What is the name of dried orange? “Golden Orange” kumquat: its benefits for the human body, possible harm, norms and areas of application

Kumquat is an evergreen plant from the genus Kumquat of the Rutaceae family. The Chinese origin of the name of this fruit comes from the phrase “golden mandarin”, which is pronounced “kam kuat”. The plant has a common Latin name - Fortunella. There is also a version that the name “kumquat” is derived from the Japanese word “kinkan”.

Fortunella trees are usually very short and rarely grow above 2 meters. Their trunks have the shape of bushes, and the thin shoots are slightly flattened and outwardly resemble trihedrons with small spines or without spines. In leaves up to 7 cm in length and up to 2.5 cm in width, thin glands are visible. Behind the axil of the leaves there are from 1 to 3 white flowers, from which a round fruit of golden-orange color with a radius of up to 1.5 cm with sweetish-sour pulp develops. Fortunella fruits look like small oranges, slightly elongated in length (their length can be up to 5.2 cm, and their width, as a rule, does not exceed 4.5 cm). The kumquat tastes very similar to a slightly sour tangerine and is completely edible. Kumquat peel is very tasty, but in rare cases it has a painful effect on the condition of the cecum.

The first scientific description of this plant species was created by the Algerian botanist Trabu.

In nature you can find various types of Fortunella, each of which is characterized by a unique shape of the fruit. Now kumquat is extremely widely cultivated in its homeland - in Southern China. In addition, the countries of Southern Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as Japan and the southern states of the USA (in particular, Florida) are actively importing Fortunella fruits. Kumquats are rarely grown from seeds due to their weak root system. Therefore, to propagate the tree, grafting is carried out on the three-leaved poncyrus. Sometimes Fortunella is grown in apartments as a houseplant. Eating kumquat is permissible not only in its raw form, but also after making jams, confectionery products, and liqueurs from it. In Japan, fortuneella is traditionally used at New Year's feasts.

Nutritional value of kumquat

1.79 g protein
0.83 g fat
15.8 g carbohydrates
80.9 g water
0.49 g solids
6.7 g dietary fiber
0.49 g ash
9.4 g monosaccharides and disaccharides
7.5 g sugar
0.12 g starch
0.104 g saturated fatty acids
0.156 g unsaturated fatty acids
0.169 g polyunsaturated fatty acids

Raw fortunella fruits contain a huge amount of essential vitamins that improve health and support the functioning of almost all body systems.

31 mcg?-carotene (A)
289 mcg vitamin A (VE)
38 mcg thiamine (B1)
90 mcg riboflavin (B2)
0.43 mg vitamin B3
0.209 mg pantothenic acid (B5)
37 mcg pyridoxine (B6)
21 mcg folic acid
44 mg ascorbic acid (C)
0.16 µg tocopherol (E)
4.1 mcg biotin (H)
0.43 mg nicotinic acid (PP)
8.38 mg choline
17.2 mcg folate
0.425 mg niacin

Video recipe for the occasion:

Calorie content of different types of kumquat

Although kumquat has a fairly rich vitamin composition, its fruits are characterized by a rather low calorie content. 100 g of fresh fortunella contains only 70 kilocalories. This unique property allows nutritionists to recommend this fruit as a complete, healthy fruit for weight loss. When dried, kumquat is even lower in calories: its energy value is 50 kcal. However, in dried form, Fortunella can contain as much as 250 kcal in 100 g of fruit, so it is less suitable for diets.

One fresh kumquat fruit usually weighs 30–40 g, so it can provide the body with 21–28 kcal of energy.

Mineral composition of kumquat

In the pulp of Fortunella fruits you can find many useful macroelements and microelements, so this fruit can effectively replenish the daily need for minerals.

Macroelements in 100 g of fortunella:

63 mg calcium (Ca)
21 mg magnesium (Mg)
20 mg phosphorus (P)
185 mg potassium (K)
11 mg sodium (Na)

Kumquat fruits also contain almost all the essential microelements:

0.87 mg iron (Fe)
0.18 mg zinc (Zn)
0.096 mg copper (Cu)
0.137 mg manganese (Mn)

Fortunella pulp is rich in various phytonutrients:

156 mcg carotene
194 mcg cryptoxanthin
130 mcg lutein-zeaxanthin

Beneficial properties of kumquat and its use in fresh and dried form

There are approximately six types of exotic healthy fruit, which are characterized by different sizes and shapes. You can also distinguish about ten artificially created and natural hybrids: lemonquat, Morgani kumquat, ichangquat, Fukushi kumquat, orangequat, etc.

