What kind of fruit is dried kinkan. Kumquat, what kind of fruit is it, useful properties of kumquat

The kumquat is a small tropical fruit, about the size of a walnut. As a rule, kumquat is consumed together with the peel. In terms of taste, the fruit is distinguished by astringency, and at the same time sweetness. Kumquat is widely used in cooking. Fruit goes well with meat. Also, kumquat slices are used to decorate various dishes. In addition, some medicinal properties of the product have been established. In folk medicine, kumquat fruits are used to treat fungal and colds. What are the other health benefits of the fruit?

Calorie content and chemical composition of kumquat

The second name of kumquat is fortunello. This citrus fruit is extremely useful for the human body. It can be consumed both fresh and dried, dried. Attention deserves the vitamin composition of kumquat. The fruits are rich in B vitamins - B3, B5, B1, B2, B6, B9. Also, vitamins C, E, A are contained in sufficient quantities. In the process of drying, they practically do not change their concentration.

The peel of kumquat is saturated with useful essential oils. Also, fruits contain a lot of fatty acids, which are extremely important for the human body. The uniqueness of the product lies in the fact that the composition of the pulp includes a substance such as furakumarin. This substance actively fights fungal infections, purulent diseases.

The mineral composition is also rich. So, the pulp contains the following trace elements, minerals:

• Iron;
• Zinc;
• Sodium;
• Calcium;
• Potassium;
• Phosphorus;
• Copper.

But the calorie content of the product differs depending on the type of processing. Low-calorie is a fresh kumquat. It is used to prepare various dishes. Fresh fruits are allowed for consumption during the diet. So, 100 grams of fresh kumquat contains no more than 70 kcal. Dried kumquat has a large amount of carbohydrates, which increases its calorie content - 283 kcal per 100 grams. You should not abuse such a product, as obesity can develop.

The pulp of the fruit is very juicy. 80% of the total composition is diverted to water. Also, kumquat has useful monosaccharides. The advantage of the fruit can be considered that in the composition of the fruit you will not find nitrates that plants absorb from the soil. Quite a lot of pectins, dietary fiber in citrus. Therefore, it is actively used to normalize the digestive system.

To get the maximum benefit from the product, use kumquat with the peel. This applies to both fresh and dried fruits. In this form, the fruits are added to various pastries, desserts, marinades, jellies, sauces. Also, tinctures are prepared on the basis of kumquat. The peel of the product has great benefits and value. Dried kumquat peel is famous for its antibacterial properties.

To provide this effect, it is recommended to place the dried peel near the fire. It is useful to carry out aroma therapy with citrus peel. The emitted essential oils spread indoors, killing viruses and bacteria. A decoction of the peel is added to the means for inhalation. And thanks to furakumarin, the fruit is actively fighting various fungal infections.

Useful properties of dried kumquat

On the shelves of supermarkets you can find mostly dried or dried kumquats. It is problematic to transport the product fresh. But, even dried fruit has a lot of useful properties. A high level of potassium restores the functioning of the cardiovascular system. And the amount of this element does not change during the drying process.

Due to the regular intake of potassium into the body, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened and become more elastic. And lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood prevents the development of a disease such as atherosclerosis. In general, the product restores the balance of minerals and vitamins in the body. In folk medicine, kumquat is used to treat fungal and inflammatory diseases.

The uniqueness of dried fruits lies in the fact that they relieve the symptoms of a hangover. It is enough just to chew a few kumquat fruits to eliminate nausea, headache, and weakness. A delicacy is also useful for the digestive system. 100 grams of fruit contains 1/3 of the daily intake of dietary fiber. Against the background of regular consumption of dried kumquat, intestinal motility improves. It helps to get rid of constipation.

Benefits of fresh kumquat

Fresh fruit contains a huge amount of B vitamins. This group is important for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A moderate amount of fresh fruits will get rid of some problems with the nervous system. Also, the product is an excellent prevention of such deviations:

• Insomnia;
• Apathy;
• mood swings;
• Depression;
• Headaches;
• Nervous exhaustion;
• Overwork.

