![Kumquat](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Kumquat.jpeg)
Kumquats (; zh, 金桔), or cumquats in
Australian English
Australian English (AusE, AusEng, AuE, AuEng, en-AU) is the set of varieties of the English language native to Australia. It is the country's common language and ''de facto'' national language; while Australia has no official language, Engli ...
, are a group of small
fruit
In botany, a fruit is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering.
Fruits are the means by which flowering plants (also known as angiosperms) disseminate their seeds. Edible fruits in particu ...
-bearing
tree
In botany, a tree is a perennial plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, usually supporting branches and leaves. In some usages, the definition of a tree may be narrower, including only woody plants with secondary growth, plants that are ...
s in the
flowering plant
Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. The term "angiosperm" is derived from the Greek words ('container, vessel') and ('seed'), and refers to those plants th ...
family
Rutaceae
The Rutaceae is a family, commonly known as the rue[RUTACEAE](_blank)
in BoDD – Botanical Derm ...
. Their taxonomy is disputed. They were previously classified as forming the now-historical genus ''Fortunella'' or placed within ''
Citrus
''Citrus'' is a genus of flowering plant, flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops such as Orange (fruit), oranges, Lemon, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and lim ...
'', . Different classifications have alternatively assigned them to anywhere from a single species, ''C. japonica'', to numerous species representing each cultivar. Recent genomic analysis would define three pure species, ''Citrus hindsii'', ''C. margarita'' and ''C. crassifolia'', with ''C. x japonica'' being a hybrid of the last two.
The edible fruit closely resembles the
orange
Orange most often refers to:
*Orange (fruit), the fruit of the tree species '' Citrus'' × ''sinensis''
** Orange blossom, its fragrant flower
*Orange (colour), from the color of an orange, occurs between red and yellow in the visible spectrum
* ...
(''Citrus sinensis'') in color and shape but is much smaller, being approximately the size of a large
olive
The olive, botanical name ''Olea europaea'', meaning 'European olive' in Latin, is a species of small tree or shrub in the family Oleaceae, found traditionally in the Mediterranean Basin. When in shrub form, it is known as ''Olea europaea'' ...
. The kumquat is a fairly
cold-hardy citrus
Cold-hardy citrus is citrus with increased frost tolerance and which may be cultivated far beyond traditional citrus growing regions. Citrus species and citrus hybrids typically described as cold-hardy generally display an ability to withstand win ...
.
Etymology
The English name "kumquat" is a borrowing of the
Cantonese
Cantonese ( zh, t=廣東話, s=广东话, first=t, cy=Gwóngdūng wá) is a language within the Chinese (Sinitic) branch of the Sino-Tibetan languages originating from the city of Guangzhou (historically known as Canton) and its surrounding are ...
''gāmgwāt'' ().
Origin
The kumquat plant is native to Southern
China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and ...
.
The historical reference to kumquats appears in
Imperial literature from at least the 12th century. They have long been cultivated in other parts of East Asia (
Japan
Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north ...
and
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
), South Asia (
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
), and Southeast Asia (especially the
Philippines
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
). They were introduced to
Europe
Europe is a large peninsula conventionally considered a continent in its own right because of its great physical size and the weight of its history and traditions. Europe is also considered a Continent#Subcontinents, subcontinent of Eurasia ...
in 1846 by
Robert Fortune
Robert Fortune (16 September 1812 – 13 April 1880) was a Scottish botanist, plant hunter and traveller, best known for introducing around 250 new ornamental plants, mainly from China, but also Japan, into the gardens of Britain, Australia, a ...
, collector for the
London Horticultural Society
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity.
The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens at Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Harlow Carr (Nort ...
, and shortly thereafter were taken to
North America
North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Car ...
.
Description
They are slow-growing
evergreen
In botany, an evergreen is a plant which has foliage that remains green and functional through more than one growing season. This also pertains to plants that retain their foliage only in warm climates, and contrasts with deciduous plants, which ...
shrub
A shrub (often also called a bush) is a small-to-medium-sized perennial woody plant. Unlike herbaceous plants, shrubs have persistent woody stems above the ground. Shrubs can be either deciduous or evergreen. They are distinguished from trees ...
s or short trees that stand tall, with dense branches, sometimes bearing small
thorns
Thorn(s) or The Thorn(s) may refer to:
Botany
* Thorns, spines, and prickles, sharp structures on plants
* ''Crataegus monogyna'', or common hawthorn, a plant species
Comics and literature
* Rose and Thorn, the two personalities of two DC Com ...
