You know, I always wondered what the heck a kumquat was?  I know what it looks like, a mini orange, but I knew it wasn’t a mini orange and when I asked people what it was, I always got ‘I don’t really know’ as the answer (along with I either ‘love’ them or ‘hate’ them). So, here’s what I’ve found out.

A kumquat: is a fruit, though not a citrus, it belongs to the genus Fortunella; has a very thin and sweet skin, with a tart and sour pulp; can be eaten whole (but spit the seed); grows on a shrubby tree with glossy green leaves and white flowers; is in season during the winter; is about the size of a large cherry; is ready to eat when it’s a vibrant orange color.

Storing kumquats: room temperature is just fine for a few days and they will keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge.

Using kumquats: other than eating them whole, kumquats are great for salads; they make a nice addition to chutneys; they are also great in marinades for chicken, beef or pork.

Health benefits: kumquats have potassium, vitamins A & C and are a great source of fiber.

Recipes: Kumquat Oatmeal Cookies, Kumquat Ice Cream, Tilapia with Kumquat Citrus Butter, Chocolate Kumquat Spring Rolls, Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Kumquat-Jalapeño Marmalade

Bon Appetit everyone!