A few fruits of kumquat eliminates the effects of stress. In general, fresh kumquat will restore the psycho-emotional background. Like dried fruit, fresh fruits have a preventive effect on the cardiovascular system. Fresh pulp and juice are used by nutritionists as a means to lose weight. Thanks to the establishment of all metabolic processes in the body, the removal of toxins and toxins, body weight is reduced.

What are the benefits of dried fruit?

Dried product completely retains all the useful components of fresh kumquat. It is recommended to purchase a dried product. Such a fruit is dried a little in the sun, in a natural environment, without chemicals. But boiled kumquat, with the addition of sugar or syrup, will lose more of all its useful properties. Such a delicacy is more likely to be a dessert than a source of benefit.

Dried kumquat is recommended for people suffering from eye diseases, in particular with retinal problems. And a large amount of vitamins A and E has an antioxidant effect on the body. The negative effects of free radicals are neutralized, which is considered the prevention of cancer. Also, the fruit in this form reduces the risk of premature aging, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, and reduces the effects of the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The use of kumquat in cosmetology

Kumquat is actively used in cosmetology to improve skin condition. So, simple rubbing of the face with kumquat juice will help to avoid the appearance of freckles, even out the complexion. And the use of fortunello essential oil in a shared bath will help you relax and relieve stress after a hard day's work. By adding kumquat peel ether to face and hand creams, you can get beautiful, velvety skin, give skin tone and elasticity.

Can kumquat be harmful?

Like any other food product, kumquat has its benefits and harms. So, first of all, it is necessary to note the individual intolerance to citrus fruits. If you are allergic to citrus fruits, it is better to exclude kumquat from the diet. With extreme caution, it is worth eating fruit for people suffering from diabetes. Due to the large amount of monosaccharides, hypoglycemia may occur. It is better to consult a doctor first and set the optimal dose of citrus.

The peel of the fruit is rich in essential oils. With their excessive amount, irritation of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity occurs, which provokes the appearance of sores. Therefore, some nutritionists advise eating only the pulp, separating it from the peel. Small candied fruits, kumquats in syrup cause the "seed effect". It will be very difficult to distract from them, which will entail uncontrolled consumption of the fruit. And this, in turn, is fraught with weight gain.

It is also worth refraining from using kumquat in such cases:

• The presence of gastritis;
• The presence of a stomach ulcer;
• Pregnancy;
• The period of breastfeeding;
• Kidney diseases.

How to choose a kumquat?

When choosing a fresh kumquat, first of all, you need to pay attention to the appearance. The fruits of a good, high-quality fruit have a bright orange color, smooth, shiny, even rounded shape. Kumquat is somewhat reminiscent of a tangerine. It should not have dents, dark spots, cracks or other damage. To the touch, the fruit is not hard, moderately soft.

Dried or dried kumquat should not be too bright. The color of such fruits is dull, not glossy, but matte. But bright shiny fruits become so after treatment with dyes, preservatives and chemicals. There will be little benefit from such products. The fruit is stored for a long time. Fresh kumquats can keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Before use and storage, both fresh and dried fruits must be washed and dried thoroughly. Only in this way the fruits last longer, and they will bring more benefits.

Among the many familiar citrus fruits, there is a little-known exotic fruit - Kumquat. Despite the fact that he is also from the citrus family, few people know him in our area. However, it has medicinal properties and a high content of vitamins and minerals, while it has a low calorie content.

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Kumquat, what is this fruit?

The kumquat grows on an evergreen shrub tree and is small in size, about the size of a walnut. The fruits taste very similar to unripe tangerines or sweet-skinned oranges, so they are eaten whole without peeling, as they contain the most useful vitamins.

The sour-sweet taste of kumquat with a slight bitterness made it possible to use it in cooking for cooking meat, fish, sauces, jams, juices and as a decoration for any dishes.