. The
leaves
A leaf (plural, : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant plant stem, stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", wh ...
are dark glossy green, and the
flower
A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants (plants of the division Angiospermae). The biological function of a flower is to facilitate reproduction, usually by providing a mechani ...
s are white, similar to other citrus flowers, and can be borne singly or clustered within the leaves'
axils
A leaf ( : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", while the leaves, st ...
. Depending on size, the kumquat tree can produce hundreds or even thousands of fruits each year.
[
]
Varieties
Citrus taxonomy
Citrus taxonomy refers to the botanical classification of the species, varieties, cultivars, and graft hybrids within the genus ''Citrus'' and related genera, found in cultivation and in the wild.
Citrus taxonomy is complex and controversial. C ...
is complicated and controversial. Different systems place various types of kumquat in different species or unite them into as few as two species. Historically they were viewed as falling within the genus ''Citrus'', but the Swingle system of citrus taxonomy elevated them to their own genus, ''Fortunella''. Recent phylogenetic analysis suggests they do fall within ''Citrus''. Swingle divided the kumquats into two subgenera, the ''Protocitrus'', containing the primitive Hong Kong kumquat, and ''Eufortunella'', comprising the round, oval kumquat, Meiwa kumquats, to which Tanaka added two others, the Malayan kumquat and the Jiangsu kumquat. Chromosomal analysis suggested that Swingle's ''Eufortunella'' represent a single 'true' species, while Tanaka's additional species were revealed to be likely hybrids of ''Fortunella'' with other ''Citrus'', so-called x''Citrofortunella
Citrofortunella are a large group of commercial hybrids that cross the kumquat with other citrus. In the system of citrus taxonomy established by Swingle, kumquats were placed in a different genus, '' Fortunella'', from ''Citrus'', which included ...
''.
One recent genomic analysis concluded there was only one true species of kumquat, but the analysis did not include the Hong Kong variety seen as a distinct species in all earlier analyses. A 2020 review concluded that genomic data were insufficient to reach a definitive conclusion on which kumquat cultivars represented distinct species. In 2022, a genome-level analysis of cultivated and wild varieties drew several conclusions. The authors found support for the division of kumquats into subgenera: ''Protocitrus'', for the wild Hong Kong variety, and ''Eufortunella'' for the cultivated varieties, with a divergence predating the end of the Quaternary glaciation
The Quaternary glaciation, also known as the Pleistocene glaciation, is an alternating series of glacial and interglacial periods during the Quaternary period that began 2.58 Ma (million years ago) and is ongoing. Although geologists describe ...
, perhaps between two ancestral populations isolated south and north, respectively, of the Nanling mountain range. Within the latter group, the oval, round and Meiwa kumquat each showed a level of divergence greater than between other recognized citrus species, such as between pomelo and citron, and hence each merits species-level classification. Though Swingle had speculated that the Meiwa kumquat was a hybrid of oval and round kumquats, the genomic analysis suggested instead that the round kumquat was an oval/Meiwa hybrid.
Hong Kong kumquat
The Hong Kong kumquat (''Citrus hindsii'' or ''Fortunella hindsii'') produces only pea-sized bitter and acidic fruit with very little pulp and large seeds. It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, though it is also found in southern China growing in the wild. Not only is it the most primitive of the kumquats, but with the kumquats being the most primitive citrus, Swingle described it as the closest to the ancestral species from which all citrus evolved. While the wild Hong Kong kumquat is tetraploid
Polyploidy is a condition in which the cells of an organism have more than one pair of ( homologous) chromosomes. Most species whose cells have nuclei (eukaryotes) are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, where each set contains ...
, there is a commercial diploid
Ploidy () is the number of complete sets of chromosomes in a cell, and hence the number of possible alleles for autosomal and pseudoautosomal genes. Sets of chromosomes refer to the number of maternal and paternal chromosome copies, respectively ...
variety, the Golden Bean kumquat with slightly larger fruit.
Meiwa kumquat
The Meiwa kumquat (''Citrus crassifolia'' or ''Fortunella crassifolia'') was brought to Japan from China at the end of the 19th century, it has seedy oval fruits and thick leaves, and was characterized as a different species by Swingle. Its fruit is typically eaten skin and all.
