Small Chinese oranges. Kumquat - what kind of fruit is it, photos, benefits and harm. Beneficial properties of exotic fruit

The contents of modern counters are very diverse, but still can surprise. Not so long ago, one very interesting fruit began to appear everywhere. strange name kumquat. How it is eaten and what it actually is will be discussed in the article.

general description

In stores, kumquats are sold fresh or dried. These are small fruits (the size of a large walnut), elongated in shape and bright orange in color. They are covered with thick skin, like an orange or tangerine. This is not surprising, since they all belong to the same genus - Citrus. Kumquat, one might say, is their little brother. Inside it consists of the same lobules, only smaller.

Composition of kumquat

Thanks to what substances does the fruit bring so many benefits? First of all, these are vitamins. Live, natural, not synthetic. It contains almost all B vitamins: also vitamins A, C, E, P. Their combination ensures good digestibility. In addition to vitamins, kumquat can boast a large amount of minerals (copper, calcium, potassium, zinc, sodium, iron, phosphorus) and pectin substances.

The multivitamin “punch” is supplemented with a large amount of essential oils, thanks to which the fruits have a pleasant aroma (pinene, limonene, caryophyllene, etc.). Kumquat contains antioxidants such as lutein and carotene. In addition, it is rich in thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid.

Uses of kumquat

Everything is very simple here. Kumquat is widely used in cooking. How is it eaten? Simply cut into slices along with the peel. It also contains a lot useful substances. The fruits themselves are sour, but the skin is sweet, so the result is a very interesting and rich combination with a tart aftertaste. Many people are delighted after trying just a couple of slices. You should not eat the seeds, as they are bitter and can spoil the entire taste.

From more sour varieties you can make marmalade, jam or candied fruits. Kumquat juice is often used in sauces. It adds an interesting touch to dishes. Also, the slices will be a wonderful decoration. You can add kinkan to the salad as a dressing. It adds an unforgettable aroma to dishes.

Fortunella oil is well known in aromatherapy. It has a calming effect, helps relieve stress, reduces anxiety, and fights depression.

The fruit is also used in making alcoholic drinks. The liqueur with kumquat is especially famous. In Europe, kinkan is used as an appetizer for martinis. An interesting alternative to olives.

Dried kumquat

You can often see dried kumquat on the shelves. Its price is not too different from the cost of fresh. There are also many benefits in dried fruits. The content of vitamins does not decrease, they become more concentrated. Due to this, the properties of kinkan become more pronounced.

Dried fruits can be used in various dishes and compotes. You can prepare tinctures. The peel becomes especially useful: it releases a large amount of essential oils that have a bactericidal effect. If you put the skin near the fire, the antibacterial properties will improve. Therefore, during the flu and cold season, it will be useful to place cleaning products in the apartment and inhale their aroma.

Kumquat as a plant

Kinkan is used not only in Food Industry. It is often grown as an ornamental plant on personal plots or at home, without even realizing all its benefits. During the flowering period, it emits a subtle citrus aroma, which has a beneficial effect on This small plant can easily fit on a windowsill. Sometimes it even bears fruit at home. Well, your own fruits are no match for store-bought ones. However, at home it is grown more for decorative purposes.

Such a wonderful fruit is the kumquat. From all sides it is useful, having only one contraindication: individual intolerance or In other cases, it is not only possible, but also necessary to eat. There is no need to be embarrassed by his lack of fame. By the way, this is not an overseas curiosity; kumquats grow not only in the USA, China or Japan, but also on the territory of our country - in the Krasnodar Territory.

Kumquat is a plant belonging to the citrus family. The fruit is an oval-shaped, orange-colored fruit the size of a walnut, approximately five centimeters long and three centimeters wide.

It is eaten entirely, together with the shell, which, unlike oranges and tangerines, has a sweet, non-irritating taste. The soft contents have a slightly tart sweet and sour taste.