It is used for the manufacture of dried fruits and candied fruits. Possessing medicinal properties, kumquat perfectly relieves a hangover, which is why in China, after a fun feast, they are treated with it.

Kumquat is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases associated with a deficiency of vitamins, especially vitamin C. Candied fruit retains a valuable vitamin, the benefits of which are easily digestible by the body.

The benefits and harms of kumquat

The fruits of the kumquat plant are useful in the treatment of many diseases, as they are able to replenish the supply of substances necessary for the health of men and women. Depending on the type of fruit, it may be green, yellow or orange. When preparing candied fruits, the color of kumquat is preserved even when dried.

Healing kumquat, the benefits of daily use:

1. with reduced immunity, it increases the body's resistance to colds;
2. has powerful anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties;
3. has a powerful effect in the treatment of fungus, including cancer;
4. beneficial effect on the nervous system;
5. in diabetes gently lowers sugar;
6. in the treatment of high blood pressure lowers its level without harming the body;
7. normalizes metabolism, improving the secretion of gastric juice;
8. enriches the brain with valuable elements, therefore it is recommended for hard mental work;
9. helps to lose weight.

Definite harm kumquat appears only as an allergenic product, so people suffering from allergic reactions should reduce their intake to a minimum. Also, the fruit can be harmful in case of serious inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, irritating its mucous membrane.

Kumquat - Application and Healthy Recipes

Kumquat contains such useful elements as:

1. vitamins A, B, C, E, P, K;
2. calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus and other elements;
3. pectin;
4. antifungal agent furakumarin;
5. flavonoids;
6. folic, malic and citric acid;
7. dietary fibers valuable for the body

Due to its excellent taste and high content of valuable substances for the human body, the fruit is actively used in the preparation of medicinal recipes.

Kumquat juice - useful properties

Of particular value is kumquat peel and juice. The juice of this fruit is very active, so it is not recommended for people with high acidity, as it is harmful to the mucous membrane.

Healing kumquat juice benefits:

1. excellently lowers cholesterol at high blood pressure;
2. is suitable for the normalization of digestive activity;
3. restores the nervous system, gently relieving stress, neurosis and depression;
4. removes heavy toxins from the body.

Eat no more than 100 grams in two doses per day.

With regular use of this juice, there is no need to take immunomodulatory drugs. With the additional intake of candied fruits, the therapeutic benefits of this product increase several times. How to take kumquat during pregnancy - recipes

Use in diabetes

Kumquat, or Japanese Fortunella widely used to treat diabetes due to low calorie content (70 kcal). Therefore, in diabetes mellitus, both fresh fruits and dried, dried and candied fruits are used. At the same time, it must be remembered that it is fresh kumquat that contains less sugar in its composition than other types.

Dried fruits, obtained from kumquat, have a powerful antioxidant effect to maintain the normal state of the entire cardiac system, therefore they are recommended for use by people who suffer from high sugar.

The benefits of kumquat for pressure - recipes

Due to its properties, the product is successfully used in the treatment of hypertension, including chronic.

Healing tincture of juicy kumquat with the addition of honey, it quickly lowers cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, especially the upper indicator. Of particular benefit is the use of candied fruits made from kumquat.

For the treatment of pressure, a recipe is used:

• take in equal parts the fruits of hawthorn, viburnum, elderberry and kumquat, grind with sugar and take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

Kumquat benefits for the heart:

1. strengthens the heart muscle;
2. restores heart rate;
3. cleanses blood vessels from excessive slagging;
4. increases the elasticity of the inner walls of blood vessels.

Daily consumption of this fruit in the amount of 4-5 pieces reduces stable pressure after 7-10 days and keeps it at this level for several months. You need to take courses.

What are the benefits of kumquat seed oil?

The seeds of an exotic green plant contain essential oils, so they are used with viral, bacterial and fungal diseases.

