Meiwa Sweet Kumquat Tree

Growing Zones in Ground: 8 - 11 / in Pots: 4 - 11

(57 customer reviews)

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Description

The Meiwa Sweet Kumquat tree has glossy, dark green foliage and white fragrant blooms that occur singly or in clusters on the leaf axils. Meiwa Kumquats are large and well-known for their sweet, edible rind and flesh that has minimal seeds. The Meiwa Sweet Kumquat tree gives off an amazing citrus fragrance.

The Kumquat tree is a small, evergreen fruit tree of the family Rutaceae classified as genus Fortunella; Kumquat trees are historically classified as a citrus tree (genus Citrus), but the Swingle system of citrus taxonomy placed them in their own genus.

Meiwa Kumquat trees are a natural hybrid of Marumi and Nagami Kumquats. They were first brought to Japan during the Meiwa period 1764-72, hence the name. Kumquat trees were introduced to Europe by Robert Fortune in 1846 and shortly after to North America. Kumquat trees are divided into multiple species and one of them is the sweet Meiwa Kumquat tree (Fortunella crassifolia).

A Kumquat tree can grow as tall as 4’-8’ ft with dense branches that are relatively thornless. This citrus tree has glossy, dark green foliage and white fragrant blooms that occur singly or in clusters on the leaf axils.

Standard and Dwarf Kumquat trees do not grow well from seeds and are generally cultivated and propagated using rootstock of another citrus fruit. It is better to buy your Kumquat trees instead of growing them from seeds. Like most citrus fruits, Kumquats are self-pollinating but much hardier.

Meiwa Kumquat trees produce bright colored round to oval-shaped sweet fruits with an edible rind & flesh with soft seeds in the interior.

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4.61 out of 5 stars

57 reviews

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What others are saying

  1. William Gass (verified owner)

    Tree lost a lot of leaves and fruit in transit,but I finally see some new bright green 💚 sprouts,leaves coming out ! There is always hope ! Vern Gass

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  2. Ann (verified owner)

    Shipping delivery date off by two days. Packaging worked well to protect the tree.

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  3. Daniel (verified owner)

    Outstanding tree! I have gotten two now, and they were both great specimens. There was one tree that got crushed by the shipper, but Yarden immediately replaced it with another very nice tree. Excellent customer service! I would definitely recommend.

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  4. Priscilla Dyson (verified owner)

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  5. Terrell Felix (verified owner)

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  6. Glenn Moore (verified owner)

    Tree was in great condition when it arrived, but your side should offer more access to shipping information.
    Shipping status and tracking is not available

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  7. Kris Hawley (verified owner)

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  8. Pearl (verified owner)

    I am very happy with my trees I got. I can’t wait till spring for them to spout someone growth.

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  9. Carl Gilbert (verified owner)

    This plant came in healthy and packaged correctly

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  10. Klarissa (verified owner)

    Trees arrived quickly and in perfect health, despite them being thrown by the courier to the door. They were packed well.

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  11. Mark (verified owner)

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  12. Thomas (verified owner)

    Spindly tree, bad customer service. Buyer beware!

    I purchased a tree, three sizes up from the smallest tree offered. the website stated it was a 1 gal and a height of 24-36 inches. I received a Charlie Brown tree, very young and spindly with the stub of the root stock extending off the main trunk and an angular prune 2.5 inches above the graft line causing a zig-zag appearance to the main trunk. There are ties trying to train the tree to grow straighter and artificially extending its height. There are literally 3, tiny (2-3 inch) branches at the very top. The plant is barely 24 inches tall including the 9 1/2 inches of pot and extending to the tip of the leaves with the plant tied to a stake. If it were not forced upright by the ties and the stack, it would not be close to 24 inches tall. When I transplanted the tree, I was surprised that the root ball was tiny (3 1/2 inches round with a few roots extending 6-7 inches). There is no way this plant had been potted and grown in the pot it was shipped in. I would have expect roots that filled a 1 gal nursery pot based on the web site description.