Oval kumquat
The oval kumquat or Nagami kumquat (''Citrus margarita'' or ''Fortunella margarita'' if dividing ''Eufortunella'' kumquats into separate species) is ovoid in shape and typically eaten whole, skin and all.[ The inside is still quite sour, but the skin has a very sweet flavour, so when eaten together an unusual tart-sweet, refreshing flavour is produced. The fruit ripens mid- to late winter and always crops very heavily, creating a spectacular display against the dark green foliage. The tree tends to be much smaller and dwarf in nature, making it ideal for pots and occasionally ]bonsai
Bonsai ( ja, 盆栽, , tray planting, ) is the Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees in pots, developed from the traditional Chinese art form of ''penjing''. Unlike ''penjing'', which utilizes traditional techniques to produce ...
cultivation.
The 'Centennial Variegated
Variegation is the appearance of differently coloured zones in the leaves and sometimes the stems and fruit of plants. Species with variegated individuals are sometimes found in the understory of tropical rainforests, and this habitat is the s ...
' kumquat cultivar
A cultivar is a type of cultivated plant that people have selected for desired traits and when propagated retain those traits. Methods used to propagate cultivars include: division, root and stem cuttings, offsets, grafting, tissue culture, ...
arose spontaneously from the oval kumquat. It produces a greater proportion of fruit to peel than the oval kumquat, and the fruit are rounder and sometimes necked. Fruit are distinguishable by their variegation in color, exhibiting bright green and yellow stripes,[ and by its lack of thorns.
]
Round kumquat
The round kumquat, Marumi kumquat, or Morgani kumquat (retaining the name ''Citrus japonica'' or ''Fortunella japonica'' when kumquats are divided into multiple species) is an evergreen tree that produces edible golden-yellow fruit.[ The fruit is small and usually spherical but can be oval shaped. The peel has a sweet flavor, but the fruit has a distinctly sour center. The fruit can be eaten cooked but is mainly used to make marmalades, jellies, and other spreads. The tree can be used in ]bonsai
Bonsai ( ja, 盆栽, , tray planting, ) is the Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees in pots, developed from the traditional Chinese art form of ''penjing''. Unlike ''penjing'', which utilizes traditional techniques to produce ...
cultivation. The plant symbolizes good luck in China and other Asian countries, where it is often kept as a houseplant
A houseplant, sometimes known as a pot plant, potted plant, or an indoor plant, is an ornamental plant that is grown indoors. As such, they are found in places like residences and offices, mainly for decorative purposes. Common houseplants are us ...
and given as a gift during the Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is the beginning of a calendar year whose months are moon cycles, based on the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar.
The Lunar New Year as a celebration is observed by numerous cultures. It is also named " Chinese New Year" becau ...
. Round kumquats are more commonly cultivated than other species due to their high cold tolerance.[
]
Jiangsu kumquat
The Jiangsu kumquat or Fukushu kumquat (''Citrus obovata'' or ''Fortunella obovata'') bears edible fruit that can be eaten raw, as well as made into jelly and marmalade. The fruit can be round or bell-shaped and is bright orange when fully ripe. The plant can be distinguished from other kumquats by its distinctly round leaves. It is typically grown for its edible fruit and as an ornamental plant; it cannot withstand frost, however, unlike the round kumquat which has a high cold tolerance. These kumquats are often seen near the Yuvraj section of the Nayak Province. Chromosomal analysis showed this variety to be a likely hybrid.
Malayan kumquat
The Malayan kumquat (''Fortunella polyandra'' or Tanaka's ''Fortunella swinglei'' - in ''Citrus'' it would be ''C. x swinglei''), from the Malay Peninsula
The Malay Peninsula (Malay: ''Semenanjung Tanah Melayu'') is a peninsula in Mainland Southeast Asia. The landmass runs approximately north–south, and at its terminus, it is the southernmost point of the Asian continental mainland. The area ...
where it is known as the "hedge lime" (''limau pagar''), is another hybrid, perhaps a limequat
The limequat is a citrofortunella hybrid that is the result of a cross between the Key lime and the kumquat, hybridized by Walter Tennyson Swingle in 1909.
Description
It is a small tree that grows into a contained bushy form. The leaves are ...
. It has a thin peel on larger fruit compared to other kumquats.