Seed oil accelerates metabolic processes in the body and leads to an improvement in the skin, getting rid of breakouts.

Complex external application of oil gives good results in the fight against aging, restoring skin elasticity. It is ideal for women who want to preserve their youth without resorting to aggressive means.

Having a powerful antifungal property, the oil is used in the external treatment of fungus and psoriasis.

How to use kumquat for a cold?

A miniature, but extremely healing fruit is used in the treatment of colds. It can be used for coughs both in its natural raw form, and in the form of tincture, tea or use of oil for inhalation.

For prevention and treatment of cough, including bronchitis, the following recipe is used:

• squeeze the juice from 5 fruits, add 3 teaspoons of liquid honey and lemon juice, mix the mixture and take half a teaspoon every hour until the condition is relieved.

It also perfectly relieves spasm in the throat and treats sore throat dried fruit or candied fruit, which has tannins. In addition, the use of dried or dried fruit does not irritate the inflamed membrane of the larynx.

How to make tincture - recipe

It is important to note that no tinctures and decoctions are made from a miniature orange-like fruit, since heat treatment kills most of the nutrients, so you can only cook alcohol tincture by the following method:

• take 10 berries of a bush, add 500 g of liquid honey (better than May) and 500 g of vodka, then insist in the refrigerator for at least 2 months and take 1 tablespoon three times a day.

The prepared tincture can be used with high blood pressure, problems with digestion and cardiac activity as well as many other ailments. The benefit of the prepared medicine lies in the systematic use.

Sun-dried and dried kumquat - useful properties

Dried kumquat It has a high content of not only vitamins, but also sugar, so people with diabetes should be taken with caution. Including a few dried berries from a Japanese bush in your diet can significantly improve immunity.

For the treatment of many diseases, dried kumquat is used, the beneficial properties of which are due to the high content of antioxidants that fight the aging process.

This recipe helps to establish the work of important systems in the body and increase mental activity due to the combined healing properties.

The benefits of dried fruit or candied fruit is the minimum sugar content, compared with dried, so it is recommended to use with diabetes, and also include in the diet of losing weight women and men.

It is used to normalize digestive activity, strengthen the immune system, increase the body's resistance and, oddly enough, to improve vision.

In Japan women use dried kumquat to keep skin youthful, for this, they are poured with warm water, and in different proportions, and insisted for about an hour, then they wash themselves with this healing liquid. Thanks to the antioxidant properties of the prepared water, the complexion improves and wrinkles are smoothed out.

How to cook kumquat in syrup?

Medicinal and healing jam obtained from small fruits is used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

It is prepared as follows:

• take 1 kg of fresh prepared berries, 1 kg of sugar and 2 cups of water, if desired, you can add slices of ginger.

First you need to make a syrup from water and sugar, then pour kumquats over them and leave for a day so that the berries are well saturated with them.

For good impregnation, it is recommended to pierce each berry, for example with a toothpick. Then put on the fire and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer a little, while the berries will acquire a bright orange color. This indicates that the healing product is ready.

Candied kumquat - cooking method

To prepare candied kumquat, you need:

1. Take washed berries in the amount of 50 pieces, 500 grams of sugar and 100 grams of water.
2. First, prepare syrup from sugar and water (cook until thick).
3. Then put kumquat berries in the syrup and boil for another 40-50 minutes.
4. Then put on a sieve, cool slightly and roll in powdered sugar.
5. For longer storage, dry in the oven at a low temperature.
6. Candied fruits are stored in paper containers for up to 4-5 days.

Regardless of the method of using such valuable berries, the benefits of which are invaluable for the whole organism, they carry a healing storehouse of important minerals in a high percentage and are considered the best dietary product in the treatment of many diseases.

The kumquat is a fruit native to Southeast Asia and belongs to the citrus family. A small fruit, the size of a large apricot, has a lot of useful properties. Quite a long time ago, the Chinese found out that dried fruit does not differ much from freshly picked fruit in its properties. Currently, on the shelves of fruit shops you can find beautiful slides of red, yellow and even green: all this is dried kumquat, which will be discussed in this article.