Information about this citrus fruit was first discovered in the nineteenth century in China. Spreading throughout the countries of Asia, America, and Europe, it receives different names.

In China it is a green apple. In Japan - kinkan or golden orange. There are names like fortunella, dwarf orange, fairy tangerine, food of the wise.

If you find the names “meiwa”, “fukushi”, “marumi” or “nagami” in stores, these are varieties of kumquat.

We will tell and show in the photo what kind of fruit it is - kumquat, we will describe its harm and benefits for the body in fresh, dried and dried form, what are the contraindications for consumption, what beneficial properties do the fruits have.

How to choose a good product, check its quality, and store it correctly

Kumquat can be purchased fresh, dried or dried. How to choose it:

• the peel is like an orange - orange, shiny, without damage or darkening;
• if the fruit is too hard, it is not ripe;
• if the fruit is too soft, it is overripe and has lost its taste;
• at home it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks;
• Can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months in whole or crushed form. The beneficial qualities and taste do not change.

When choosing dried fruits, you need to remember that:

• high-quality dried fruits have a paler color compared to fresh ones, with a brown tint. Too bright colors indicate the use of dyes;
• dried kumquat has a slight citrus scent;
• Dried fruit should be stored at room temperature, out of reach of sunlight, in a tightly closed container.

What dried fruits should look like:

• white spots or streaks are characteristic of mold or special pre-sale preparation;
• the smell of the dried product is sweet and pleasant;
• It can be stored both in the refrigerator and at room temperature.

Scheherazade’s 1000 and 1 spices will tell you what kumquat is and how it’s useful:

Composition, calorie content per 100 g and 1 piece, nutritional value and glycemic index

Kumquat is a unique gift of nature. It contains a large range of vitamins and minerals:

Important indicators of kumquat:

• low calorie content - 100 grams corresponds to about 70 kcal, of which proteins - 7.52 kcal, fats - 7.74 kcal, carbohydrates - 37.6 kcal. 1 fruit weighs approximately 30 grams, its calorie content is about 21.3 kcal;
• lack of nitrates;
• 80% water in the fruit;
• low glycemic index – 35 units.

The calorie content of fresh fruit is about 71 kcal per 100 grams, in dried kumquat it is approximately 50-55 kcal, the calorie content of dried fruit, or dried fruit, is 240-250 kcal per 100 grams.

Beneficial and healing properties for health

Kumquat has beneficial properties in any form: fresh, dried, dried (in the form of dried fruit).

Fresh golden orange useful as a preventative and auxiliary remedy for diseases of the human central nervous system, as an antidepressant that improves emotional state, as a means of coordinating cardiovascular activity.

Essential oils contained in dried fruit, increase its bactericidal qualities, which is important during periods of high risk of colds and flu. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is stabilized.

The successful fight against fungal infectious diseases is facilitated by the antimycotic substance - furucoumarin, the content of which in dried fruit is higher than in fresh fruit.

Why is it useful? dried kumquat: the berry has tonic and energetic properties.

By replenishing the body's vitamin and mineral reserves, kinkan increases its resistance abilities. “Food of the wise” improves brain activity.

Sun-dried fruits are just as healthy as fresh and dried fruits.. The high content of vitamin A has a positive effect on eye diseases.

Vitamin E, present in the pulp and peel, cares for the youth of the skin, preventing early aging, protecting against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

What are the benefits of dried kumquat? It strengthens immune system person.

What are the benefits of kumquat berries, the program “Food Living and Dead” will tell you:

Benefits for men, women, children, pregnant and lactating women

The effect on the human body depends on his age, on the presence or absence of contraindications.

For adult men and women, kumquat brings greatest benefit . In the absence of allergies, kidney disease, ulcers, and regular consumption of the fruit helps maintain youth and health.

It should be limited or eliminated in the last trimester to avoid the development of allergies in the unborn baby.

Nursing mothers should remove citrus from their diet so that the child does not have an allergic reaction. Despite its usefulness, sunny citrus can provoke allergies, diathesis, and gastrointestinal disorders in children.