    My expectation for an $80, 24-36 inch tree in a 1 gal pot, is that the graft would be healed (or nearly so), the truck of the tree would be straight, the plant would have started to develop a branch structure, and if transplanted for shipping, the roots would mostly fill the size of the container it was sent it in with soil/bark used to keep the roots healthy and moist. They sent shipping e-mails indicating their staff was selecting “the best available tree” to send. I would really hate to see what the rest of their trees look like if this is the best.

    I contacted customer services two weeks ago and still have not heard any reply. Buyer beware!

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  13. Edwin I. (verified owner)

    Arrived in great shape, watching it grow .

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  14. Marion E. (verified owner)

    I received my plant appropriately protected. My kumquat plant had 5 small Frits on arrival and many blooms popping out. Very happy and also want to say my plant was taller than what I expected.

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  15. margaret c. (verified owner)

    I am not happy with the crookedness of my $75 tree and did not feel satisfied with the answer from customer service. Maybe they will reconsider. I bought three other trees for my three daughter-in-laws and theirs’ are all straight. So I did compare and my complaint is legitimate.

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  16. PETER SPEIGHT (verified owner)

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  17. Robert Brown (verified owner)

    Great customer service. For right back with answers to my questions.

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  18. Sharon Dolan (verified owner)

    Packaged very securely especially shipping to New England during the winter. Good size. No flowers yet but again its the winter months here. Waiting patiently to see signs of new growth.

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  19. Haris S. (verified owner)

    Received the tree in great shape/health. Very satisfied with the service.

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  20. David J. (verified owner)

    Received an appropriately-sized multi-branched plant in bloom. The outer packaging is specifically designed for the tree container. Plant had no discernable damage or stress. My first purchase @citrus.com & I’m impressed with the plant and speed of delivery.

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  21. Alison Sommers (verified owner)

    Healthy and well-rooted.

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  22. Kathryn (verified owner)

    I am happy with my kumquat tree. My order came in quick, can’t wait for it to start to fruit.

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  23. Juan R. (verified owner)

    I love the tree I got from you guys, is so nice and very healthy

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  24. Kevin Garris (verified owner)

    Lost two leaves at top but seems to be doing ok. I planted directly into the ground. I hope it does well.

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  25. So happy

    Candy Julian

    I bought a meiwa kumquat tree. It is very small and already producing fruit. So excited to try them!

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  26. Fruit in six weeks!

    gilbert (verified owner)

    I order my Meiwa Kumquot tree on June 14, within a week it had produced small white buds. Today, July 20, I have at least 10 developing fruit. How wonderful is that?

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  27. Anonymous (verified owner)

    Although shipping box & pot were completely flattened by shippers, little Kumquat came through very well. Hopefully when it fills out it will look straighter – tree sprouted sideways from graft. Had to repot it first thing because roots were so flat & couldn’t uncompress pot. Poor little tree seems happy outside so here’s hoping it grows well.

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  28. Chris (verified owner)

    Very impressive with the shipping, ordered 2 Meiwa’s & received them within the week. Both trees arrived in great condition & actually had buds on one of them. I’m new to citrus so the lack of after care instructions for the trees was very disappointing. That is the only reason why I didn’t give 5 stars.

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  29. Minh Nguyen (verified owner)

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  30. Anonymous (verified owner)

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  31. Larry Cone (verified owner)

    Trees arrived in a timely manner and were in good shape. Thank you

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  32. Nannah N. (verified owner)

    Super fast shipping and a gorgeous little tree with flowers on it already! Super pleased with this site, and the instructions they gave, too. Can’t wait to take care of my kumquat tree <3. Thank you!

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  33. Anonymous (verified owner)

    The kumquat tree arrived where half the leaves were yellowed from what looked like over watering. It’s been about 2 weeks and I’m still watching to see if it will survive. I was very surprised at the condition it arrived in considering the price I paid. I contacted the company and never received a reply.

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  34. Juan M. (verified owner)

    My tree arrived well packaged well nourished and I am extremely happy! It is doing really well thriving and looking good. Thank you all so much and I will be purchasing more trees from citrus.com in the future!