Calorie content and chemical composition

In Europe, kumquat is called fortunella, and in Japan - kinkan. This citrus is the richest source of nutrients and minerals, while its calorie content is only 71 kcal per 100 g.

Important! Before buying, pay attention to the color intensity of dried fortunella: you can buy multi-colored, moderately colored fruits. But intense bright colors should alert you, probably synthetic dyes were used - it is better to refrain from purchasing such a product. Fruits with light spots or stains should also be avoided - this is a sign of mold removal.

Since moisture leaves the dried product, accordingly, the concentration of useful substances in its composition is higher than in fresh fruit of the same weight.

Composition of dried kumquat fruits:

• proteins - 1.9 g;
• fats - 0.9 g;
• carbohydrates - 9.4 g;
• water - 81 g;
• fiber - 6.6 g;
• ash residue - 0.5 g.

• B4 - 8.5 mg;
• PP - 0.43 mg;
• E - 0.14 mg;
• C - 44 mg;
• B9 - 0.017 mg;
• B6 - 0.035 mg;
• B5 - 0.21 mg;
• B2 - 0.1 mg;
• B1 - 0.04 mg;
• A - 0.015 mg.

• manganese - 0.14 mg;
• copper - 0.01 mg;
• zinc - 0.18 mg;
• iron - 0.9 mg;
• phosphorus - 20 mg;
• potassium - 190 mg;
• sodium - 9 mg;
• magnesium - 19 mg;
• calcium - 59 mg.

Did you know? In 1864, a member of the London Horticultural Society, Robert Fortune, introduced the kinkan to England, after which the whole Old World learned about citrus. The fruit owes its European name to the London gardener.

Beneficial features

First of all, it should be said that of the whole variety of colors, only yellow and orange belong to natural colors. All other multi-colored types of citrus are the same fruit, only artificially tinted.
The fruit has a huge number of useful properties, among which we highlight only a few:

• fiber has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract;
• due to the presence of a large number of antioxidants, it is a means of preventing cancer;
• well removes toxins, residual effects of alcohol intoxication;
• ascorbic acid improves immunity, is an excellent prevention of colds, infectious diseases and flu;
• lowers cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, good as a prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• prevents the development of inflammatory processes, especially in the joints;
• inhibits senile changes in cells;
• actively participates in the processes of hematopoiesis, has a beneficial effect on the level of hemoglobin;
• calcium and vitamins contained in citrus are necessary for the formation and maintenance of bone tissue in a normal state;
• stimulates metabolism, cleanses the body of toxins, and also has a low calorie content, which makes it an excellent tool for weight loss;

  Important! Fortunella pulp contains furanocoumarin, a natural compound that has proven to be quite effective as an antifungal agent.

• vitamin B2, contained in large quantities in fruits, is directly involved in energy exchange processes, thereby making kumquat an indispensable tool for quick energy replenishment of the body.

How they eat

Dried kumquat is eaten unpeeled, and its peel contains a large amount of antioxidants, essential oils and dietary fiber (in 100 g more than 15% of the daily requirement).

In addition, the pulp has a slight sourness, and the peel is sweetish. Such an unusual combination makes the taste of the fruit pleasant and quite spicy. In addition to being eaten raw or dried, kinkan is processed into jams, jams, and candied fruits.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the fact that kumquat has a lot of useful properties, nevertheless, like any other product, citrus has some contraindications:

• kidney disease;
• increased stomach acid;
• tendency to diarrhea;
• allergy;
• pregnancy and lactation.

Did you know?To date, 6 species, 2 subspecies and 10 kumquat hybrids are known to science.

And now you know what a golden orange is (this is what the name of the fruit sounds like in Chinese), as well as what useful properties it has.