Doctors do not allow citrus fruits, including kumquats, to be given to children under three years of age.. After turning 3 years old, you can introduce half a fruit per day into the child’s diet.

By the age of five, for a growing organism, the dose can be increased to 4-5 fruits per day. This is possible in the absence of allergies.

In old age diseases are added that can worsen due to the consumption of citrus fruits. Kumquat is one of them.

But it will bring many benefits to an elderly body if there are no contraindications. The substances it contains stimulate brain activity.

Potential dangers and contraindications

Despite the positive qualities of kumquat, you need to remember a number of general contraindications.

It is dangerous when renal failure . An allergic reaction to the constituent substances of citrus fruits does not allow eating kumquat.

There is a restriction on the consumption of dried fruit by patients diabetes mellitus.

Fresh kumquats washed with clean water are cut into slices and eaten whole with thin, sweet skin, containing the same amount of useful components.

There are sweet and sour varieties. Sweets are served raw. Jams, preserves, and marmalade are made from sour fruits.

It is common to add kumquat to meat, fish and poultry dishes. In Europe, this fruit is an alternative to olives as an appetizer for martinis and cocktails.

According to nutritionists, it is possible to eat this citrus fruit daily in the absence of contraindications. Recommended daily intake – 8-10 fruits.

According to other studies, 150 grams of fruit contain the daily requirement of vitamin C.

In cooking

In cooking, the fruit is used to prepare sauces that enrich the taste of meat, fish and vegetables. Kumquat is an ingredient for salads, appetizers, and baked goods.

Some varieties are used for sweet canned products, others even for pickling. Orange juice is included in cocktails, liqueurs, and tinctures.

Kumquat marmalade jam. You will need 1 kilogram of kumquat, 800 grams of sugar and 200 ml of water.

Washed, dried and cut into rings, the seeds removed, are immersed in a hot syrup of sugar and water. The fruits remain in the syrup for 12 hours.

After 12 hours, the entire contents are cooked over low heat with constant stirring until the syrup becomes clear.

While hot, the jam is poured into jars and left until completely cooled. Thick and aromatic marmalade jam is stored in the basement or refrigerator.

Homemade candied kumquat recipe. Requires 500 grams of kumquat, 500 grams of sugar and 100 ml of water.

The washed fruits are cut into slices and the seeds are removed. Kumquat slices are poured into a syrup of water and sugar, boiled for 10 minutes, then cooled. This is repeated for 3 days.

On the 4th day, the semi-finished products are laid out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and dried for 24 hours in a well-ventilated room.

Then they are dried for several hours in an oven heated to 50 degrees. The more hours, the harder the candied fruit.
Ready candied fruits are sprinkled with sugar and stored for up to 6 months.

Salad with seafood and kumquat, video recipe:

Kumquat and Cranberry Sauce Recipe. Ingredients needed: 2.5 cups sugar, 2 cups water, 170 grams kumquat, 570 grams cranberries, 95 grams light.

Mix sugar, water and kumquat, bring to a boil, cook further until the sugar is completely dissolved, then an additional 8 minutes. Carefully transfer the kumquat, which should become transparent, to another bowl.

Then add cranberries to the syrup, bring to a boil and cook, reducing heat, for 7 minutes. When the cranberries burst, add the raisins and cook for another 4 minutes.

The finished sauce is poured into a gravy boat, where kumquat is added immediately before serving.

Used in various diets.

One of the experimental studies by London scientists proved that if you eat several kumquat fruits every day, then in one month you can actually lose 5-7 kilograms.

This unique fruit is suitable for diets: it improves metabolism, removes excess fluid from the body, and supplies the body with minerals and vitamins.

In diet recipes, it is added to dishes, sauces, fruit juice is prepared and eaten as a snack.

But diets with kumquat exclude the consumption of fatty foods, sweets and baked goods. Dairy, and preferably fermented milk products, are taken with a low fat content, rye and whole grain bread is recommended.

