What is Kumquat? Where Does It Grow? Home Care
by Abbas Jahangir · August 31, 2021
Kumquat, whose name many people have never heard of, and which everyone has sympathy for after hearing it, is one of the rare fruits that can be eaten with its peel. The cute fruit, which wins the sympathy of those who see it at first sight with its exquisite aroma and tiny olive-sized body, is known as the little jewel of citrus fruits.
What is Kumquat Fruit?
Kumquat fruit, known as "golden orange" or "fortunella" in the scientific world, is a member of the citrus family, as can be understood from its appearance and color.
With its orange-like color and small shrubby tree, kumquat resembles an ornamental plant rather than a fruit.
What is a kumquat tree because it is not well known among the people? How big does a kumquat tree grow? It can be stated to those who say that it is a dwarf, thornless tree, just like other citrus fruits, with an average length of 2 meters to 4 meters.
The fruit in question is also called ornamental tangerine.
It is necessary to give credit to those who grow it as an ornamental plant in homes and indoors with its small oval orange fruits and dwarf tree, which has a very elegant appearance.
Where Does Kumquat Grow?
The kumquat tree, which grows in places with a Mediterranean climate, can grow in temperate regions where there is no frost in winter.
Kumquat, which starts to bear fruit after getting enough sun in airy and bright places, tells that it is a special plant with its soil selectivity.
Let's also say that there are different types of kumquat grown in Asian countries such as China, Taiwan and Japan before it became widespread in Turkey.
Among the kumquat varieties named after the Asian regions where they are grown, Hong Kong and Nagami of Chinese origin and Marumi and Meiwa species of Japanese origin are currently known.
Its species vary with seeds, leaves and fruits, and despite its small structure, it has great differences. Especially the varieties that differ in taste reach aromatic and spicy flavors.
If you want to do kumquat reproduction, it is said that the most accurate method is root separation.
Propagation can also be done by grafting, but it is less efficient.
When Does Kumquat Bear Fruit?
Kumquat, as can be understood from its family, is an autumn fruit.
The male and female parts are on the same flower and the kumquat flower opens towards the end of July.
As if it does not attract enough attention with its small and cute fruit, it also attracts attention with its white fragrant flowers resembling tropical flowers.
Its flowers turn into fruit by September.
Perhaps the most important feature of the kumquat tree that surprises everyone is that it does not shed its ripening fruits.
The kumquat tree, which bears its fruits without rotting for almost a year with a freezing air, always offers fresh fruit.
When is kumquat fruit harvested? Those who are wondering can collect the fruits whenever they want after they are ripe. This mostly corresponds to the winter months.
How to Care for Kumquat at Home?
Kumquat tree, which can be grown in pots because it is a small dwarf tree, can be easily grown at home from its seed or seedling.
Kumquat seeds when germinating seeds need to be grown with a small pot.
When taken as a kumquat sapling, a pot with a depth of 40 cm and a width of 30 cm will do the trick. Caring for kumquats at home after being placed in a pot is not difficult at all.
It does not need repotting until fruiting, but changing the soil every year after it grows helps it grow healthier.
The answer to the question of whether kumquat loves the sun is yes, but how it receives sunlight is also important.
In the choice of location, the kumquat, which deserves the most beautiful sun-drenched place in the house, the more sun it receives, the more fruitful it will yield.
Watering requires attention in the summer months, and if you are a careful grower, it is recommended to use lime-free water.
What are the benefits of kumquat?
Despite its small size, kumquat fruit, whose benefits are larger than its size, is an important source of vitamin C. Thanks to the vitamin C it contains, the fruit that strengthens the immune system and gives resistance to diseases helps to prevent the flu, especially since it is eaten with its peel.
It supports the strengthening of the nervous system by containing vitamins B1, B2 and B3. It is shown among the benefits of kumquat fruit that it is good for problems such as headaches and insomnia caused by the nervous system.
Thanks to the vitamins in it, kumquat is a fruit that has benefits for the skin. Kumquat facilitates the regeneration of the skin and gives vitality to the skin.
When kumquat is examined in terms of nutritional value, it is seen that 100 grams of kumquat has an average of 70 calories, 1 g fat, 16 g protein, 2 g protein.
It also contains sodium, potassium, magnesium and iron.
Fruit that supports the digestive system with its rich fiber content; With its diuretic effect, it is good for digestive problems such as constipation, gas, bloating, cramps, intestinal discomfort that everyone has experienced for a while.
With the calcium and vitamins it contains, it supports the development of bones and teeth, and especially contributes to the growth of children. It also increases the body's iron absorption capacity by increasing blood circulation.
It helps to get a brighter appearance against kumquat, skin spots and age spots, which increases skin health.
It increases the resistance of the skin against the deteriorations caused by aging and the harmful rays of the sun.
Since it is a sweet food with its natural taste, it is an instant energy source and contains plenty of carbohydrates and calories. Although it is high in calories, it makes it easier to lose weight by suppressing the desire to eat sweets.
What are the Benefits of Kumquat Jam?
Kumquat jam, which is prepared by cooking kumquat fruit with sugar, brings the fresh vitamins of the fruit to the tables throughout the four seasons.
With its antioxidant-containing structure that strengthens the immune system, it helps to protect the immune system, especially in the seasons when fruit is not available.
Kumquat jam, which is among the healthy recipes especially for women and children with its calcium content, allows you to benefit from the benefits of the fruit at all times.
Kumquat visually raises the energy of the area it is in.
Fruits with colors ranging from orange to yellow give vitality to the environment with their sun-reminding effects. The orange color, which is related to the 2nd chakra, strengthens the sense of commitment to life.
At the same time, the green color of the leaves of almost all plants also radiates this energy with kumquat leaves, as it represents the heart chakra and healing.
Kumquat Fruit and Diabetes Treatment
Although there are no definitive research results on the relationship of kumquat with diabetes and its positive effects, it is thought to be a comforting and helpful fruit regarding negative consequences in diabetes.
The most important among the benefits of kumquat is its miraculous role in preventing diabetes.
The fruit, which attracts the attention of diabetics in this respect, is of great importance for diabetics by balancing the level of insulin and glucose in the blood, thanks to the fiber it contains.
When consumed regularly, it prevents the development of diabetes.
Although kumquat is a useful food for diabetes, diabetic patients are advised to consult a doctor before using it.
How Much Does Kumquat Cost?
Kumquat fruit can push the budgets with its price.
Kumquats range in price from 20 to 40 TL per kilo.
The price of kumquat or kumquat saplings varies depending on the size and pot, but is between 50-100 TL.
You can grow the kumquat tree in your home and add color to your living space with its smell and appearance.
How to Eat Kumquat Fruit
An interesting citrus fruit with small olive-sized, lemon-like fruits, kumquat is also eaten in a different way.
If you are wondering whether kumquat can be eaten with a peel, you can easily eat this sour fruit with its peel.
The fruit, which does not need to be peeled like other citrus fruits, shows its difference as the only citrus eaten with its peel.
The taste of kumquat, which is ready to eat by washing it lightly in water, conquers your heart with its sweet and sour aroma.
Abbas Jahangir
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