Today was my first acquaintance with this exotic fruit. I was treated to candied kumquat (kumkuat). It turned out to be very pleasant in taste, and looked like this:

I decided to get to know him better and this is what I found out about him.

Kumquat (other names "fortunella", "kinkan") - the fruit of some citrus plants, isolated in a special subgenus Fortunella (lat. Fortunella). A small exotic orange or orange-yellow fruit that looks like a small orange. Grows in southern China.
The name kumquat comes from "gam gwat" - the Cantonese pronunciation of the Chinese word 金橘 (pinyin jīnjú, Russian - golden orange).

A few years ago, many had no idea what a kumquat was. And today, this exotic fruit of the citrus family lies freely on the shelves of most stores.

And yet, what is a kumquat? This is a miniature oval orange native to southern China, about the size of a large plum.
The kumquat is the smallest citrus fruit. What is interesting is that they eat it along with a sweet fragrant golden peel.

The fruit itself has a juicy pulp with a sweet and sour, mandarin-like taste, divided into 3-7 slices with 2-5 seeds.

Kumquat is also called "golden orange", kinkan, "Japanese orange". But, where does Japan come from, if the birthplace of mini-citrus is southern China. It turns out that it was from the land of the rising sun that the kumquat paved the way to Europe. And the Europeans, appreciating the delicious properties of the sunny fruit, called it "Japanese orange".

It is grown in many countries, in the same place as the rest of the citrus fruits - in Japan, Egypt, China, Israel, the countries of Southeast Asia, etc. Several varieties of kumquat are grown. The evergreen kumquat tree is very beautiful to look at.

Kumkuat was brought to Europe relatively recently - in 1846 by the English scientist Fortun, who spent 19 years in the Far East, studying and collecting plants for study. One of the varieties of kumkuat was named after him.

Kumkuat is a berry that resembles citrus fruits in appearance. Kumkuat can be yellow, orange, round or oval in shape and have an edible waxy rind. The fruits are completely edible, kumquats are eaten whole. The skin of this fruit is thin, soft and sweet.
The pulp of its fruit is tender, juicy, sweet and sour with a delicate aroma. There are fruits with an acid core.
There are fruits with such an acidic core that they throw it away.

The taste of kumquat is slightly tart, sour-spicy. There is little juice from kumquat, but this fruit is very refreshing and quenches thirst. Kumquat emits a very pleasant rich aroma.

Gourmets really appreciate this delicious fruit. Ripe fruits are used in the preparation of marmalade, jelly, they are also dried and preserved, but they are also consumed fresh.

By crossing kumquat with citrus fruits, very tasty fruits are obtained, such as: limequat, orangequat, calamondin.

Calamondin
Other names: Citrofortunella, Gentle citrus

Citrofortunella mitis
Ruth family (Ruthaceae)

It is an evergreen tree up to 2 meters high. Calamondin cannot be found in nature in the wild, because it is the result of selection and is a hybrid of the oval kumquat with mandarin.

The benefits of kumquat

The benefits of kumquat

Indeed, the beneficial properties of kumquat are simply unique. It is saturated with vitamins and minerals, does not accumulate nitrates at all, and its peel contains many essential oils. One of the Asian methods for treating coughs and colds is to heat the peel of the fruit near a fire and inhale the ethereal aroma that comes out.

For lovers of excessive drinking, "golden orange" is just an elixir during a hangover. Instead of a bottle of beer or synthetic pills, get hungover with a few miracle fruits.

Kumquat is famous for its antibacterial properties, due to the high content of one of the furocoumarins, therefore it is widely used in pharmacology and cosmetology. The calorie content of kumquat is almost the same as that of oranges or other citrus fruits - 60 kcal per 100 grams. The calorie content of dried kumquat is 180 kcal per 100 grams.