Diets with this ingredient last several weeks, the results do not become noticeable soon. Plus the diet - the taste of kumquat makes it easier to tolerate food restrictions.

In folk medicine

The unique composition of the citrus fruit could not but affect its use for medicinal purposes.

The bactericidal effect of kumquat was used in ancient China. External and internal infections and fungal diseases were cured with its juice.

Golden orange juice used to treat inflammatory processes in the lungs and bronchi.

Like all citrus fruits, kumquat, when consumed systematically, strengthens the immune system. Kumquat oil used to treat dermatological diseases.

Eating “golden orange” has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and helps break down fats.

The effects of kumquat oil in aromatherapy have long been popular for relieving stress, anxiety, and combating insomnia and depression.

Folk recipes are also common in everyday life, for example:

• to prevent colds and improve the microclimate in the room, fortuneella fruits are placed in different places;
• to enhance the bactericidal effect, put kumquat peel on the battery;
• Due to the high content of vitamin C, the fruits relieve hangover syndrome.

In cosmetology

Valuable citrus also finds its application in the field of cosmetology. The only contraindication is intolerance to kumquat.

Fresh kinkan juice improves complexion, has a whitening effect, prevents the appearance of freckles and age spots.

Bath with kumquat essential oil relieves tension, anxiety, relaxes.

Essential malo, prepared from the peel of the fruit, is applied to the face or masks are made from it to make the skin velvety and elastic.

The combination of kumquat oil with other essential oils is used to cleanse the skin, reduce scars and stretch marks.

A fruit of Chinese origin, rich in beneficial ingredients. kumquat will bring more benefit to the body than harm when used correctly and without contraindications.

Many fans of this fruit grow it indoors., so that this evergreen tree bears orange fruits, which are considered “jewel citrus fruits.”

In contact with

The word "kumquat" originates from Cantonese, a Chinese language spoken in southern China, Hong Kong and Macau. It is also used by descendants of Chinese emigrants in Southeast Asia and other regions of the world. The word originates from the Cantonese words "kam" - gold and "quat" - orange. This phrase perfectly characterizes appearance"sunny" fruit.

Kumquat (Fortunella Swingle) is a small evergreen tree native to China. It belongs to the rue family - just like tangerine, orange and lemon. The name “kumquat” unites 6 species of plant, and its typical variety is Fortunella margarita ((Loureiro) Swingle. The tree came to Europe in the 19th century. Currently, kumquat is grown in many regions of the world, in particular in Northern and South America, in the Mediterranean (mainly on the Greek island of Corfu).

The main treasure of this plant is its fruits - small and orange, covered with a thin crust. They can be eaten raw, after peeling, or unpeeled. One fruit contains about 7-8 kcal. The taste is reminiscent of tangerine, but more sour. Some people dip kumquat in sugar before consumption to improve its taste.

You should not throw away the kumquat peel, because it contains a lot of vitamin C, a valuable antioxidant. This substance inhibits the attacks of free radicals, thereby acting as protection against various diseases, strengthens blood vessels, has a beneficial effect on the synthesis of elastin and collagen, strengthens and smoothes the skin, and has a positive effect on the heart.

Action backed by research

What else is in kumquat:

1. Fiber regulates metabolism, accelerates intestinal motility, ensures regular bowel movements, and prevents constipation and flatulence. Fiber also helps reduce high level cholesterol and get rid of toxins.

1. The carotenoids in kumquat deserve attention, including lutein, a yellow dye that is necessary for normal vision. It protects us from developing macular degeneration.

1. Valuable potassium, which helps deliver nutrients to cells, regulates the body’s water balance, affects nervous system, stimulates insulin secretion, reduces high blood pressure, controls kidney function.

1. Vitamins A, E and group B, as well as calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium and essential oils.

1. Flavonoids exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antispasmodic effects, and make blood vessels more dense.