Fortunella is often called the “food of the wise,” and this is no coincidence: both the pulp and the peel of the fruit can be consumed, and the rich composition of kumquat does not at all lead to its high calorie content. When dried, fortuneella is often used as an ingredient in dishes such as confectionery, marinades, sauces and tinctures.

Dried kumquat peel is highly prized for its antibacterial properties. To achieve the best effect, the dried peel should be placed near an open flame so that evaporation causes the essential oils to fly off the surface and fight harmful bacteria in the air. Decoctions of dried kumquat peel are often used for inhalation. This fruit also contains a very high concentration of furakumarin, which helps treat fungal infections.

Beneficial properties of dried kumquat:

The ability to cleanse blood vessels of excess cholesterol.
Saturation of the body with minerals and vitamins.
Relieving the consequences of alcohol consumption (hangover).
Combat constipation due to the high concentration of dietary fiber.

Healing properties fresh Fortunella is somewhat different from the above, since the pulp contains a high concentration of other useful components:

Prevention of all kinds of problems with the cardiovascular system.
Fighting apathy or stress, improving mood and maintaining tone.

The benefits to the body from eating dried kumquat are less great, since it does not fully retain all the healing properties of the fresh fruit. Moreover, this product is obtained in a special way: fortunella is dried in a dehydrator or in the sun, and then boiled in sugar syrup. Dried kumquat looks dark and wrinkled, but it can serve as an excellent dessert. Also, vitamins A and E in its composition seriously help with the following problems:

diseases of the eye retina (for example, myopia, night blindness, etc.);
premature aging;
the occurrence of skin rashes;
negative influence of sunlight.

Contraindications to the use of kumquat

Increased acidity in the tissues of the stomach.
Kidney diseases.
Individual intolerance to this tropical fruit.

Despite the presence of a small number of contraindications, Fortunella is rightly considered one of the most unique dietary products.

The contents of modern counters are very diverse, but still can surprise. Not long ago, one very interesting fruit with the strange name kumquat began to appear everywhere. 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 many 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 the production of alcoholic beverages. 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 the food industry. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in garden 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.

" Garden

The fruit, unusual for Europeans, was first mentioned in Chinese chronicles of the 11th century. Portuguese sailors brought a strange citrus fruit, which was only described by a Scottish botanist in the mid-19th century. His name served as the name of a whole family of tropical plants - Fortunella, officially recognized by botanists only at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Originally from Indochina, kumquat (cantonese for golden orange) differs from oranges not only in appearance - the sweet skin hides the core with a sour taste.

This is a low tree or shrub with a spherical crown. Can grow up to 3-4 meters tall. He is not a long-livers - life expectancy is no more than 40 years. The plant loves bright, diffused light. Prefers fertile sandy loam soil. Like all citrus fruits, it can grow in fairly dry areas - the need for water is quite moderate.

Propagated both by seeds and vegetatively - by cuttings, grafting, layering. Nowadays, this miracle of nature grows only in Indochina and Japan - its industrial plantings are developing in the Middle East, Florida, and the Mediterranean. Humid subtropics are the favorite climate of this fruit.

Temperature 25-30 o C, together with high humidity, is the most comfortable for him. When there is a lack of water and when the thermometer is higher, the kumquat sheds its leaves. Often grown as an ornamental plant in open ground and indoors.

It grows as a very decorative evergreen bush or tree, first with fragrant large flowers, and then strewn with oval fruits. Up to 5 cm long, they look like miniature oranges.

Unlike its namesake, the “golden orange” has only 4-7 segments. The sweet and sour pulp contains approximately 5 seeds (according to the number of lobules). The main difference from all citrus fruits is that it is eaten with the skin, it is thin and has a sweet taste.

It turns out that the sweetest skin is that of the wild kumquat, originally from Hong Kong.

Its fruits ripen for the New Year holidays, like all citrus fruits in our hemisphere. All varieties are distinguished by an abundant harvest.