Cultivation and uses
Kumquats are much hardier than citrus plants such as oranges
An orange is a fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae (see list of plants known as orange); it primarily refers to ''Citrus'' × ''sinensis'', which is also called sweet orange, to distinguish it from the related ''Citrus × ...
. The Nagami kumquat requires a hot summer, ranging from 25 °C to 38 °C (77 °F to 100 °F), but can withstand frost down to about without injury.
The fruit is usually consumed whole with its peel and is sometimes used in fruit salads.
In cultivation in the UK, ''Citrus japonica'' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity.
The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens at Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Harlow Carr (Nort ...
’s Award of Garden Merit
The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a long-established annual award for plants by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is based on assessment of the plants' performance under UK growing conditions.
History
The Award of Garden Merit ...
(confirmed 2017).
Propagation and pollination
Kumquats do not grow well from seeds and so are vegetatively propagated by using rootstock
A rootstock is part of a plant, often an underground part, from which new above-ground growth can be produced. It could also be described as a stem with a well developed root system, to which a bud from another plant is grafted. It can refer to a ...
of another citrus fruit, air layering
Layering has evolved as a common means of vegetative propagation of numerous species in natural environments. Layering is also utilized by horticulturists to propagate desirable plants.
Natural layering typically occurs when a branch touches ...
, or cuttings.[
]
Composition
The essential oil
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetheroleum, or simply as the o ...
of the kumquat peel contains much of the aroma of the fruit, and is composed principally of limonene
Limonene is a colorless liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon classified as a cyclic monoterpene, and is the major component in the oil of citrus fruit peels. The -isomer, occurring more commonly in nature as the fragrance of oranges, is a flavoring ag ...
, which makes up around 93% of the total. Besides limonene and alpha-pinene
α-Pinene is an organic compound of the terpene class, one of two isomers of pinene. It is an alkene and it contains a reactive four-membered ring. It is found in the oils of many species of many coniferous trees, notably the pine. It is also ...
(0.34%), both of which are considered monoterpene
Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units and have the molecular formula C10H16. Monoterpenes may be linear (acyclic) or contain rings (monocyclic and bicyclic). Modified terpenes, such as those containing oxygen funct ...
s, the oil is unusually rich (0.38% total) in sesquiterpene
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and often have the molecular formula C15H24. Like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes may be cyclic or contain rings, including many unique combinations. Biochemical modificatio ...
s such as α-bergamotene
Bergamotenes are a group of isomeric chemical compounds with the molecular formula C15H24. The bergamotenes are found in a variety of plants, particularly in their essential oils.
There are two structural isomers, α-bergamotene and β-berga ...
(0.021%), caryophyllene
Caryophyllene (), more formally (−)-β-caryophyllene, (BCP), is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that is a constituent of many essential oils, especially clove oil, the oil from the stems and flowers of '' Syzygium aromaticum'' (cloves), the ess ...
(0.18%), α-humulene
Humulene, also known as α-humulene or α-caryophyllene, is a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene (C15H24), containing an 11-membered ring and consisting of 3 isoprene units containing three nonconjugated C=C double bonds, two of them be ...
(0.07%) and α-muurolene (0.06%), and these contribute to the spicy and woody flavor of the fruit. Carbonyl
In organic chemistry, a carbonyl group is a functional group composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom: C=O. It is common to several classes of organic compounds, as part of many larger functional groups. A compound containing a ...
compounds make up much of the remainder, and these are responsible for much of the distinctive flavor. These compounds include ester
In chemistry, an ester is a compound derived from an oxoacid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one hydroxyl group () is replaced by an alkoxy group (), as in the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Glycerides ar ...
s such as isopropyl propanoate (1.8%) and terpinyl acetate (1.26%); ketone
In organic chemistry, a ketone is a functional group with the structure R–C(=O)–R', where R and R' can be a variety of carbon-containing substituents. Ketones contain a carbonyl group –C(=O)– (which contains a carbon-oxygen double bo ...
s such as carvone
Carvone is a member of a family of chemicals called terpenoids. Carvone is found naturally in many essential oils, but is most abundant in the oils from seeds of caraway (''Carum carvi''), spearmint (''Mentha spicata''), and dill.
Uses
Both carvo ...
