benefits of kumquat fruit

When the kumquats are divided into multiple species, the nameFortunella japonica(orCitrus japonica) is retained by this group. Theround kumquatalso calledMarumi kumquatorMorgani kumquat, is an evergreen tree, producing edible golden yellow fruit. The round variety called Meiwa kumquat in Hawaii is delicious raw. The fruit is small and usually round but can be oval shaped. The peel has a sweet flavor but the fruit has a sour center. The fruit can be eaten cooked but is mainly used to make marmalades and jellies. It is grown as an ornamental plant and can be used inbonsai. The plant symbolizes good luck in China and other Asian countries, where it is kept as a houseplant and given as a gift during theLunar New Year. Round kumquats are more commonly cultivated than other species due to their cold tolerance.

Culinary uses include candying and kumquat preserves,marmalade, andjelly. Kumquats can also be sliced and added to salads. In recent years kumquats have gained popularity as agarnishforcocktailbeverages, including themartinias a replacement for the more familiar olive. A kumquatliqueurmixes the fruit withvodkaor other clear spirit. Kumquats are also being used by chefs to create a niche for their desserts[clarification needed]and are common in European countries.

Theessential oilof kumquat peel contains much of the aroma of the fruit, and is composed principally oflimonene, which makes up around 93% of the total.[7]Besides limonene andalpha pinene(0.34%), bothmonoterpenes, the oil is unusually rich (0.38% total) insesquiterpenessuch as ? bergamotene(0.021%),caryophyllene(0.18%), ? humulene(0.07%) and ? muurolene(0.06%), and these contribute to the spicy and woody flavor of the fruit.Carbonylcompounds make up much of the remainder, and these are responsible for much of the distinctive flavor. These compounds includeesterssuch asisopropyl propanoate(1.8%) andterpinyl acetate(1.26%);ketonessuch ascarvone(0.175%); and a range ofaldehydessuch ascitronellal(0.6%) and2 methylundecanal. Other oxygenated compounds includenerol(0.22%) and trans linalool oxide(0.15%).

When the kumquats are divided into multiple species the nameFortunella obovata(orCitrus obovata) is used for this group. TheJiangsu kumquatorFukushu kumquatbears edible fruit that can be eaten raw. The fruit can be made into jelly and marmalade. The fruit can be round or bell shaped; it is bright orange when fully ripe. It may be distinguished from other kumquats by its round leaves. It is grown for its edible fruit and as an ornamental plant. It cannot withstand frost.