Kumquat

What Is a Kumquat?

The kumquat (Citrus japonica) is a citrus species native to China and one of the smallest fruits in the citrus family. In Türkiye, it is grown most widely in Finike, in Antalya Province, and is known as the “Finike kumquat.”

The small, oval fruit, about the size of a fingertip, is eaten raw without peeling, with its sweet, thin peel and tart flesh together. This is its most distinctive feature compared with other citrus fruits.

Kumquat Nutrition Facts

Because kumquats are eaten with the peel, they have more fiber than other citrus fruits; 100 grams contain about 71 kcal of energy, 6.5 g of fiber, and 43.9 mg of vitamin C. They are also notable for their calcium content.

What Are the Benefits of Kumquats?

With their high fiber and vitamin C content, kumquats are one of the fruits that can be included as part of a balanced diet. Eating them with the peel provides more fiber than other citrus fruits.

This is general information; kumquats are a food and are not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Kumquats

Fresh kumquats are bright orange, firm, and somewhat heavy; wrinkled or soft skin is a sign of staleness.

• The skin should be bright orange and smooth.
• The fruit should feel firm in your hand and not overly soft when pressed.
• A green, fresh-looking stem indicates a recent harvest.

How to Store Kumquats

Kumquats stay fresh for 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator and for a few days at room temperature. For longer storage, they can be made into jam or candied.

How to Use Kumquats in the Kitchen

Kumquats are most often eaten raw with the peel; they are also made into jam, candy, and pickles. They can be thinly sliced for salads and dessert garnishes.

How to Make Kumquat Jam

Cut the kumquats in half, remove the seeds, and simmer them with sugar and a little water over low heat until thickened; use the resulting jam for breakfast.

How to Candy Kumquats

Cook boiled kumquats in sugar syrup and dry them, then roll them in granulated sugar to make a classic winter candy.

What Recipes Use Kumquats?

Kumquats are used in kumquat jam, candied kumquats, pickles, and salad garnishes. They are also used whole or sliced to decorate desserts and cakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you eat kumquats with the peel?

Yes. The kumquat’s most distinctive feature is that its sweet, thin peel is eaten together with the tart flesh, without peeling. This sets it apart from other citrus fruits.

Where do kumquats grow?

In Türkiye, kumquats are grown most widely in Finike, in Antalya Province, and are known as “Finike kumquats.” They are harvested in winter (November–February).

Can you eat kumquat seeds?

Kumquat seeds have a slightly bitter taste and are usually spit out; swallowing a small amount is not harmful, but it is not preferred.

How should kumquats be stored?

They stay fresh for 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator. Making them into jam or candy is the most common way to store them longer.

How are kumquats different from mandarins?

Kumquats are much smaller and oval and are eaten with the peel; mandarins are larger and round and are peeled before eating. A kumquat’s peel is sweet and its flesh is tart, while the opposite is generally true of mandarins.