A member of the citrus family, it is often confused with a kind of mini orange. Kids love it because you can eat the peel! And that’s what makes it so fun…
In this article, I will give you some practical tips, beauty tips and gardening techniques if you want to embrace its culture and live in the south of France, like we grow clementines in our garden.
Robert Fortune and the Popularization of the Kumquat in Europe
In the mid-19th century, Europe experienced a true horticultural revolution thanks to the Scottish explorer Robert Fortune. A collector emeritus of the Royal Horticultural Society of London, Fortune made possible the introduction of the kumquat, a citrus fruit from China, to the European continent, enriching the fruit landscape with this new exotic flavor.
The kumquat even owes its other name, Fortunella, to this intrepid botanist, reflecting the recognition of his considerable influence in the diffusion of this small exotic fruit with great virtues.
Robert Fortune elevated the kumquat to the rank of a citrus fruit popular for its organoleptic qualities, similar to traditional citrus fruits such as the orange, but with a unique character: a perfectly edible skin (preferably organic, of course!). It was a small revolution at the time!
What is a Kumquat?
Kumquat is a small citrus fruit about the size of an olive. Originally from China, this citrus fruit with a beautiful bright orange color (like its big Mandarin Clementine sisters) offers a unique flavor, both sweet and slightly tart at the same time. It grows on shrubs up to a few meters high and adapts well in the middle of the earth in temperate to hot climates. It is often found in the French departments bordering the Mediterranean.
In addition to its taste, the kumquat contains vitamins C and B9, which are essential for the vitality and proper functioning of the body, especially the skin.
It is a beautiful, atypical and fun fruit to include in fruit baskets (it keeps at room temperature) or, another good idea, to include it cut in half in a fruit salad that will surprise your guests or your loved ones. You can also make kumquat marmalade (or kumquat jam) if you just want to cook it, but it is true that it is best to eat it raw to enjoy all its benefits, preserving the enzymes, essential oils and vitamins that cooking usually destroys.
The benefits of the kumquat go far beyond its nutritional value. It helps prevent intestinal ulcers and aids in the digestive process. In addition, thanks to its antioxidants, it participates in the fight against aging and helps to maintain a radiant skin.
What are the Benefits of Eating Kumquat Peel?
By consuming the rind of the organic kumquat, you benefit from an excellent source of antioxidants and fatty acids, which are essential in preventing cell aging. Essential oils and fibers found in the skin help maintain a beautiful, shiny skin and fight free radicals.
Vitamin C, concentrated in the skin, acts as a shield against external aggressions and stimulates the production of collagen for firm and toned skin, excellent for pregnant women. Carotenes and other antioxidant compounds also help protect cells from degeneration and various age-related diseases.
Kumquat and its edible peel also provide diuretic benefits, regulate the fluid balance of cells, and help prevent cardiovascular disease. What general health benefits packed into such a small fruit!
Tip for Getting the Most out of the Kumquat
To get the most out of this miniature citrus fruit, opt for organic quality fruit (which is important when eating the skin) in its entirety, that is, with the skin. The skin contains most of the fruit’s antioxidants. Regular consumption of organic kumquats in season can help alleviate the symptoms of chronic inflammatory problems through their anti-inflammatory potential.
Rich in vitamin C, Organic Kumquat not only promotes skin health, but also healthy hair growth and prevents hair loss. In addition, its high fiber content makes it an ally of choice to reduce cravings and regulate appetite, thus promoting weight control. So when it comes to snacking, the kumquat is a great ally!
Tips for Glowing skin With Kumquat
To achieve radiant and healthy skin through diet, it is imperative to include fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as organic kumquat. This small citrus fruit, eaten with its peel, is rich in flavonoids and essential oils, valuable allies in the fight against skin aging.
Thanks to these properties, kumquat helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promotes a younger appearance.
Kumquat is also an ally in protecting against the harmful effects of the sun. The antioxidants it contains help fight the free radicals responsible for premature skin aging. When available in season, incorporating kumquat into your daily diet would also help maintain good digestion.
The Moisturizing Properties of Kumquat for the Skin
Vitamin C is not only a collagen stimulator, but also an essential ingredient for hydrated and firm skin. This nutrient, which is abundant in kumquats, promotes adequate skin hydration, which contributes to soft and radiant skin.
Antioxidants such as carotenes in organic kumquat also play a role in preventing environmental damage, reducing cell degeneration and helping skin maintain its youthful appearance.
Consuming organic kumquats is a good idea to take care of your skin from the inside, a reflex that is too often forgotten at a time when we are recommending outdoor skin care. Do not forget the importance of external hydration for perfect skin. Consider using additional moisturizers enriched with antioxidants for extra protection against the elements and to maintain optimal skin hydration.
Organic Kumquat Masks and Treatments for Radiant Skin
Organic kumquat is also an excellent ingredient for homemade masks and treatments. For bright skin, you can make a face mask using fresh kumquat puree made with a pestle, for example, mixed with other nourishing ingredients such as avocado honey for its antibacterial and moisturizing properties.
The antioxidant-rich rind of the kumquat can be used in these topical treatments to boost the skin’s defenses against free radicals and promote cellular repair. The rich vitamin C content of kumquat makes it possible to stimulate the production of collagen, which makes it possible to have for a firm and elastic skin.
Finally, the essential oil of kumquat can be added to skin care formulations for its soothing, purifying properties and to promote a luminous complexion. Always remember to do a small skin test before applying new products to a large area of your skin, so you do not turn into a science fiction character if your skin has an unexpected reaction…
How to Grow a Kumquat in the Middle of the Earth
Every spring, enriching the soil with good compost will enrich the soil and nourish the plant, which will strengthen it for the new growing season. Winter requires special attention: as soon as the temperature drops below -5°C, protect your kumquat with a winter cover to prevent the cold from damaging the fruit still on the tree or compromising its health.
Potted kumquats require different care. Regular watering during the summer is important to ensure that excess water is removed to prevent root rot problems. In addition to water, a special citrus fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season will support your potted kumquat. Remember to move it to a bright, frost-free location as winter approaches.
Winter protection is critical; the above winter cover will keep the kumquat safe once temperatures begin to drop dangerously. Maintaining these conditions will ensure healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
