How to Eat Kumquats

Have you ever heard of the tiny citrus fruit called kumquats? In this post, I share all about kumquats. I discuss where they come from and where they grow, some health benefits that they have, and how to eat kumquats.

The kumquat is an amazing little citrus fruit that looks like a small oblong orange, about 2 to three times the size of a grape is all. They are actually one of my favorite citrus to eat. Kumquats are awesome! Let’s get on to the information.

Where do kumquats come from?

Kumquats originated in China. But they have long since been grown and cultivated in places like Japan, Taiwan, India, the Philippines, places in Europe, North America, California, Florida, South America, the Caribbean, all over the world!

They are well suited for any environments where other citrus grow. But they are actually more hardy than the orange. Kumquats don’t really grow that well from the seed, so it is much better to find a grafted sapling/tree at a local nursery if you are planning to plant one.

The kumquat tree will make an excellent edition to any backyard that is growing fruit, especially if you have other citrus growing.

What are some health benefits of kumquats?

Now I want to cover some of the health benefits for kumquats. Like other citrus they are very nutritious:

• Low in calories
• Low in carbs
• No fat
• No sodium
• High in vitamin C
• Decent amount of protein per serving (about 5 whole kumquats)
• High in fiber
• Decent amounts of Vitamin A, Calcium, and Manganese per serving

The seeds are edible as well and will give a small amount of omega-3 fats. They are such a great and healthy snack to eat, especially if you are on a diet or watching your weight.

For more nutritional information on kumquats head over to Healthline and read their article.

How to eat kumquats?

Now, let me show you how to eat kumquats. Brace yourself, it is really complicated…haha. All you need to do is wash them and them pop them in your mouth!

One unique trait about kumquats is it is one of the few citruses that you actually eat the peel. Yes, that is right, you eat the peel raw. Instead of like other citruses where you would candy the peel before eating it. Like these yummy candied orange peels.

The seeds are edible as well. However, if you like, you can cut it in half and dig out the seeds first. Then you just put them in your mouth and eat them.

How do you know when they are ripe? Kumquats should have a little bit of give to them when you squeeze them.

I love eating kumquats whole, but they are also good in marmalades, in salads, added to breads, and you can candy them as well.

What do kumquats taste like?

Now it is time to eat them! What do kumquats taste like?

When you bite down on them the first thing you get is a burst of tangy sour juice, like a sour orange, but not as sour as lemon or lime. Definitely a strong citrus taste. Then as you keep eating the peel, the sweetness comes in and balances out the sour. The peel is a bit crunchy but very easy to eat. And the seeds, if you eat them, aren’t bad at all, you can notice them, but they are not bitter tasting.

An interesting thing about kumquats is that the sweetness comes from the peel not the flesh. Isn’t that awesome?

To me, kumquats are extremely tasty, and if you like tart and sweet, I think you will enjoy them as well too.

How to Eat Kumquats and Taste Test (Video)

Now check out the video where I discuss how to eat kumquats.

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