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  35. Anonymous (verified owner)

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  36. David Evans (verified owner)

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  37. Yolanda Williams (verified owner)

    I love my tree

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  38. HUNG NGUYEN (verified owner)

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  39. Margaret H. (verified owner)

    I am looking forward to when my lovely little tree starts producing fruit.

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  40. Anthony Lacaprara (verified owner)

    My plant arrived in good shape,and in a short time, can’t wait for it to start producing fruit, just love. It thanks so much, would recommend citrus .com to everyone.

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  41. Eddie Hines (verified owner)

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  42. Anonymous (verified owner)

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  43. connie stone (verified owner)

    ( 5 )it was well packaged , in excellent condition . Very pleased

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  44. Courtney (verified owner)

    The tree was packaged very carefully and was exactly as described. It is beautiful and is already starting to bloom! Very happy with my purchase.

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  45. Michael (verified owner)

    The tree arrived promptly and in seeming perfect health. It has not shown any sign of stress from shipping. I won’t know until next year whether it produces, but so far so good.

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  46. Carolyn (verified owner)

    Fresh healthy plant. Secure packing and FAST shipping. I will purchase from you again.

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  47. Sharon T. (verified owner)

    Extremely pleased with my Meiwa kumquat purchase.

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  48. :-)

    AA (verified owner)

    No complaints what so ever.
    Everything was perfect.

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  49. Great customer service and tree

    itskennyzhou (verified owner)

    First tree arrived diseased with spots on the leaves so I reached out to customer service, they sent another tree the next day and arrived healthy! Thank you!

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    • Citrus Customer Care (store manager)

      Thank you for your 5-star review. We are very happy that you reached out to us for a replacement tree, and that you are enjoying it. We appreciate your business.

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  50. One person found this helpful

    HS (verified owner)

    The tree arrived in great shape. The leaves were a deep emerald green. The tree although small had a few flowers already. We potted it in good soil and plenty of sun. In two weeks it has grown new branches and flowered fully. Very nice tree that’ll grow up nicely.

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    • Citrus Customer Care (store manager)

      Thank you very much for your nice review. We are happy that your tree is flourishing, and we appreciate your business.

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  51. Clyde B. (verified owner)

    Great tree! Very healthy and blooming on arrival. I highly recommend this nursery.

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    • Citrus Customer Care (store manager)

      Thank you very much for the nice review and recommendation. We are thrilled that your tree is thriving, and we greatly appreciate your business.

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  52. David C. (verified owner)

    Plant arrived in wo wonderful shape. We planted it the same day and it has taken off with new growth already. A great addition to our backyard orchard!!

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    • Citrus Customer Care (store manager)

      Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are happy that your tree is thriving.

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  53. JACKIE D. (verified owner)

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  54. Roberta (verified owner)

    Arrived in good condition with clear planting and care instructions. Only one week ago but so far looking good.

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  55. Isabel Lorenzo (verified owner)

    The plant was in perfect conditions, well protected so far so good I just wish the seller have more updates of products.

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    • Citrus Customer Care (store manager)

      Thank you for your 5-star review. We hope that you enjoy your tree. Our website is constantly changing–keep checking. We appreciate your business.

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  56. Hoa (verified owner)

    Received my ordered 12792 sweet Meiwa kumquat came in the mail a little bit earlier and arrived in excellent packaging condition and the tree with full of the fruits without my expectation. I have bought from different Nursey in the past and have never receive anything like this one, the items arrived not healthy and smaller than what been told. I do believe when I purchase a quality fruits tree, my expectation once it arrives all I have to do is plant it and watching it grow. Received a beautiful tree made me feeling good and very happy. I have told all my friends about the Citrus.com. Believe in me this Nursey worth every dime I spent.
    Hoa

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    • Citrus Customer Care (store manager)

      Thank you very much for your fantastic review! We know that you are enjoying your tree, and we greatly appreciate your business.

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  57. The best service that I have ever received.

