Kumquat has several names:in European countries, it is often called fortunella, and in Japan it is called kinkan. Originally this is a citrus plant from China, where it is called the "golden apple". Like the other, more familiar citrus fruits, Fortunella produces bright orange (true, small) fruits with a characteristic aroma. But to taste it is not particularly reminiscent of an orange, nor a tangerine. Especially since, unlike its brethren, kumquat is eaten with peel (it has, albeit with a touch of essential oils, but sweeter than other citrus fruits).
As for the benefits of this exotic fruit,then it is huge. To the question: “Kumquat - what is it?” The correct answer is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. This tasty baby contains a truly incredible amount of potassium and calcium, folic acid and pectin substances, as well as vitamins A, B, C and R. And they are rich in fresh kumquat, dried, and also prepared in the form of jam (in the latest version, of course, less than the rest). Fortunella also contains a unique natural bactericidal and antifungal component called furocoumarin. Thanks to him, the Kinkan perfectly fights infections that affect the respiratory, digestive and other systems of the human body.
Unfortunately, in our markets it’s not very often possiblemeet the kumquat. What it is, and where it can be bought, not all fruit distributors know. And even if there is a fresh Fortunella on sale, then the price of it will be exorbitant compared to the other citrus fruits.
In addition to fighting infections, kumquat is indicated whenstresses, for the prevention of peptic ulcer disease, in addition, it perfectly helps with hangover. Surprisingly, only a few miniature fruits are able to completely eliminate the symptoms of the consequences of a serious feast.
As for the use of fortunella, the mostA simple option is to eat it just fresh. This fruit is pleasant to the taste, sweet and sour, with a pronounced citrus flavor. The only thing that can bring trouble when it is used is the bones, which in some species of the kinkan are many. In many salads (and not only fruit), you can also add kumquat. Photos that show slices of miniature citrus fruits in a salad, just say about his presence. In addition, from it, as from any fruit, you can cook the jam (though then you need to stock up on fruits in sufficient quantities). Some types of fortunella grow in Georgia, they are more affordable, but not as tasty as Japanese or Chinese. If desired, Kumquat tree can be grown at home. It is not too whimsical and with proper care may well bear fruit even in a flower pot.
Having grown enough kumquat at home, fromIt can be prepared jam, which will be an excellent immunostimulant and help with colds. It will require ginger, sugar and, of course, kumquat (what it is, is already clear). At 400 g of its fruit should be taken 100 g of sugar and 50 g of ginger. Syrup is boiled out of sugar, adding half a glass of water and grated ginger, then the fruits of Fortunella are sent there in half and boiled, stirring, for 20 minutes. The finished drug is stored in the refrigerator and consumed at the first sign of a cold or just with tea.
In supermarkets you can often meetdried kumquat. What it is written on the price tag or on the packaging. It can be sold either sliced, in the form of chips, or whole in syrup, like candied fruits.
