Ten Amazing Facts About Kumquats You Won’t Believe Are Real

If you enjoy the sour, citrus tang of a Kumquat you might enjoy these ten facts about them as well. From their discovery to other interesting things, after reading this post you will never look at a Kumquat in the same way again…

&nbsp

FACT 1: Its Name Means Golden Orange

While the original Cantonese name is unpronounceable, roughly translated it means “golden orange” or “golden tangerine”, but more interestingly in Japan, they are called kinkan fruits.

FACT 2: They Are Citrus Fruits

Grapefruits, limes, lemons and of course oranges are all part of this family, but what you might not know is there are thousands of different fruits that are also classed as citrus fruits. This means they are all flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae that produce citrus fruits.

FACT 3: There Are Over 20 Types of Kumquats!

From round kumquats to oval kumquats, jiangsu kumquats and Centennial Variegated kumquats, there are 20 types of this little fruit and apparently, they all taste the same due to them all having the same density of the fruit!

FACT 4: Kumquat Plants Flower!

They might be fruit growing trees, but they also produce flowers as well. These white flowers occurring sometimes singly, but have been known to appear clustered in the leaf axils.

FACT 5: Kumquats Can Cure Colds and Flu!

OK, so you won’t be getting prescribed them by a doctor anytime soon, but in Chinese and Vietnamese culture they are fused with honey, ginger, or even salt to make a cure for peoples colds and flu.

FACT 6: Kumquats Are Full of Vitamins!

Each little fruit is filled with vitamins A, vitamin C, E and B-complex vitamins. But on top of all that goodness, they also contain calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc! All in their tiny little bodies!

FACT 7: Saint Joseph, Florida Was Once The Kumquat Capital of The World

While the kumquat plant is native to South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, it is Saint Joseph in Florida, USA that grows the most of them and the most varieties of them.

FACT 8: Most Kumquats Consumed Are The Nagami kumquat Variety

How do I know this? Because the oval shaped Nagami kumquat is the only variety that can (and should) be eaten whole with the skin still on it. Most of the other varieties have skin that is a lot harder, but they do taste the same on the inside.

FACT 9: The First Mention of a Kumquat Was in 1150 BC.

First noted down in Chinese literature in the 12th century, it wasn’t until 1846 that the first made it to Europe thanks to Robert Fortune who was a collector for the London Horticultural Society.

FACT 10: Kumquats Have Loads of Health Benefits!

To name just a few of the health benefits they offer they are said to help eliminate constipation, bloating and cramping in the stomach, they can help stimulate your immune system, help your body regulate the digestive tract. They can also help with weight loss, prevent diabetes, improve your bodies natural energy levels and can even help to protect your skin against wrinkles, age spots and many other signs of ageing.

Do you know of any other facts about Kumquats? If you do why not chare them in the comments below and let your knowledge of them be known to the world.