    Hoa Parcell (verified owner)

    Received my ordered sweets kumquat tree in the mail yesterday. I have to email the citrus.com administrator to thanks them for an fast service delivery and excellent packing and send my citrus tree with full fruits and fully instructions how to take care and repotting without my expectation. My sister in-law have seen my citrus and she’s now wanting to get ones for herself. I am extremely happy and would recommend this best business with anyone who wants to buy and grown citrus tree!!!
    Thank you so much

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    • Citrus Customer Care (store manager)

      Thank you for your nice review. We are delighted that you are happy with your purchase. Thank you for your recommendation and your business.

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Citrus Tree Care

Kumquat trees are easy to grow. They are low maintenance, and great for beginner home growers and gardeners.

Soil

Just like other citrus trees that are on trifoliate orange rootstock, Kumquat trees need a slightly acidic soil with pH 5.5 to 6.0 while those on their own root like an alkaline soil with pH 6.0 to 6.5. Make sure to plant the tree in well-draining soil since Kumquat trees do not like wet feet.

Light Requirement

Meiwa Kumquat trees thrive in full to partial sunlight and are cold hardy plants that are suitable to USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11 and tolerate cold weather with temperatures as low as 10°F. They can also be planted in pots in colder USDA growing zones 4 to 7.

Water

Deeply water the young Kumquat tree regularly, the soil around them should be kept moist but not wet. Before the next watering, make sure that the top 2-3 inches of soil has dried out. Once a healthy root system has been established you can cut back on watering and water only during extended periods of drought, when the flowers are in bloom and when fruits are developing.

Pruning

When still young, pinch back the growing tips and shoots to make it full and bushy and to establish a sturdy well-branched structure for future fruiting loads as this tree bears fruit to a point of breaking the limbs in some cases. Established kumquat trees should be pruned regularly to keep its shape.

Snip away diseased and dead branches to keep the tree looking tidy and prevent spread of disease. Prune top branches that are too tall but leave out the inner and side growth to not lose the following years’ fruit yield.

Weeds

Dredge out weeds that are near the trunk of the kumquat tree as they compete for nutrients and water that growing citrus trees need.  You can also mulch around the tree to retain the moisture and kill off weeds, but be sure to keep it away from the trunk as a wet trunk can attract diseases.

Citrus Tree Fertilizing

Growing Kumquat trees need fertilizer for citrus trees during the active growing season, about every six weeks or as indicated by the label of the citrus tree fertilizer you have chosen. Citrus tree fertilizer can augment flower production, boost fruit yield and increase the kumquat trees’ overall health.

Fruit & Harvesting

Fruit

Meiwa Kumquats are large and well-known for their more rounded than oval shape and their notably sweet, edible rind and flesh that has minimal seeds. They have a somewhat thick, golden-orange, smooth oily rind that gives off an amazing citrus fragrance. The flesh is not overly juicy but is sweet and flavorful. Meiwa or Sweet Kumquats are available in late winter to early spring.

Kumquats are entirely edible. You can pop the entire fruit (the rind, flesh including the few soft seeds) in your mouth to enjoy the perfect sweet-tart flavor the Meiwa kumquat offers.

Because of its versatility, Kumquats can be used for both sweet and savory dishes and beverages. It is best eaten fresh but can also be juiced or used as an ingredient for making desserts and drinks. You can pair it with shellfish, pork, apples, and vanilla ice cream.

You can also use kumquats as garnishings or decorative toppings just like when they were first introduced to North America and used entirely as ornamental citrus fruits.

Harvesting

Kumquats are in season from November to March. It takes about a month for the fruit to turn from green to orange and are best when firm and golden-orange in color.

When harvesting the Meiwa Kumquat tree look for a fruit that is brilliantly orange, plump and firm to the touch. Use sharp scissors or knife to snip the fruit from the tree to avoid damaging the branch.

Once harvested, you can eat the fruit fresh or it can last stored in a fridge for approximately 2 weeks.

If the yield is more than what you can eat or give away, you can always make it into a delicious marmalade.

Growing Zones

Advice

Meiwa Kumquats trees can grow up to 4’-8’ when planted in the ground, but just like other citrus trees, when planted in a pot, they tend to stay smaller. Kumquats usually bloom in summer and yields fruit in winter. It needs heat for the fruit to sweeten and should be protected when the temperature dips below 10°F.

