially since there are 9 grams of sugars for every 16 grams of their carbohydrates.

Damage and contraindications

Dwarf Naranjo can be harmful:

  • people with renal failure
  • pregnant women
  • during breastfeeding;
  • gastritis;
  • peptic ulcer;
  • Small children.

Its possible noivity is due to the large number of essential oils. They irritate the walls of the internal mucous membranes and also cause allergic reactions in many people.

Special Uses of Kumquats

  • To relieve cold symptoms;
  • Relieve the hangover
  • To improve digestion
  • to increase the variety of flavors in food;
  • to disinfect the inner air (oil aroma lamps);
  • Prevention of dental caries.

In popular medicine

Traditional medicine uses the antiseptic properties of dwarf citrus. Inhalations are made with their peels to get rid of the inflammation of the respiratory tract. Kumquat juice has an antifungal effect. In China, this fragrant fruit has been used for a long time to prevent ulcers and increase work capacity.

Kumquat tincture with honey

A Kumqua t-based aromatic liquor is not only tasty, but also healthy. It has a clear yellow tone, an orange acid taste and a rich aroma. This liquor is infused with fresh or dry fruit. The only condition is the absence of rotting bacteria on the surface of the fruit. When preparing the drink you have to keep in mind that the Kumquat is rich in sugars. Therefore, we must not get too over for sweetening with honey.

How to make a kumquat tincture with honey:

  1. Rinse the fruit well.
  2. Open each fruit once.
  3. Pour vodka, alcohol or “moonshine.”
  4. Give it well and keep it in a dark place.
  5. Leave infusion for 40-50 days.
  6. Add honey to taste.
  7. Refrigerate.
  8. Wait another 3-4 days.
  9. Reduce power by adding sugar syrup.

Tea with kumquat

There are infinite recipes for golden orange tea. During the cold station, Kumquat tea helps reinforce the immune system and resist virus omnipresent. In summer, it helps improve thermoregulation and restore water balance.

Kumquat tea recipe for winter:

  • Dry or fresh dwarf citrus;
  • cinnamon in branch;
  • cardamom;
  • raspberry leaves;
  • ginger;
  • Cointreau (orang e-based liquor);
  • Black tea

For hot times, it is better to use an ice tea recipe:

  • Kumquat;
  • mint;
  • Honey;
  • Green tea leaves.

Kumquat decoction

Kumquat’s decoction cures tonsillitis. Relieve cutaneous eruptions. Help with ulcers to get rid of bacteria that injure the stomach mucosa. The decoction has powerful antiseptic properties. Therefore, it is used to treat microbial diseases in people who have antibiotic intolerance.

In kitchen

The kumquat is widely used in the kitchen. It brings an interesting flavor to compotes, jams and jams. It combines well with nuts (sultanas raisins, raisins, dates). Golden oranges are used to fill in in order to create a balanced flavor with spicy, sweet, acid and citrus notes. The fruit is usually added to alcoholic beverages to neutralize the symptoms of a future hangover and improve the flavor.

Jams

Kumquat’s jam and jam are easy to prepare and very tasty. It is very healthy. Therefore, with this recipe you should prepare a couple of jam jam for a winter snack:

  1. Finely pique a kilo of kumquats;
  2. Add a liter of water and 350 grams of sugar;
  3. Boil it for 30 minutes to maximum boiling;
  4. Pick the mixture with a blender and take it to a boil, or put it in jars as is.

Jam

Citrus jam contains a lot of vitamin C. This substance is essential to prevent winter diseases. Ascorbic acid activates immune cells. Doctors advise to take vitamin C capsules at the beginning of the disease to awaken the immune system. But instead of buying pills, you can eat an incredible dwarf orange jam and not get sick.

To make the jam, you will need equal quantities of citrus and sugar and half of water. For example, 1 kg of kumquat, 1 kg of sweetener and 500 g of water.

  1. First the sweet syrup is prepared.
  2. Thick citrus pieces are poured into it.
  3. The fire goes out.
  4. The mixture is left in infusion for 24 hours.
  5. Then comes the final phase of cooking of the jam. On a slow heat, the jam is cooked for 15-20 minutes until it is fully cooked.

Confit kumquats

In Kumquat Dry increases the concentration of all useful substances. But by eliminating the humidity of the fruit, the concentration of sugar also increases. Therefore, diabetics should not eat confited kumquats. Wife fruits are easier to keep. They can be added to medicinal teas and decoctions. They are used when cooking meat.

Pumpkin and Kumquat vegetarian soup

The pumpkin and the kumquat are made for each other. These fruits are complemented and balanced perfectly. The wonderful qualities of orange products can be combined in a vitamin vegetarian soup. To prepare it, you need

  1. Crush almonds or pine nuts until you get a pulp (this mixture will become the dressing of the soup);
  2. Roast the pumpkin slices in the oven;
  3. Grate the coconut;
  4. Chop a couple of kumquats in the blender;
  5. Crush the pumpkin. Add the coconut and pulp of dwarf citrus;
  6. Boil the mixture for a few minutes with a little water;
  7. Serve with ground almonds. Sprinkle with lemon zest.

In cosmetology

Kumquat’s essential oils are used in spas. They are used as a natural and ambient antiseptic. Citrus juice whites the skin, eliminates pigmentation spots, removes freckles. It is important to use it in its raw form. Also thanks to its antimicrobial properties, a decoction made with fruit peels can help in battle against acne.

Collection and conservation

The selection of the kumquats is similar to that of other citrus. The fruit must be firm, with smooth skin and without spots and an intense flavor. In favorable conditions, it can be kept for a month.

A fresh temperature (0-10 degrees) and a dark and dry place are the perfect environment to conserve these small citrus. Dry kumquats can be kept for a year. If you are not going to consume the fruit in the short term, the best solution is to freeze it.

Cultivation standards

The plant, like all citrus, is difficult to spread by seeds and has the same pests. Therefore, the number of golden oranges is increased vegetatively by root division.

To resist the fungi of citrus and other diseases, the trifoliate poncirus is planted next to the kumquat. This shrub has excellent resistance to harmful bacteria. He repels them not only of himself, but also of the neighboring kumquat.

Important to know! It is better to water with rainwater, thaw or river. The chlorine of tap water is harmful to the plant.

The ideal growth temperature is +15 ° C. The high humidity of the air and the abundant ultraviolet light are factors that influence the rapid growth of the bush. Pose the plant in humus mixed with sand. The optimal soil pH varies between 5. 5 and 7.

The Kumquat is an extremely beneficial citrus for the organism, taste papillae and mood. Regular consumption of this dwarf fruit considerably improves health and quality of life.

KFC
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