The exotic citrus kumquat that came to our cuisine from southern China is a pleasant taste, bright and unusual aroma, as well as a concentrate of vitamin C, essential oils and other useful substances.
Kumquat is exotic on the table of an ordinary person. These small bright orange citrus fruits have a tart aroma, pleasant taste and a whole range of useful properties. The second name for kumquat is "golden orange". This unusual citrus fruit came to us from Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated since time immemorial. Kumquat is native to China, Japan, and several Middle Eastern countries. Its most memorable feature is its small size. The largest kumquat fruit does not exceed 4-5 centimeters in length. Kumquat is eaten raw, candied fruits, jams and confitures are prepared from it, it is widely used in Asian and European cooking. Often, the bright fruits of the kumquat become an ornament for confectionery, cocktails, meat and fish dishes. In China, sauces of unique taste are prepared from kumquat, which have a pleasant sweet and sour aftertaste with tart notes. Meat baked with kumquat acquires a spicy and sophisticated taste. Culinary experts note that kumquat fruits are best combined with baked pork, chicken, fish and vegetables. Also, these citruses are indispensable for original light desserts, they will decorate any fruit salad, and will also be a good snack for high-quality alcohol. The unique taste of kumquat is not its only advantage. This fruit contains a whole complex of valuable essential oils, vitamins C and P, pectin and bactericidal substances. In Chinese folk medicine, kumquat is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, fungal infections, colds. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, kumquat is perfect for the prevention and treatment of almost all infectious diseases, and in terms of vitamin C content it surpasses even lemons we are used to. Another important advantage of the kumquat is its environmental safety. If any other fruits can accumulate nitrates from the soil, then in the case of kumquat this is impossible: the fruits contain such concentrated citric acid that harmful substances from the soil are simply destroyed.