What’s a Kumquat?
Discover the Kumquat, a unique and nutritious citrus fruit that's healthy for you and easy to grow. Kumquats offer a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors. But what exactly is a kumquat, and how does it stand out among other citrus fruits? Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating fruit and explore its benefits, care, and how it can enhance your diet and garden.
Meet the Gam Gwat
Called "cumquats" in Europe, these little oval-shaped orange fruits are native to the mountains of southeast China and Japan, where they were originally called by their Cantonese name “gam gwat,” meaning Golden Fruit. Robert Fortune, a collector for the London Horticultural Society (and namesake for the kumquat’s genus Fortunella), introduced kumquat plants to the West in 1846. Kumquat taste is sweet, tart, and unique in that they are the only citrus fruit with an edible peel. In the United States, they are typically found in farmers markets, grocery stores, in salads, or by the handful. The seed part of the fruit is bitter but harmless and can be either swallowed or spat out. Because of its sweet peel, fresh kumquats are also excellent candied or used in marmalade.
A Delicious Citrus Super Fruit
Vitamin C is well known for its ability to head off a bad cold. In the citrus family, oranges are the heavy hitter, with 53.2 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit (that’s one large fruit, once the peel is removed). At 43.9 mg per 100 grams (73% of Recommended Daily Allowances, or RDA), kumquats have nearly as much! However, they have a lot going for them that oranges lack. This is because you eat the whole kumquat, peel and all. As with most fruits and veggies, the outer layer is where the bulk of the nutrients are. When you peel your orange and toss those skins in the compost pile, you’re throwing away all kinds of nutrients. But when you eat a kumquat, you not only get the high amounts of vitamin C and potassium in the juicy pulp, but all the nutrition of the peel too.
So what is in the kumquat peel anyway?
- It is high in fiber (100 grams of kumquats have a whopping 6.7g, or 17% of your RDA for fiber, nearly 3 times as much as an equivalent serving of orange).
- It contains abundant antioxidants, including carotenes (14 times as much as an orange!), tannins, etc.
- Many healthful essential oils are found in the peel, such as limonene, which has antimicrobial properties (naturally helping to fight those germs).
- In addition to Vitamin C, it also contains Vitamins A (25% more than an orange), Niacin (a B-Vitamin, at double the amount of an orange), and Vitamin E, all of which help remove damaging free radicals from the body and thus help to protect and heal us from infections.
- A significant amount of minerals is found in the peel, as well. 62 mg of calcium (50% more than an orange), as well as copper (more than double that of an orange), magnesium (nearly 10 times), manganese (6 times), zinc (2 times), and especially iron (11 times as much as an orange!).
Kumquat Care
Kumquat trees require much the same care that you would give your lemon or other citrus trees. They make ideal potted plants or can be grown outdoors in the proper conditions. Although there are many varieties of kumquat plants, the Nagami kumquat and Meiwa kumquats are most commonly available in the U.S. A few breeders have also begun producing crosses between kumquats and mandarin oranges (mandarinquats) or limes (you guessed it - limequats).
Kumquats are among the most cold-hardy of all citrus, withstanding temperatures down to 24°F. They can be grown year-round outside in zones 9 and 10 but also make nice-looking container plants for greenhouses in any zone. These thornless trees are rather slow growing, with a maximum possible height of 15 feet, although they typically reach 8 to 12 feet. However, the dark green leaves are easy to prune as a dwarf, so once they reach the size you want, it is easy to keep them that way. Kumquats like hot summers, which stimulate abundant white flowers. Once they are bright orange, the fruits will not get any bigger or sweeter. Harvest in the winter, just in time for the annual germ war!
Nutrition Needs and Fertilizing Kumquats
Kumquats thrive when given the right nutrients to support their growth and fruit production. Like other citrus trees, they require a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), with added micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and manganese to maintain their dark green foliage. A slow-release organic citrus fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio around 5-3-3 or 6-4-6 works well. Apply fertilizer three to four times per year, starting in early spring and continuing through late summer. Container-grown kumquat plants may require more frequent feeding with a liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Additionally, adding compost or aged manure to the soil helps improve nutrient retention and promotes healthy root development. Regular watering, especially during fruiting periods, ensures consistent growth and prevents fruit drop due to drought stress.
Check out our kumquats and other Citrus Trees for Sale.
FAQs About Kumquats
- What are kumquats?
- Kumquats are small, oval-shaped citrus fruits with an edible peel. They are sweet and tart and are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
- What makes the kumquat peel unique?
- The kumquat peel is packed with fiber, antioxidants like carotenes, and essential oils such as limonene, which has antimicrobial properties. It also contains more vitamins and minerals than oranges, including Vitamin A, C, E, calcium, and iron.
- How do I care for kumquat plants?
- Kumquat plants, like the Nagami kumquat, require care similar to other citrus trees. They prefer hot summers, need well-draining soil, and benefit from regular pruning. Ensure they have dark green foliage by using a balanced fertilizer.
- What is the Nagami kumquat?
- The Nagami kumquat is one of the most common varieties of kumquats, known for its tart flavor and small size. It can be grown in containers or outdoors in suitable climates.
- How cold-hardy are kumquat plants?
- Kumquat plants are quite cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 24°F, making them ideal for growing in regions with mild winters.