Research, the results of which were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, showed that kumquat acts on the body as an antibacterial agent and inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Scientific research has also confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects of these fruits.

Kumquat in the kitchen

If you do not peel the kumquats before eating, they should be rinsed thoroughly under running water. You can scald them with boiling water to get rid of the bitterness of the peel. Before you feast on this exotic fruit, keep in mind: there are one or two seeds in its middle.

Kumquat is an interesting addition to salads, and not just fruit ones. For example, you can add it to a green salad with spinach, yellow cheese and coriander. Fruits are suitable for dishes with rice, cereals, vegetables, meat (especially poultry), and fish. In the kitchen, kumquats can be used in the same way as grapes or olives. Chutney is made from it - a thick sauce that is prepared with the addition of garlic, raisins, onions, mustard, etc. Fruits are an excellent addition to desserts, pancakes, omelettes, and ice cream.

In the “adult” version, kumquat can be filled with alcohol and drunk at friendly parties. Fruit can be processed into jam, puree, marmalade, compote, juice. Candied kumquat fruits boiled in water with added sugar are very tasty. You can add a piece of cinnamon stick or vanilla there. Kumquats are good as a decoration for a dish - just divide them into quarters or halves.

Where to look for strange fruits

Kumquats are available in many supermarkets. The fruits should be firm, ripe, without spots, and intense orange in color. They can be stored for three to four days at room temperature or up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Kumquats can be frozen and stored in this form for six months. Stores also sell candied fruits and dried fruits.

This plant can also be grown in a pot. It does not create big problems in care, except that you need to monitor watering: the tree does not like too much water. He likes misting and plenty of light.

Have you tried kumquats yet? What kind of fruit is this? Sweet delicious citrus will surely surprise you with its taste and aroma. I want to tell you about it, as well as about the benefits of kumquat, where it comes from, and how to grow a tree from a seed at home.

My sister always treats me to all the strange fruits when she comes to visit from the Black Sea coast. She also introduced me to kumquat, bringing dried fruits. For a long time I could not understand what kind of fruit it was, what it looked like. The taste is citrus, sweet, with a slight bitterness. I didn’t immediately realize that I was eating it with the peel, since it didn’t look like it was there at all. But I ate the gift with lightning speed, as much as I liked it.

What is a kumquat

The photo above shows the same fruit - fresh, in syrup and dried. Which fruit does it most resemble? At first glance, it resembles a small orange (outwardly), but when you try it, completely new flavors will be revealed to you. Its fruits are very small, their length is approximately 5-6 cm, and their diameter - no more than 3 cm.

If we compare all the citrus fruits we know, then in terms of taste it is most similar to a sweet tangerine. In China, it is called the “golden orange” not only because of its external similarity, but also because of the benefits it brings to our body.

Kumquat is low in calories, so you can eat it fresh without fear for your figure; 70 kcal per 100 g of product is an indicator of the calorie content of fresh citrus fruits. However, you should know that dried or dried fruits are higher in calories; in a 100 g bag, which are usually sold in stores, there are approximately 280 kcal.

Another interesting question related to its names. This representative of the Rutaceae family has two more names, which are quite widely used in colloquial speech and on relevant thematic forums. One of them is fortunella, and the other is kinkan. In China, the plant’s homeland, it is more often called kumquat, while the Japanese call it kinkan. It is called Fortunella because it belongs to an independent genus, while citrus is the general name of this crop.

Fortunella fruit consists of 80% water, contains potassium - the fruit contains the most of it, and also contains a lot of carbohydrates and organic components (monosaccharides). Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron and sodium are also among the minerals present in this little sunshine fruit. Kumquat contains the most vitamin C (almost 50%), slightly less vitamin A, E, B3 and B5, P.

The list of useful components can be continued for a long time: antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids (unsaturated and saturated, polyunsaturated), lutein, carotene, pectin. This citrus has one remarkable feature worthy of attention. - no matter where it grows, it will not “pull” nitrates from the soil; accordingly, it will not accumulate them in the peel or pulp.