(0.175%); and a range of aldehyde
In organic chemistry, an aldehyde () is an organic compound containing a functional group with the structure . The functional group itself (without the "R" side chain) can be referred to as an aldehyde but can also be classified as a formyl grou ...
s such as citronellal
Citronellal or rhodinal ( C10 H18 O) is a monoterpenoid aldehyde, the main component in the mixture of terpenoid chemical compounds that give citronella oil its distinctive lemon scent.
Citronellal is a main isolate in distilled oils from the pl ...
(0.6%) and 2-methylundecanal
2-Methylundecanal is an organic compound that is found naturally in kumquat peel oil. This compound smells herbaceous, orange, and ambergris-like. At high dilution it has a flavor similar to honey and nuts. It is a colorless or pale yellow liquid ...
. Other oxygenated compounds include nerol
Nerol is a monoterpenoid alcohol found in many essential oils such as lemongrass and hops. It was originally isolated from neroli oil, hence its name. This colourless liquid is used in perfumery. Like geraniol, nerol has a sweet rose odor but it i ...
(0.22%) and Trans-lialool oxide (0.15%).
Hybrids
Hybrid
Hybrid may refer to:
Science
* Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding
** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species
** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two dif ...
forms of the kumquat include the following:
* Calamansi
Calamansi (''Citrus'' × ''microcarpa''), also known as calamondin, Philippine lime, or Philippine lemon, is an economically important citrus hybrid predominantly cultivated in the Philippines. It is native to the Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, ...
: mandarin orange
The mandarin orange (''Citrus reticulata''), also known as the mandarin or mandarine, is a small citrus tree fruit. Treated as a distinct species of orange, it is usually eaten plain or in fruit salads. Tangerines are a group of orange-coloured ...
x kumquat
* Citrangequat
The citrangequat is a citrus hybrid of a citrange and a kumquat, developed by Walter Swingle at Eustis, Florida, in 1909. Citrangequats are bitter in taste, but are considered edible by some at the peak of their maturity. Three named cultivars ex ...
: citrange
The citrange (a portmanteau of ''citrus'' and ''orange'') is a citrus hybrid of the sweet orange and the trifoliate orange.
The purpose of this cross was to attempt to create a cold hardy citrus tree (which is the nature of a trifoliate), with d ...
x kumquat
* Limequat
The limequat is a citrofortunella hybrid that is the result of a cross between the Key lime and the kumquat, hybridized by Walter Tennyson Swingle in 1909.
Description
It is a small tree that grows into a contained bushy form. The leaves are ...
: key lime
The Key lime or acid lime (''Citrus'' × ''aurantiifolia'' or ''C. aurantifolia'') is a citrus hybrid ('' C. hystrix'' × '' C. medica'') native to tropical Southeast Asia. It has a spherical fruit, in diameter. The Key lime is usually picked ...
x kumquat
* Orangequat
The madarinquat, also misleadingly called orangequat, is any cross between a mandarin and a kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia). Mandarinquats are members of the citrofortunella group.
The variety Nippon orangequat was first introduced in 1932 by D ...
: Satsuma mandarin
''Citrus unshiu'' is a semi-seedless and easy-peeling citrus species, also known as miyagawa mandarin, unshu mikan, cold hardy mandarin, satsuma mandarin, satsuma orange, naartjie, and tangerine. ''Citrus unshiu'' was named after Unshu (Wenzho ...
x kumquat
* Procimequat
Procimequat is a triploid citrus hybrid or transgeneric hybrid, (''Citrus aurantifolia'' 'Mexican' x '' Fortunella japonica'') x '' Fortunella hindsii'', in which the limequat that itself is a cross between lime and a round kumquat, was backcrosse ...
: limequat
The limequat is a citrofortunella hybrid that is the result of a cross between the Key lime and the kumquat, hybridized by Walter Tennyson Swingle in 1909.
Description
It is a small tree that grows into a contained bushy form. The leaves are ...
x kumquat
* Sunquat
A sunquat, also known as lemonquat or lemondrop, is a variety of citrus fruit, having an edible rind.
It was initially created by Leslie Cude in Beeville, Texas, as a chance hybrid between a lemon
The lemon (''Citrus limon'') is a spec ...
: Meyer lemon
''Citrus'' × ''meyeri'', the Meyer lemon (), is a hybrid citrus fruit native to China. It is a cross between a citron and a mandarin/pomelo hybrid.
Mature trees are around tall with dark green shiny leaves. The flowers are white with a purpl ...