Kumkuat is very useful for children and people with poor health, because. helps to increase immunity. This fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals and is recommended for various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ingredients (per 100 grams)

Protein 0.9 g
Fat 0.1 g
Energy value 65 kcal
Carbs 17.1 g
Calcium 63 mg
Phosphorus 23 mg
Iron 0.4 mg
Sodium 7 mg
Thiamine 0.08 mg
Riboflavin 0.1 mg
Vitamin C 36 mg
Beta-carotene 300 mg
Vitamin B1 0.07 mg
Vitamin B2 0.08 mg

How to eat kumquat

In cooking, "Chinese orange" also took its rightful place. They are decorated with a festive table, used for fruit salads, desserts, the combination of kumquat with chocolate is especially delicious. Fragrant jams and jams are cooked from the fruits, they are candied in the form of candied fruit. Sauces with the addition of kumquat are suitable for lamb and beef, duck and chicken dishes, fish (monkfish, black cod, sole). The pulp of the fruit can be added directly to the meat and fish dishes themselves during their preparation. Kumquat is one of the original snacks for whiskey and cognac along with lemon.

You can easily grow this amazing tree at home, and the kumquat will delight you with its wonderful fruits.

The best recipe with kumquat:

Calvados (apple brandy) - 40ml
Maple syrup - 20 ml
Honey syrup - 20 ml
Kumquat - 1 piece
Cream - 15 ml
Blackcurrant - 4 tablespoons
Mint
Ice

Cooking:

Beat in a blender 4 tablespoons of currants and kumquat pulp. Then pour in the cream, maple and honey syrups, calvados and some ice, beat. Pour into a glass, garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of kumquat.

Natalia Korosteleva especially for the women's magazine Sweet Life

Kumquat can be candied, you can make preserves and jams from it, use it to prepare various dishes.
See more here.

- “What is it, multi-colored, with a funny name? ” - curious ladies ask dried fruit merchants.
- “This is a kumquat - the fruit of wisdom and good mood,” the sellers answer in a flowery way. Unfamiliar products always inspire doubt. I would like to buy. What for? What kind of miracle is a kumquat? Why have small colorful balloons become so popular?

Misunderstood exotic kumquat

Kumquats - fresh, and as dried fruits, appeared in our stores recently. The unusualness of outlandish fruits is not yet in great demand. With fresh kumquats, most buyers have no idea what to do. Trying to peel miniature citruses from the peel, a person finds something incomprehensible and throws the “usefulness” to hell!

Meanwhile - exotic should be eaten with a peel!

Sweetish thin skin combined with sour pulp is a real vitamin bomb for the body!

Where does this miracle kumquat come from?

The first botanical description was made in 1912 by the Algerian botanist Trabu. Kinkan (aka kumquat) is an evergreen dwarf branching tree with small oval or ovoid fruits of bright yellow color.

The homeland of the kumquat is China. The smallest citrus is called kinkan, Chinese mandarin and fortunella. The "croaking" name is nothing more than "golden orange" in Chinese.

In Hong Kong, this plant is called "Golden Bean". The largest kumquat grows in Malaysia. In Japan, several varieties of multi-colored citrus are grown. In Europe and the USA, trees strewn with bright peas of miniature "orange-tangerines" decorate greenhouses and winter gardens.

Meiwa variety with variegated fruits, grown in Japan, is considered the most useful for fresh consumption.

Kumquats should be chosen carefully. The peel of fresh fruit should be smooth and intact. Kumquat as a dried fruit, should not be too hard and dryish.

Kumquat useful properties in everything!

Like all its citrus compatriots, kumquat (aka kinkan) is rich in potassium (this mineral is in 1st place), calcium, vitamins C and A, and the most useful essential oils that the delicate peel contains. The benefits of small fruits - in any form: dried fruits, fresh fruits and additives to dishes.
It is especially useful to eat kumquat in the off-season, when it is necessary to increase the body's resistance to colds and viral diseases. No wonder it is called "ambulance". The bactericidal and antifungal properties of the fruit help fight many ailments from the inside.