Pests and Diseases

There are some citrus tree diseases and insect problems you have to look out for when growing Kumquat trees.

  • Scales, spider mites and mealybugs are common and attention must be given when moving your kumquat tree inside the house in late summer or early fall. You can spray neem oil two times a week throughout winter to prevent infestation.
  • Overwatering can cause root rot or attract fungus. These two can cause leaves to become moldy, have blacked veins and fruits to have yellow-brown spots. Copper fungicide is an effective treatment for common fungus problems while adequate soil drainage can prevent root rot.
  • Citrus scab is a fungal disease that leaves scab lesions on fruits. Infected fruits will have wart-like outgrowths that would make them look distorted. Copper fungicide spray is best to control this disease.
  • Greasy Spot causes leaves to drop off the kumquat tree. When there is defoliation, fruit production decreases and makes the tree more susceptible to cold damage and other pest infestations. Copper fungicide and horticultural oils are needed to eliminate greasy spot.
  • Nutritional deficiencies like Nitrogen, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron deficiency are common to fruit trees and they cause leaf drop or defoliation leading to tree decline. To prevent this problem, use citrus fertilizers on your Kumquat trees to keep it healthy and properly fed. You can purchase citrus fertilizers from your local gardening store or the nursery where you got your dwarf citrus tree.

FAQs

How big will a dwarf kumquat tree get?

A dwarf Kumquat tree can be pruned once or twice per year to maintain the tree at a small size of 4 to 5 feet tall. If left un-trimmed, a Dwarf Kumquat tree will grow to about 10 to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

Are kumquats just little oranges?

No. The kumquat is its own variety of citrus and is not the same as an orange, lime or lemon. The fruit is eaten whole and has a sweet rind and a sour juice, but very little juice is contained in each fruit. Some people do use kumquats to flavor cold drinks like iced tea, and the juice is used to sprinkle on seafood such as cooked fish or shrimp. However, the kumquat is an entirely different fruit from an orange, lime or lemon.

Is it bad if your dog eats a kumquat?

Kumquats are non-toxic and can be eaten by both humans and dogs. However, Kumquats do contain magnesium, which can have a laxative effect at extremely high amounts of the fruit. Also Kumquats contain Vitamin C, which is a mild type of citric acid, and this can cause discomfort for dogs if large amounts of the fruit is consumed quickly.

Are kumquats good for you?

Kumquat fruits contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They Contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, and also have minerals such as calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc.

Besides eating them whole, what else can you do with a kumquat?

Kumquats can be sliced and added to salads, marinades, ice cream, and stews. You can use kumquats to make marmalade, fruit salads, and infused vodka for martinis or other drinks. Kumquats also pair well with chicken, fish, and duck.

What vitamins and minerals do kumquats contain?

Kumquats have vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B, and thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, folates, pantothenic acid, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc.

What makes a Meiwa kumquat different?

Meiwa kumquats are sweeter overall than normal kumquats. The fruit is also a more round shape, as opposed to the oval shape of a regular kumquat. Both are eaten whole.

How do you eat a Kumquat?

Kumquats are the smallest citrus fruit. They have sweet skin and tart pulp. You can eat them whole by cutting off the stem tip of the fruit, squeezing the tart juice out, and eating the sweet rind. You can also eat the fruit whole if you like the tart juice as well. They have small edible seeds. Kumquats can also be made into marmalade, sliced for salads, and used in many dishes and desserts.

Do kumquats taste like an orange?

Kumquats have an edible, sweet skin and a tart, tangy juice and pulp. The overall flavor when eating an entire fruit is a balanced, sweet-tart flavor. They taste similar to a tangerine and the tart juice can be squeezed out for those who only prefer the sweet rind.

What type of kumquat has the sweetest flavor?

The Meiwa Sweet Kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia) has the sweetest tasting flesh, juice, and skin. Since most kumquats have sweet skins and tart juice, the Meiwa Sweet Kumquat stands out because the inside is also sweet tasting.