Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are most often utilized raw. The whole onion can be flash blanched and grilled, which brings out more the robust and sweet elements of the onions, and makes them a bolder pair for fish and meats
Seasons/Availability
Kumquats are available most of the year, but may have limited availability during the fall.
Current Facts
There are four varieties of kumquats, two varieties being the most common: nagami and meiwa. The nagami is oval-shaped and the meiwa is more rounded. Meiwa is considered to be the sweeter of the two, yet nagami is most commonly grown as it is a more vigorous, hardy and prolific producer. Kumquats used to be classified as a citrus up until 1915 when they were given their own Genus, Fortunella, named after horticulturist, Robert Fortune, who introduced the kumquat to Europe in 1846.
Description/Taste
The fruit of the kumquat tree grow in clusters. They ripen within a month from green to brilliant orange. Once mature, the fruit can reach up to 2 inches in length. Unlike citruses, the entire fruit is edible, although the few seeds buried in the flesh are recommended to be spared. The peel is where the true citrus sweetness lies in both aroma and flavor. The flesh offers a bold and juicy tart contrast, making for a sweet tart mouthful. Before disposing of or simply eating, consider saving the seeds, as they are a source of natural pectin.
Applications
As kumquats are entirely edible, they are a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory preparations. Slice kumquats into coins and cook with sugar and water until candied, then use to top pound cake or ice cream. Add sliced kumquats to pomegranate juice, champagne and club soda for punch. Poach kumquat slices in sugar and water, then layer over a tart shell baked with almond and butter filling, topped with kumquat syrup. Cook kumquat and onion slices until softened, then add lamb breasts, braising liquid and cook tagine until meat is done, then serve over couscous. Dice kumquats and mix with diced avocado, red onion, cilantro and lime for a fresh salsa. To prepare, wash and dry. Seeds may be plucked out with the tip of a knife.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Kumquats have a long culinary history within China, Taiwan and Japan, where they are often preserved as jams or in salt (similar to preserved lemons). The fruit is added to teas in Taiwan and is used as an ornamental bonsai tree throughout Southeast Asia.
Geography/History
Kumquats are native to China and they have long been cultivated throughout Southeast Asia, where they are grown commercially today. The kumquat's arrival in America was in the late 1880's, though it was planted primarily for ornamental purposes until a rise in Asian populations created a market for the kumquat fruit. California and Florida are the best-suited growing regions. Both states are home to kumquats on a niche market scale as they remain in the shadows, still, of bigger and better known citrus.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Cork and Platter | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| French Gourmet | Pacific Beach CA | 858-488-1725 |
| Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 ex 4 |
| Inn at the Park | San Diego CA | 619-296-0057 |
| Currant | San Diego CA | 619-702-6309 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Bernard'O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-487-7171 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Romesco | Bonita CA | 619-475-8623 |
| Chez Loma | Coronado CA | 619-435-0661 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's (Misc.) | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Gingham Bar | La Mesa CA | 619-797-1922 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Catalina Resources | San Diego CA | 619-297-9797 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Paradise Point Resort Baleen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's Bar | ||
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | (619) 564-6722 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Tractor Room | San Diego CA | 619-543-1007 |
| Vagabond | San Diego CA | 619-255-1035 |
| Crosby National Golf Club LLC | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-227-0172 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Cowboy Star | San Diego CA | 619-450-5880 |
| Zeca Trading Co. | San Diego CA | 619-410-1576 |
| Starlite | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Hive Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-702-6010 |
| Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box | San Diego CA | 619-515-4062 |
| Prepkitchen Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-247-0394 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Kumquats. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Kumquats using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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USAG-Schweinfurt Commissary Near Schweinfurt, Bavaria, Germany About 14 days ago Kroger branch Hill Guinea Pike Cincinnati Ohio Near Wilmington, Ohio, United States About 32 days ago North Park Farmers Market Near San Diego, California, United States About 54 days ago Spotter's comments : R&L farms is selling kumquats at the farmers market in north park. Ocado Yorkshire Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 71 days ago Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 76 days ago Neighborhood Market Near Pantego, Texas, United States About 82 days ago Ocado Yorkshire Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 100 days ago Abel and Cole UK Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 100 days ago Mack Asian Cuisine By Chans Near Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico About 129 days ago |
