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Where
are Kumquats found ?
Kumquats are usually seen in abundance in Asia, especially in
China, Japan. It is also found in the warmer states of the
Unties States like California, Texas, and Florida. Kumquats are
grown in Puerto Rico, Gautemala, Surinam, Columbia and Brazil.
It has a thin presence in South Africa too. It is found in South
India, and is found to grow at heights on the hill slopes.
When is the best season to buy
Kumquats ?
Kumquats can be bought from December to June. It is available at
most places, from big supermarkets to local grocery shops. You
should buy fruits that are firm and without bruises on the skin.
They can be stored in the refrigerator upto two weeks, safely
wrapped in plastic bags. It will stay long because of its thick
peel. |
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Uses of
Kumquats
Nutritional benefits:
Kumquats have various nutritional benefits. They are a good
source of fibre and vitamins A and C. They are also rich in
calcium and iron. It is especially good for those on diet as
kumquats are free form cholesterol, fat and sodium. It is said
that eight kumquats contain only 100 calories. They also offer a
naturally sweet alternative to artificial snacks.
Decorative purpose: Besides
producing sweet fruits, kumquats are considered to be decorative
plants. This is because it is an evergreen plant which grows to
just about 8 to 15 feet in height. It has delicate white flowers
and the fruits that bear on them are bright orange. In some
places the cut branches of Kumquat trees are used as Christmas
decorations.
Dishes and recipes with kumquats
Kumquats are eaten whole or maybe added to fruit salads or to
desserts. It can be used to make jams, jellies, and marmalades.
It is also preserved as pickles and syrups. Kumquat
confectionary is available in local Chinese shops.
Kumquat sauces are made by cooking chopped and seeded kumquats
along with honey, orange juice, salt and butter. To preserve
kumquats, the fruits should be first left to lose their
moisture. Then they should be dipped in sugar syrup. Canned
kumquats are popular as dessert in Chinese restaurants. To make
candies from kumquats, the fruits have to be soaked in hot water
along with baking soda for at least a day. Then it should be cut
open and cooked in heavy syrup for three days in a row, after
which they should be dried and sugared, leaving the jar sealed
for 4 to 5 days. The brine should be changed periodically and it
has to be kept for 6 to 8 days. For sweet pickles, kumquat
fruits should be halved and then boiled till they are tender.
Then they should be drained and boiled again in a mixture
consisting of corn syrup, vinegar, water and sugar along with
cloves and cinnamon. This is then baked till it becomes thick
and transparent.
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