By the way, about the peel - it is incredibly useful, along with the pulp of the fruit.

Where does kumquat grow? Today, this evergreen representative of the citrus family grows in almost all countries. Its homeland is China, and in the 19th century it was brought to America and Europe. In southern China, the Middle East, Japan, and Southeast Asia, it grows as a wild tree and is also grown commercially on an industrial scale.

He loves heat and humidity sunlight. In many countries it is grown as a home potted crop.

Kumquat - how to eat it?

You can come across this question quite often. For those who are trying it for the first time, the answer will be somewhat unexpected - it can (and should) be eaten directly with the peel! Take a fresh kumquat, wash it thoroughly, take a bite and enjoy the sweetness, juiciness, and aroma of this amazing citrus. It is believed that you can fully experience the taste of the fruit only when you consume it whole. Different flavors of the peel and pulp mix, forming an ideal tandem. Here is the answer to the question of how to eat kumquat - with or without skin. This is the only citrus fruit that can be eaten with the skin on. It is sweet, sometimes with a hint of light piquant bitterness, thin, sometimes even sweeter than the pulp (in some varieties the pulp may be sour). It is also officially considered the smallest member of the citrus family.

We have already found out how to eat fresh kumquat; the question immediately arises: how else can this tasty and valuable fruit be used in cooking? But here the widest field of activity opens up for a gourmet! Preserves, marmalades, jams are made from the fruits of the kinkan, and various sauces are made (spicy, hot, sweet or sour). These sauces are in perfect harmony with meat dishes, pilaf, and vegetable purees. Kumquats are cut into slices and baked with poultry, fish, added to a variety of salads, and added to cereals, desserts, and puddings.

Kinkan kumquat can be stewed with vegetables, added to biscuits, decorated and placed in cakes. And how tasty and aromatic is the invigorating Moroccan tea with the addition of this fruit! It also skillfully enhances the flavor of seafood and is used as an additive to nut mixtures. Candied fruits made from kinkan are very good; in terms of taste, they are much better than the usual caramels and candies. They make delicious homemade ice cream with it; it is a fashionable snack for alcoholic drinks (vermouth, liqueurs, wines, etc.). It is canned and made into juices and syrups.

So the answer to the question: how to eat kumquat and with what, will be unambiguous - as you like and with anything.

Photos of various dishes using Fortunella:

In addition to eating, it is used in the preparation of face masks, as an ingredient for various cosmetic creams. Pure juice whitens skin and age spots. Kinkan essential oils are used for aromatherapy and soap making.

When buying a fresh kumquat, make sure that it is firm, has a rich orange color, and is free of any spots. It can be frozen, and in this form it can be stored for about six months. If you buy dried (dried), also pay attention to its color. High-quality fruits should not have a pronounced bright red tint (this indicates their artificial coloring). Choose light, slightly brownish or amber fruits; ideally they have a light citrus aroma.

Dried kumquat, photo:

Kumquat - benefits and harm

Even in ancient China, healers noticed its bactericidal effect. Juice and gruel have long been used to treat fungal diseases; this tradition has survived to this day. In addition, eating these fruits helps to quickly cope with bronchitis, coughs and even hangovers (due to the high content of vitamin C). It optimizes liver function and promotes accelerated fat breakdown. ABOUT positive impact kumquat on immunity and gastrointestinal tract functioning has already been mentioned above. The pronounced calming effect is due to the presence of essential oils in the fruit. To do this, they are eaten, brewed into tea, and simply fragments of the fruit laid out on a hot radiator can lift the mood of those present in the room. In addition to aromatherapy, essential oil is used to treat stretch marks on the skin and smooth out shallow scars.