(?) x kumquat
* Yuzuquat
A ''yuzuquat'' is a trigeneric hybrid between a Yuzu lemon (''Citrus ichangensis'' x ''C. reticulata'') and 'Nagami' kumquat (''C. japonica'' 'Nagami'). It was developed by John Brown in Texas. The fruit often is used as a lemon
The lemon ...
: yuzu
Yuzu (''Citrus junos'', from Japanese or ) is a citrus fruit and plant in the family Rutaceae of East Asian origin. Yuzu has been cultivated mainly in East Asia, though recently also in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Italy, and France.
I ...
x kumquat
Gallery
File:Hoa quất.jpg, Kumquat flower
File:Quinotos.jpg, Kumquat fruit cross-section
File:Kumquat.jpg, Kumquat whole and sectioned
File:Kumquat-0245.jpg, Common kumquat
File:Citrus japonica1.jpg, Round kumquats (or citrofortunella
Citrofortunella are a large group of commercial hybrids that cross the kumquat with other citrus. In the system of citrus taxonomy established by Swingle, kumquats were placed in a different genus, '' Fortunella'', from ''Citrus'', which included ...
)
File:Một cành quất.jpg, Round kumquats (or citrofortunella
Citrofortunella are a large group of commercial hybrids that cross the kumquat with other citrus. In the system of citrus taxonomy established by Swingle, kumquats were placed in a different genus, '' Fortunella'', from ''Citrus'', which included ...
)
File:KoumQuatLiqueur.jpg, Kumquat liqueur
A liqueur (; ; ) is an alcoholic drink composed of spirits (often rectified spirit) and additional flavorings such as sugar, fruits, herbs, and spices. Often served with or after dessert, they are typically heavily sweetened and un-aged beyond ...
s from Corfu
Corfu (, ) or Kerkyra ( el, Κέρκυρα, Kérkyra, , ; ; la, Corcyra.) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the margin of the northwestern frontier of Greece. The isl ...
, Greece
Greece,, or , romanized: ', officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the southern tip of the Balkans, and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece shares land borders with ...
File:Kumquat Trees (Corfu).JPG, Potted kumquat trees at a kumquat liqueur distillery in Corfu
Corfu (, ) or Kerkyra ( el, Κέρκυρα, Kérkyra, , ; ; la, Corcyra.) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the margin of the northwestern frontier of Greece. The isl ...
.
File:Kumquat pie.JPG, Slices of kumquat pie at the Kumquat Festival
The Kumquat Festival is an annual celebration held in late January in Dade City, Florida focused on the kumquat, a small tart citrus fruit usually eaten whole, with the skin on, and used in marmalades and desserts. It is organized by the Dade C ...
in Dade City
Dade City is a city in and the county seat of Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is located in the Tampa Bay Area. The population was 6,437 at the 2010 census.
Dade City is popular with tourists for its antique stores, restaurants, and h ...
, Florida
File:Kumquat jelly and kumquat butter.JPG, Kumquat preserves
Fruit preserves are preparations of fruits whose main preserving agent is sugar and sometimes acid, often stored in glass jars and used as a condiment or spread.
There are many varieties of fruit preserves globally, distinguished by the method ...
File:Fortunella (kumquat) 9 fiore+frutto.JPG, Flowers and fruit
File:Citrus japonica3.jpg, Kumquat tree
File:Muntala.jpg, alt=Unripe Kumquat, Unripe Kumquat
File:Fortunella japonica Frutigen.jpg, Ripened kumquat
File:Citrus japonica (6).JPG, Kumquat or kumquat hybrid
See also
* Kumquat Festival
The Kumquat Festival is an annual celebration held in late January in Dade City, Florida focused on the kumquat, a small tart citrus fruit usually eaten whole, with the skin on, and used in marmalades and desserts. It is organized by the Dade C ...
References
Further reading
* Burkill, I. H. (1931). "An enumeration of the species of Paramignya, Atalantia and Citrus, found in Malaya". ''Gard. Bull. Straits Settlem''. 5: 212–220.
* Mabberley, D. J. (1998)
"Australian Citreae with notes on other Aurantioideae (Rutaceae)"
(PDF). ''Telopea'' 7 (4): 333–344.
External links
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{{Authority control
Citrus
Flora of temperate Asia
Flora of tropical Asia
Fruits originating in East Asia
Garden plants of Asia
Ornamental trees
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Fruit trees