It has already been said that the kumquat is a resident of the subtropics and tropics. Attempts to forcibly relocate him to the north failed. It turned out that its cuttings took root on the deciduous subshrub “poncirus”. On such a rootstock, kumquat can withstand frost down to -10-15 o C.

The fruits of such a plant are no longer as sweet as in their homeland in the tropics, but this does not stop gardeners - the work of breeders is not over yet.

Calorie content and composition

Considering the high percentage concentration of water (up to 80), kumquat has a very low calorie content - 71 kcal / 100 grams. However, when drying, the calorie content increases to 250 kcal/100g.

The list of vitamins present is headed by ascorbic acid. In addition to vitamin C, kinkan is rich in vitamins A, E, B3 and B5.

Recommendations to consume fruits with the peel did not appear out of the blue - it is the thin, delicate skin that is rich in trace elements and minerals. The composition of the fruit is characterized by a high content of potassium (regulates heart rate), calcium, sodium, magnesium, and microdoses of zinc and iron. Essential oils, monosaccharides and polyunsaturated fatty acids add to the popularity of kumquat as a valuable dietary product.

Kumquat fruits are very healthy because they absolutely do not absorb nitrates from the soil. This completely unique property is very relevant for the modern environmental situation.

Beneficial properties of this fruit and harm to the human body

Chinese traditional medicine has long used the bactericidal properties of kumquat. Even now, the juice of these fruits suppresses the development of internal and external infections and respiratory diseases. Inhalation of kumquat oils is one of the best ways to prevent this disease during a flu epidemic and alleviate the condition of a dry, painful cough and chronic runny nose.

The unusually high content of ascorbic acid helps the body recover from a hangover; taking several fruits fresh helps to quickly get out of the withdrawal state. Simply chew a few dried fruits and the effect will be noticeable within a few minutes.

Regular consumption of “golden orange” normalizes immunity, although this property is inherent in all citrus fruits. Kumquat essential oil is often used in the treatment of skin diseases.. Its composition has a tonic effect on the human body in general, and especially on the liver and gall bladder - it helps break down fats.

Kinkan oil is successfully used in cosmetology for SPA treatments, and when combined with oils of other plants, they successfully treat problematic skin. Interestingly, regular procedures with the oil of this fruit eliminate postpartum stretch marks, as well as cellulite.

In aromatherapy The essential oil of this citrus is used to treat stress and sleep disorders. Instead of an aroma lamp, you can place pieces of peel on thermal radiators - ensure a healthy sleep and disinfect the room.

From traditional Chinese medicine it has become common practice using kinkan tincture with honey, which quickly reduces the level of bad cholesterol and normalizes heart rate.

How the low-calorie product kumquat found use in weight control diets. But this applies only to fresh fruits - the calorie content of fruits increases many times during processing and drying.

Contraindications for use

We’ve sorted out the benefits that this fruit can bring to human health, now let’s talk about the possible harm. Unfortunately, intolerance to citrus fruits is quite common. If you are prone to various allergies, you should not risk eating more than two fruits at a time.

If you are trying a new fruit for the first time, limit yourself to half the first time.. Monitor the condition of your body. The portion can be increased if no unpleasant consequences are observed.

Kumquat is not at all prohibited for pregnant women, but the special sensitivity of the woman’s body and fetus to a possible change in diet should be taken into account. Practice shows that this citrus copes well with early toxicosis. Doctors usually limit themselves to general recommendations - “do not abuse.”

It is clear that due to the high content of organic acids, this citrus is not recommended for gastroenterologist patients. Contraindications are also diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs.. Regarding diabetic patients, they should also be careful to consume only fresh fruit with constant monitoring of sugar levels.

Recipes for kumquat preparations

The uses of kumquat are completely universal.:

they are eaten fresh (with the skin),
in treatment recommendations,
in cosmetology,
in cooking.

In cooking alone, its use is not limited to the preparation of refreshing drinks - both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. As an ingredient, kumquat fruits are often added to meat, sauces and various salads..

It is often added to dairy products - curd mass, yogurt.

However The fruit is mainly used for making desserts and sweets. These fruits make preparations that are perfectly stored all winter - candied fruits. confitures, jam, pastille.

In fresh and dried form, kumquat is added to the recipe for baked goods.

