What is a kumquat? It's an adorable citrus fruit that's great for snacking and cooking—and it shouldn't be overlooked.
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When strolling through the produce section, have you found yourself looking at those cute little kumquats but wondering what they are and what to do with them? These small exotic fruits have a unique tart and tangy flavor, and can be eaten by themselves or used in a variety of citrus recipes.
What Is a Kumquat?
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Kumquats are small citrus fruits that are orange in color and about the size of a grape or an olive. Although they might look like tiny oranges, their flavor is quite different, and the entire fruit, including the peel and seeds, is edible. The flesh of a kumquat is sour and tangy, but the peel is surprisingly sweet, almost like candy.
Most varieties of kumquats can’t withstand frost, so you’ll find them growing in warmer climates all over the world, from Japan and the Philippines in Asia to California and Florida in the United States. You can also buy a kumquat tree to grow indoors.
Look for kumquats in your local grocery store from November through April, with peak season being February and March.
Are Kumquats Good for You?
One kumquat has just 13 calories, but can provide up to 14% of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C. They’re also a good source of vitamin A, calcium and manganese. Because you’re eating the skin and the seeds, kumquats have more soluble fiber than a typical piece of fresh fruit, which can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Kumquats are 80% water, which makes them very hydrating and a great choice for snacking on a warm day.
How Do You Eat a Kumquat?
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You can eat kumquats whole, like you would grapes or kiwi berries. There’s no need to cut them in half unless you want to. Don’t peel them, as the skin is very sweet and perhaps the tastiest part! If you don’t care for the juice, which is on the sour side, just squeeze it out, then eat the rest. Since the skin is edible, be sure to wash the fruit under cool running water before eating.
Tips for Buying and Eating Kumquats
Look for kumquats that are bright orange in color. They should be firm to the touch and have fragrant skin with no soft spots.
Kumquats can be eaten on their own as a healthy snack, added to a holiday cheese board or used in all kinds of recipes. Just think of them as another form of citrus and use them as you would oranges or lemons. The seeds have a lot of pectin, so this fruit makes a tasty Kumquat Marmalade. Serve refreshing Kumquat Margaritas at a party.
Make These Recipes with Fresh Citrus
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Lemon Tart with Almond CrustOur state produces an abundance of lemons, and everyone is always looking for new ways to use them. This beautiful tart is my delicious solution to the excess-lemon problem! —Lois Kinneberg, Phoenix, Arizona
Slow-Cooker Chicken TacosOur fun, simple slow-cooker chicken tacos are perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Grapefruit Yogurt CakeWe eat grapefruit for breakfast and in winter fruit salads—why not for dessert? Here's a sweet-tart cake that's easy, delicious and one of a kind. It's healthier too! —Maiah Miller, Montclair, Vermont
Rosemary LemonadeA friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke HeartsI've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
Pink Grapefruit CheesecakeCheesecake in a slow cooker? It's true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. I promise you'll be absolutely amazed by the results! —Krista Lanphier Milwaukee, WI
Orange-Glazed Pork with Sweet PotatoesWhen it's chilly outside, I like to roast pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes, apples and an orange. The sweetness and spices make any evening cozy. —Danielle Boyles, Sparta, Wisconsin
Quince Orange MarmaladeQuince sweetens this marmalade as it simmers and fills the house with its distinctive autumn aroma. It’s great on toast or bagels for breakfast in the morning! Thanks to our Test Kitchen for the recipe.
Limoncello Cream PieAfter a big Christmas dinner, we love the cool refreshment of a frozen lemon pie. Limoncello brings a little sophistication to each smooth, creamy slice. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Lemon-Garlic Cream FettuccineI've been making this lemony pasta for the family for years. It's both simple and indulgent enough to make it a go-to recipe. —Anne Miller, Glenfield, New York
Best Lime TartThis treat is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the almonds in the crust are just wonderful. This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. Enjoy! —Charis O'Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Haddock with Lime-Cilantro ButterHere in Louisiana, the good times roll when we broil fish and serve it with lots of lime juice, cilantro and butter. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Orange Dream Mini CupcakesThe bright taste of these cute cupcakes reminds me and my friends of orange-and-vanilla frozen treats. —Jen Shepherd, St. Peters, Missouri
Lemon-Blueberry Pound CakePair a slice of this moist lemon-blueberry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a staple at our family barbecues. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Orange Cream Chiffon CakeLight and luscious, this sponge cake is bursting with orange flavor. It’s the perfect dessert to serve after a filling meal, or with afternoon tea or coffee.—Faith Sommers, Bangor, California
Lime-Chipotle Carnitas TostadasHere's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Creamy Lemon Milk ShakesSeveral different recipes inspired the combination of ingredients I use in these shakes, and I'm glad they did! They're so refreshing. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Chipotle Citrus-Glazed Turkey TenderloinsThis simple skillet recipe makes it easy to cook turkey on a weeknight. The combination of sweet, spicy and smoky flavors from orange, peppers and molasses is amazing.—Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Lemon-Apricot Fruit PopsWith just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, these lemon ice pops are one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Olive CouscousIf you can find preserved lemons, use them instead of the plain lemons for an even more authentic flavor in this North African-inspired recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
French Lemon-Apricot TartIf you like the tang of citrus, you’ll love this lemon tart. The apricot preserves on top add a nice bit of sweetness. —Peggy Lunde, Costa Mesa, California
Bake-Sale Lemon BarsThe recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin, who is famous for cooking up farm feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois
Orange Cashew BarsTwo of my favorite ingredients, oranges and cashews, make a fantastic combination for a holiday bar—especially when you use fresh-squeezed orange juice in the glaze. —Anna Wood, Cullowhee, North Carolina
Colorful Shrimp Pad ThaiBright, fresh veggie flavors, a splash of tart lime juice, the crunch of peanuts and a hint of heat make this healthy, beautiful shrimp stir-fry a real standout! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Asian Veggie Glass NoodlesMy mom immigrated from the Philippines, so we would often eat Filipino pancit, a well-known glass noodles dish. I took her version and added my own touches to make it easier and a little healthier. —Jasmin Baron, Livonia, New York
A veteran of the food and travel industries, Debra has worked behind the seafood counter, waited tables in all sorts of restaurants, and spent time as a travel agent. She now writes about food and travel, and creates recipes inspired by tasty destinations. She wants to know everything you ate on your last vacation.
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