Kumquat - what is useful:

1. It has an anti-cold and antiviral effect - inhalations with essential oil, as well as crushed fruits with honey, help get rid of coughs and relieve inflammation of the respiratory tract.
2. Helps remove toxins from the body, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system.
3. It is an ideal product for a diet, low in calories, helps cope with excess weight (fiber helps cleanse the intestines).
4. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system as a whole, relieves feelings of irritability, normalizes the emotional background - aromatherapy, teas, decoctions or infusions of finely chopped fruits.
5. Improves heart function, normalizes blood pressure, and is a good preventive measure against vascular diseases.
6. Bactericidal effect at various skin diseases, fungi.
7. Optimizes brain function.

As mentioned above, the fruits contain active components that help cope with a hangover (i.e., they are an effective natural antioxidant). If you have nausea and heaviness in your stomach, you can also eat kumquat - you will immediately feel better. Even pregnant women can use it, but only at the beginning of pregnancy and after consulting a doctor! It will help cope with toxicosis, give strength, provide positive effect to the emotional state.

As for the harm from consuming fortunella, you should not eat it if you have certain stomach diseases. This is due to the presence of acids in the composition, which can provoke an exacerbation of an ulcer (if any) or gastritis. If you have an inflamed intestine, kumquat should also be avoided. If there are kidney pathologies, then it can act as an irritant and cause an exacerbation of existing diseases. It should not be eaten if you are allergic to citrus fruits. Diabetics should use it with great caution as it contains glucose. In this case, consultation with a doctor is also necessary.

Dried kumquat: beneficial properties

The following can be said about the beneficial properties of dried kumquat:

1. It is no less useful than fresh. When dried, the fruits retain their biologically active components and beneficial qualities.
2. Eating dried kinkan replenishes the lack of vitamins and mineral compounds and improves immunity.
3. When dried, the peel of the fruit becomes more valuable and its bactericidal properties are enhanced. This delicacy can be a real cure if you have a cold or simply feel unwell.
4. For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (in a non-aggravated form), it is also recommended to use dried kumquat, which normalizes the functioning of the digestive system.

In terms of energy value, dried fruits are ahead of fresh ones, so it is recommended to eat them during the period of recovery from illness, to increase vitality.

How to grow kumquats from seeds at home?

The dried fruits my sister brought me had seeds in them. Very small, easy to chew. Naturally, amazed by the pleasant taste, I decided to germinate a few seeds. But that was not the case... Not a single seed sprouted... Later I found out that it is possible to grow a kumquat from a seed, but you will need seeds from fresh fruit. But first things first.

This unusual fruit can be called anything - kinkan, Japanese orange, and fabulous tangerine. Kumquat, which has gained immense popularity in many countries around the world due to its unique nutritional and taste qualities, was a staple food used by Japanese and Chinese sages in ancient times. The beneficial properties of kumquat lie not only in the fruit itself, but also in its peel. This unique fruit should only be eaten whole. The fruits of this amazing fruit have a fiery orange hue, an unusual aroma and an unforgettable taste, which can be either rich sweet or sour.

Benefit

The appearance of the kumquat is somewhat reminiscent of the orange familiar to domestic consumers. Except that the shape of the kumquat is not round, but oval. The size of the fruit is somewhat more modest: the average fruit is no more than five centimeters in length, and about four in diameter. The taste of this exotic citrus product is reminiscent of a tangerine. The aftertaste is a little sour.

Kumquat fruits contain large amounts of fiber, as well as pectin and natural enzymes. Due to this, this product is often used to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The benefit of kumquat lies in the fact that it is used as a prophylactic against the risk of developing stomach ulcers or gastritis.

There is a beneficial effect of kumquat on the human nervous system. It is believed that if a person prone to depression includes this fruit in his diet, his nervousness and irritability will decrease, and the risk of chronic stress will disappear.

The biochemical composition of this citrus product contains ascorbic acid. According to nutritionists, its amount in kumquat is much greater than in lemons.