Will need:

fresh fruits - 1 kilogram,
granulated sugar - 1 kilogram,
juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

Lightly cut the fruits and blanch them in three waters.
From a glass of the last decoction, cook syrup from all the sugar.
Place kumquats in hot syrup and simmer until thick.
Just before it's ready, add lemon juice.
After cooling, transfer the jam into sterile jars.

Fresh kumquat jam

Will need:

kumquat fruits - 1 kilogram,
granulated sugar 1-1.2 kilograms,
juice of 1 lemon,
vanilla sugar - 1 sachet.

Preparation

Prick the washed fruits (for example, with a fork) and boil for 10 minutes, cool with cold water.
Half of all sugar is dissolved in a glass of water (remaining from blanching).
Place the fruits in this syrup, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
When the semi-finished product has cooled, add another portion of sugar and cook again for several minutes.
The third time, add the remaining sugar and bring until cooked - the fruits should become translucent.
Just before the end, add lemon juice and vanilla sugar.
Place while hot into sterile jars and screw on the lids.

Dried fruits: candied fruits

If you prepare jam without pre-boiling, the fruits will not be overcooked and will be strong. After cooking is complete, drain everything in a colander and then spread it in one layer on a flat dish to dry.

Conclusion

This is such a “golden orange” from Indochina, which Europe learned about not so long ago. And now its plantings have already conquered the Middle East, the Mediterranean coast and California. In tub culture, kumquat grows not only in winter gardens and greenhouses, but also in a city apartment. A low evergreen tree with fragrant flowers and elegant fruits is a living corner of the subtropics within the walls of a high-rise building...

Kumquat (known as golden orange, fortunella, kincan) is a miniature citrus fruit of a short (up to 4 m) tree, up to 4 cm in diameter, covered with a bright yellow or orange peel, divided inside into segments. It resembles a miniature orange, only more oval in shape.

The taste is more reminiscent of tangerine, has a sourness, and is completely edible.

How are kumquats consumed? How many calories does the fruit contain? Benefits and harms - how does kumquat affect the body?

Chemical composition of kumquat

Kumquat contains many vitamins and nutrients

Kinkan is an infrequent guest on store shelves. But you can find it in different states, and its nutritional value will depend on this. Fresh kumquat has a calorie content of 71 kcal per 100 g. The calorie content of 100 g of dried kumquat is slightly lower, 55 kcal. Dried kumquat has the highest calorie content per 100 g - up to 280 kcal.

2 g proteins;
1 g fat;
16 g carbohydrates.

Is it possible to afford kinkan if you have diabetes? The glycemic index of kumquat is 35 units: the fruit is recommended for consumption in diabetes.

Useful properties and contraindications

The benefits of kumquat for the body are higher than those of other citrus fruits, because they eat it with the peel, absorbing the entire spectrum of nutrients.

The following properties of kinkan are distinguished:

disinfectant;
antiviral;
cleansing;
mucolytic;
restorative;
diuretic.

To relieve swelling and remove fluid from the body, you can also eat the exotic lychee fruit.

Kumquat is used in the following cases:

Phytoncides contained in the peel and essential oil of kinkan disinfect the air in the room;
Regular consumption of this citrus fruit has an effective effect on the body's immune system;
Fortunello has long been used to treat coughs: it improves mucus discharge and makes nasal breathing easier. Inhalations with kinkan oil are effective during epidemics of acute respiratory infections and influenza;
Kumquat is also effective for metabolism: fat burning is accelerated, the liver and gallbladder are cleansed;
Activates brain function, indispensable for mental workers;
The usefulness of Fortunello also lies in its ability to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol, stabilize cardiovascular activity, and normalize blood pressure;
Improves the emotional background: depression, stress, and neuroses are not a problem for people who consume kumquat daily.

How many fruits can you eat per day? The optimal quantity is up to 10 berries.

Can pregnant women eat this fruit? Is kumquat good for pregnancy? The combination of substances in the composition is not dangerous for the developing organism. If you are not allergic, feel free to eat the fruit. It will relieve symptoms of toxicosis: nausea, vomiting, have a positive effect on the general condition of the pregnant woman, and tonic. In addition, essential oil is effective against stretch marks, cellulite and sagging skin.

