Winter vitamin C means citrus and here are a few words about this interesting tiny variety.
Spelled with a “C” in Australia instead of a “K”, they are the cutest little citrus I’ve seen! Looking like miniature oranges, the cumquats (or kumquats), measuring around 3 cm in diameter, are a fascinating fruit. They are native to China and like most citrus originating from Asia, many varieties are cultivated in North America and Australia. Citrus cannot be grown in the cool climate of Québec, so we mainly find the California and Florida varieties at the supermarket. I’d never noticed these little ones before living downunder. The most famous little citrus varieties we always buy for snacking in winter are the clementine, which is similar but smaller than tangerines. I’ve discovered the cumquats in Australia as my mother-in-law has a big cumquat tree in her yard with a round variety. These are very acidic, so they aren’t very good to eat fresh, but they can be used and cooked, like lemons. Their unique taste makes the best marmalades! For those who prefer bitter (as opposed to sweet) with thinner peels, they are just perfect.
GROWING & COOKING TIPS
Cumquats are hard to prepare and tough on the old fingers, but worth the trouble. They are great for preserving in recipes like pickled, candied, marmalade and cordial. This evergreen tree produces around 50 kg of fruit per winter. It is cold hardy, however, heavy frost can burn fruit at the top of the tree. Care of a backyard tree is the same as any citrus and requires feeding plus pest and disease control while establishing. In a cold climate zone, it is best to plant near a north-facing brick wall that provides more heat from the sun in winter and cover them with frost cloth when fruiting. It can also be grown in a pot and moved under a terrace or balcony cover during extreme weather periods (to protect from frost and heat waves). A cumquat tree can be grown for edible fruits but also for ornamental purposes. I have seen and tasted the Nagami oval variety once. That one can be eaten fresh, as well as the peel.
The cumquat in various uses • Photography © Bottle and Brush Studio 2019-2020
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