KUMQUAT

Characteristics and History:

Kumquat, is known as the small diamond of the citrus fruits. Kumquat means gold orange in Chinese .

It is the one and only citrus fruit in the world that may be eaten with its cover.

Maybe , it is the only type o fruit that may be grown in houses and balconies. The mainland is believed to be China. Its meeting with the western world dates to middle 19th century. It has been tested in several parts of Turkey but the best yield has been effective in Rize.

• Kumquat, is produced by grafting cell vaccine over three leave matures.
• Since the male and female organs are on the same flower, a single Kumquat plant may blossom flowers and fruits everywhere
• In Rize it blossoms at the end of July and the fruit is formed in late August and September
• The fruits are in the size of a big olive and have the maturity to be eaten in April-May
• If the fruit is not collected, it may stay on the plant and be eaten anytime with he same taste.

The known species of Kumquat , taken under culture and produced for eating are as follows:

• Hong Kong : named as Chin chü, shan chin kan, and chin tou. Grows in Hong Kong and some hilly regions of China . the diameter is around 1.6-2 cm . when ripens, the weak and unpulpy cover is peeled. Have 3-4 small seeds.
• Marumi : originated in Japan, the fruit is round in a shape of a pressed sphere. The lengths are about 3.2 cm. its color is golden yellow. The fruit is aromatic and spicy. Have 4-7 seeds. The tree reaches up to 2.75 mt. has small leaves. Is more durable against the cold weathers of the same season.
• Meiwa : originated in Japan. Has a short, round structure and 4 cm width. The cover is orange yellow and very hard. The fruit is sweet and has 7 seeds. It is frequently seen seedless or less seeded forms. This type is widely grown in China. For easting freshly it is the most ideal Kumquat .
• Nagami : has spread from China to the world. Has fruit of 4-5 slices and 2-5 seeds. Is round and reaches to 4-5 cm size. The season is from October to January. The tree reaches up to 4.5 mt

Cultivation Locations:
In the world, it grows in China, Japan, America Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil and South India. In Turkey, it has come to Rize, 50-60 years ago from Batum .

Uses:

• Kumquat, rich for Vitamin C, is very efficient in preventing gripe infections when eaten with its cover.
• Containing A,B1,B2,B3 and Calcium , Kumquat, provides the neural system to run efficiently

How and Where to Use?

• Kumquat is generally eaten as afresh fruit with its cover.
• Its jam and marmalade is made
• Has a unique aroma
• Used as fruit juice and sauce
• It is a favorite fruit in world restaurants’ dessert and salads.
• Is a unique appetizer for alcohol servings.
  

Should be stored in 5 ºC and %90 humidity.

 

These figures are taken from United States Department of Agriculture.