What are the benefits of berries for women? They are used in many nail, skin, and hair care procedures. Suppresses the development of fungal and bacterial infections.
Benefits for men: consuming 200-300 g of kinkan relieves hangover. In addition, being a natural aphrodisiac, it enhances potency.

Pomelo is an excellent way to improve potency.

Low calorie content and rich composition make kumquat effective for weight loss. When fruits are included in the diet, metabolism accelerates, digestion improves, and excess fluid is removed from the body.

You will learn more about the benefits of kumquat from the video:

Useful properties of dried fruits

What are the benefits of dried kumquat? Already by the fact that it retains all the valuable substances in its composition. In addition, its calorie content is even lower than that of fresh fruit, which means it is more attractive for those losing weight.

On sale you can see fruits of green, yellow, orange and almost red colors. You should buy these with caution: sometimes the color of the fruit is given by a chemical dye, and not by the variety.

What are the beneficial properties of dried green kumquat? It contains more vitamin C and is less allergenic than its brightly colored counterparts. Its taste is slightly more sour.
What are the benefits of yellow kumquat? It contains a large proportion of vitamin A, which is beneficial for vision.
Dried fruit is also filling: the feeling of hunger will disappear for a long time.

Perhaps you are also interested in knowing what grapefruit is good for and how you can lose weight with it? You will find all the information

Dried kumquat: beneficial properties

What are the benefits of dried kumquat?
The benefits of dried kumquat are higher than those of fresh or dried kumquat:

Only dried fruit contains a special substance that is effective in combating fungal diseases;
It is more effective against colds and flu, inflammation. A decoction of dried fruit will strengthen the immune system and tone;
Chewing the fruits is good for the gums and throat in case of inflammatory diseases;
Compresses help relieve joint pain;
Increases vitality, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, improves digestion.

How much dried kumquat can you eat per day? Due to its high calorie content - no more than 70 g.

Contraindications

In addition to individual intolerance and allergies to fruit, there are a number of other contraindications:

With long-term contact with mucous membranes, it has an irritating effect;
The fruit should not be consumed by people suffering from diseases of the kidneys and urinary system;
It is eaten with caution in case of gastrointestinal diseases;
People with low blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure;
Its use is not recommended for breastfeeding women, because... there is a possibility of allergies and digestive disorders in the baby. It is better to introduce this fruit into the diet from 3 years of age in stages.

Directions for use and consumption

The low prevalence of the fruit did not affect the breadth of its use. He gained fame in cooking, saturating the human body with useful substances. Its healing properties and cosmetology have not been spared.

In cooking

You can prepare many dishes from kinkans:

Fresh fruit is good in salads - it will give them an exquisite taste, aroma, and most importantly, it will be a bright decoration for the dish;
The interesting sweet and sour taste of the fruit is used in preparing sauces for meat and vegetable dishes;
Drinks using Fortunello are popular - cocktails, liqueurs, tinctures and even compotes;
Kinkan is added as a filler to yoghurts, cottage cheese, and sweet pastries; decorate cakes and desserts with it;
Children will definitely love marmalade, candied fruits, and jam made from this fruit.

Kumquat jam is prepared according to the following recipe: equal parts fruit and water, add lemon juice (to taste) and vanillin (optional). The kinkan is first pricked with a fork or toothpick, boiled for 10 minutes, and cooled. Boil in sugar syrup until the fruit is transparent. Place it hot into jars and roll it up.
There are also options for jam made from kinkan halves and fruits cut into circles.

You will learn a detailed recipe for kumquat jam from the video:

The calorie content of kumquat in syrup is 240-250 kcal.
The recipe for candied kumquat fruit (calorie content - 65 kcal) involves preliminary boiling of the fruit to soften the final product. After cooking, the kinkan is dried on parchment paper.

In cosmetology

The small Japanese orange has unique properties in cosmetology:

Its juice, when applied daily to the face, will not only prevent the appearance of freckles and age spots, but also get rid of them. The skin will look healthy, tightened, its color will even out;
Kinkan essential oil is also beneficial for the face: it has nourishing properties, the skin will become velvety, elastic, dryness and flaking will disappear;
Essential oil added to the bath has a relaxing effect and calms the nervous system;
A few drops of oil added to shampoo and conditioner will make hair more manageable, nourish it, and prevent breakage;
When crushed, dried fruits are used as a scrub.