Positive on a plate (the best cure for depression)

Since ancient times, the kumquat has been revered as the "food of the wise." biologically active substances strengthen the nervous system. It has been proven that the "fruit of joy":

• relieves depression and neuroses;
• calms under stress;
• restores the tone of the body;
• and activates brain activity.

Kumquat for slim ladies

Miniature citrus is also useful for the digestion process. This:

• excellent prevention of peptic ulcers;
• improved metabolism;
• healthy and effective food for weight loss.

The most valuable dietary product is included in the diet of obese people. Its calorie content is only 70 kcal per 100 g. For comparison: apples have 47 kcal per 100 grams. But this fruit has an effect on digestion due to the large amount of pectin, cellulose and other polysaccharides. Approximately 8 fruits were considered sufficient to provide 1/3 of the daily requirement of human dietary fiber intake.

SPA secret menu for weight loss

In world-class clinics, for those who want to lose weight and improve their health, in addition to a variety of procedures and fitness, the menu includes millet porridge with kumquat. And this delicious vitamin option promotes weight loss!

Even on diets, fashion is dictated to us by the West. So the usefulness of cereals with kumquat was appreciated by the Moscow beau monde. All fashionistas and beauties now know about the miraculous properties of kumquat in alliance with millet and whole grains!

Honestly, I do not think that such porridge is miraculous. Most likely, all the beneficial properties of kinkan + very healthy millet porridge definitely give a positive effect when switching from a fatty fast food diet to a healthy diet. And there are a lot of useful things in this fruit, as we already know.

Meet the Eastern guest at your home

Fortunella Margarita feels great in an apartment. Glossy leaves, fragrant flowers of a low tree are perfectly adapted for life "in captivity". Do you want to diversify your green garden at home? Get yourself a fortune. In room conditions, the tree grows up to 1.5 meters and requires a spacious container. This is if you want to see bright and tasty fruits on it. A small pot is enough to decorate Fortunelle!

For an apartment or a greenhouse, all varieties of citrus, as well as its hybrids, are good. Flower growers prefer varieties "Marumi", "Fukushi", "Nagami".

There are varieties that can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees. Which is especially priceless for a greenhouse on a loggia in Russian apartments. In the photo on the right - such a tree on the balcony of one wonderful gardener.

It is unlikely that a fruit-bearing tree could be grown from a seed. This is an occupation for professionals, as the process is long and laborious. In Japan and America, they are "massively" propagated by grafting. That is, the kumquat is grafted onto another already mature citrus tree. Thanks to such experiments, interspecific hybrids appeared.

The most common way is cuttings.

I found the following prices on the Internet: an adult kumquat tree 1 m high is sold for 3 thousand rubles, and cuttings for 600 rubles apiece.

Blossoms in July-August, and bears fruit in December-January. A real New Year's "tangerine".

Healthy culinary fashion for kumquat

In Vietnam, the anti-alcohol properties of "dwarf orange" are well known. Nutritionists also confirm that the entire set of nutrients that this fruit gives helps the body neutralize the hangover effects of the holidays.

The combination of taste and benefit was adopted by eminent haute couture chefs. Kumquat in the company of olives and fennel is served in the best Italian restaurants by Giorgio Locatelli.

Kumquat is very saturated with esters. Therefore, the procedure for its use is very interesting. You must first knead the fruit in your hands so that the esters stand out and only then eat. Here is such a combined aromatherapy.

Another facet of pleasure

Since multi-colored fruits are stored for a long time, resourceful housewives use kumquats for decorative purposes. Sprigs with glossy leaves look great in vases, and the fruits themselves are a bright and tasty addition to the festive table. Kumquats are often poured with cognac syrup in beautiful crystal bowls. Such a drink is not only tasty and healthy, but also delightful with its “multi-colored” beauty.
We hope that your acquaintance with the kumquat will be pleasant. Just like Alice, from Wonderland: “Kumquat, meet me, I'm Alice. Alice, this is a kumquat."