The benefits of kumquat in the fight against fungus and other pests are undoubted. Due to the presence of furakumarin, this fruit has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Kumquat also contributes to:

1. Increased emotional sensitivity.
2. Relieving apathy.
3. Activation of mental activity.

In the old days, it was believed that this fruit promotes active stimulation of mental activity. That is why the kumquat was called the “fruit of the wise.”

In oriental medicine there are many recipes using dried kumquat peel. It is commonly used to treat:

1. ARVI and acute respiratory infections.
2. Flu.
3. Cough.
4. Runny nose.

To combat these infectious pathologies, inhalations are performed two or three times a day. Thanks to this, essential oils are quickly released and easily absorbed by the oral mucosa.

Japanese orange is a dietary product. It provokes the removal of cholesterol (bad) from the body and cleanses of heavy metals and toxins.

Due to the fact that kumquat helps cleanse blood vessels of fatty plaques, it is considered an excellent preventive measure against the risk of developing atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.

“Fairytale Mandarin” has a soft, rich and unusual taste that has practically no analogues. It is customary to eat it completely, along with the peel. This ensures maximum benefit of the product, because heat treatment, even the most delicate, “kills” the important ingredients of its composition. Some connoisseurs even prefer the peel alone. And kumquat juice works well with ginger root.

As in the raw product, the beneficial properties of dried kumquat are preserved in both the pulp and the skin. In dried form, this exotic fruit is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. In addition, dried “dwarf orange” helps normalize digestion. The dried skin of the product is an effective weapon in the fight against viruses. Therefore, in the off-season, it is recommended not only to actively consume the product, but also to spread the peel on your home windowsills.

Dried kumquat fruits are used to prepare alcoholic drinks, cocktails and all kinds of infusions. In bohemian restaurants in Europe, “dwarf orange” is served as an appetizer with expensive alcoholic drinks.

Kumquat is often added to snacks, sauces and salads; it is used to prepare fish, meat dishes and delicious desserts. Dried kumquat is also quite common.

Japanese orange goes well with turkey meat, which is also considered a dietary product. Practical Englishmen bake delicious brioche with the addition of milk and orange juice for the holidays. Kumquat marmalade has a rather interesting taste. It does not require much time or ingredients to prepare.

This citrus product is excellent for preparing a tincture that reduces the level of bad cholesterol, has a beneficial effect on the state of the heart and vascular systems, and is an excellent preventative against the risk of developing heart pathologies.

One of the interesting properties of kumquat is that it effectively relieves a person from hangover syndrome. In Asian countries, after holidays and heavy libations, many fans of noisy parties still restore their health with the help of these fruits.

Japanese orange is an exotic fruit. When purchasing it, it is important to pay attention to its appearance. The color of the fruit peel should be bright orange. The kumquat should be smooth to the touch. Mechanical damage, cracks, dents and other “defects” do not speak in its favor. The softness of the fruit should be moderate.

Kumquat is capricious. It must be stored exclusively in the refrigerator for twenty-one days. Before putting the purchased product into the refrigerator, it must be thoroughly washed and dried with a paper towel. There should not be a single wet drop left on the skin.

In the freezer, fruit can retain its amazing properties before the expiration of the six-month period.

Harm

• gestation;
• lactation;
• tendency to have an allergic reaction.

Calorie content

This exotic product is dietary. The calorie content of kumquat is low, but if the fruit is consumed, both raw and dried, the risk of obesity increases. This is due to the high carbohydrate content.

Contraindications

The negative properties of Japanese orange appear only in cases of individual intolerance to citrus fruits. If a person is not prone to allergic reactions, kumquat does not pose any danger.

The nutritional value

Vitamins and minerals

The Japanese orange contains a huge amount of minerals and vitamins B and C. In addition, this unique fruit contains essential oils and fatty acids. Due to the high concentration of vitamin C in the fruits of this exotic delicacy, it is an excellent means of strengthening the immune system.

Kumquat is a healthy and tasty fruit. Add it to your diet, and the body will be enriched with many vitamins and minerals, and the immune system will become much stronger.