Orange essential oil has also found wide application in cosmetology.

Having learned what kumquat is and how it is useful, we can conclude that it is necessary to use it. When choosing fresh fruits, pay attention to their density, uniform color, absence of dark spots and rot. It is still rarely found in stores, so the best way to get the fruits is to have such a plant at home. An unpretentious fruit-bearing tree, decorative all year round - an ideal indoor plant.

Similar materials

Kumquat (from Chinese. golden orange) is a yellow-orange tropical fruit of the citrus family of evergreens. This fruit also has other names - kincan and fortunella. Externally, the kumquat looks like a very small oval orange. It reaches a maximum of 5 cm in length and 4 cm in width. The fruit is consumed completely with the peel. The taste of the fruit is very close to the sour tangerine, but the peel has a sweet-tart taste. The kumquat is native to the southern part of China.

The first literary mention of kumquat dates back to the 12th century. in China. The fruits came to Europe thanks to the English botanist Robert Fortune, who brought them to the annual London Horticultural Exhibition in 1846. Initially, the fruits were classified as citrus fruits, but in 1915 they were separated into a separate subgenus - Fortunella.

Kumquat plantations grown for export are located in Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Greece and the southern United States. There are several types of kumquat: Hong Kong, Malay, marumi, meiwa, nagami and fukushi.

Selection and storage of kukvat

When buying a kumquat, you should pay attention to its appearance. The peel should have a rich orange color, be shiny, smooth and without visible mechanical damage, dark spots and cracks. Also, the fruit should be moderately soft. Excessive softness may indicate overripeness of the fruit, and hardness may indicate immaturity.

Store kumquats in the refrigerator in the fruit and vegetable section for three weeks. But before this, the fruits should be thoroughly washed to remove dirt and dried so that not a drop of moisture remains on the surface. If whole fruits or pureed fruits are placed in the freezer at a temperature of -15 to -19°C, the beneficial substances can be preserved for up to six months.

Use in cooking

Kumquat is widely used in cooking. In most cases, it is consumed raw and used to decorate dishes: salads, sandwiches, buffet snacks, cocktails, mulled wine and as a snack for strong alcoholic drinks. In thermally processed dishes, kumquat is used to prepare sweet and sour sauces for vegetables and meat, for meat or fish baked in the oven, as well as for preparing desserts: candied fruits, confitures, juices, cottage cheese and yogurt casseroles, etc.

Kumquat calories

The product is characterized by a rather low calorie content, since 100 g of this fruit contains 71 kcal, but it is not recommended to overuse it, as it can cause obesity due to the high carbohydrate content, especially in dried form. 100 g of such kumquat contains 284 kcal.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of kumquat

Composition and presence of nutrients

Kumquat contains a fairly diverse set of vitamins (, , , B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc), fatty acids and essential oils. The high concentration of vitamin C in kumquat fruits makes it indispensable for increasing immunity and the body’s overall resistance to viruses and bacteria.

Useful and healing properties

Due to the content of fiber, pectin and natural enzymes, the fruits are used to normalize the gastrointestinal tract, prevent gastritis and ulcers. Kumquat also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. People who consume this fruit are less susceptible to depression, irritability, nervousness, and chronic stress. It helps to increase emotional sensitivity, get rid of apathy, and give strength for active activity rather than a passive existence.

In Eastern medicine, dried kumquat peel is used to treat colds, flu, runny nose and cough. To do this, inhalation of brewed crusts is carried out 2-3 times a day. This method of using kumquat allows the essential oils to be released freely and maximally absorbed by the oral mucosa.

Dietary product

Kumquat is one of the dietary products that help break down and eliminate bad cholesterol, cleanse the body of toxins, radionuclides and heavy metals. Cleansing blood vessels from fatty plaques, which occurs during the systematic use of kumquat, is an excellent prevention of stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis.

Dangerous properties of kumquat

It is also not advisable during pregnancy and lactation, as it can cause allergies in the child.

You can see how kumquats are grown in greenhouses. Small bushes are completely covered with scatterings of bright orange fruits. They are very similar to clementines and tangerines, which are also presented in the video.