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Dried orange kumquat useful properties. Dried kumquat - description with product photo; its calorie content and useful properties (benefit and harm); how to use for culinary purposes and for treatment

Kumquat is an evergreen plant from the Kumquat genus of the Rutaceae family. The Chinese origin of the name of this fruit takes its roots from the phrase "golden tangerine", which is pronounced as "kam kuat". The plant has a widespread Latin name - Fortunella (Fortunella). There is also a version that the name "kumquat" is derived from the Japanese word "kinkan".

Fortunella trees tend to be very short and rarely grow above 2 meters. Their trunks are in the form of shrubs, and thin shoots are slightly flattened and outwardly resemble trihedrons with small thorns or without thorns. In leaves up to 7 cm long and up to 2.5 cm wide, thin glands are visible. Behind the axil of the leaves there are from 1 to 3 white flowers, from which a round fruit of golden-orange color with a radius of up to 1.5 cm with a sweetish-sour pulp develops. Fortunella fruits are similar to small oranges, slightly elongated in length (their length can be up to 5.2 cm, and the width, as a rule, does not exceed 4.5 cm). The kumquat tastes very similar to a slightly sour tangerine and is completely edible. The peel of the kumquat is very tasty, but in rare cases it painfully affects the condition of the caecum.

The first scientific description of this plant species was created by the Algerian botanist Traby.

In nature, you can find various types of Fortunella, in which each is characterized by a peculiar shape of the fruit. Now the kumquat is extremely widely cultivated in its homeland - in South China. In addition, the countries of Southern Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as Japan and the southern states of the USA (in particular, Florida) are actively involved in the import of Fortunella fruits. Kumquats are rarely grown from seed due to their weak root system. Therefore, in order to propagate the tree, it is grafted to the three-leafed poncirus. Sometimes Fortunella is grown in apartments as a houseplant. The use of kumquat is permissible not only in its raw form, but also after the manufacture of jams, confectionery, liqueurs from it. In Japan, Fortunella is traditionally used at New Year's feasts.

Nutritional value of kumquat

  • 1.79 g protein
  • 0.83 g fat
  • 15.8 g carbs
  • 80.9 g water
  • 0.49 g dry residue
  • 6.7 g dietary fiber
  • 0.49 g ash
  • 9.4 g monosaccharides and disaccharides
  • 7.5 g sugar
  • 0.12 g starch
  • 0.104 g saturated fatty acids
  • 0.156 g unsaturated fatty acids
  • 0.169 g polyunsaturated fatty acids

Raw Fortunella fruits contain a huge amount of essential vitamins that enhance health and support the functioning of almost all body systems.

  • 31 mcg?-carotene (A)
  • 289 mcg Vitamin A (RE)
  • 38 mcg thiamine (B1)
  • 90 mcg riboflavin (B2)
  • 0.43 mg vitamin B3
  • 0.209 mg pantothenic acid (B5)
  • 37 mcg pyridoxine (B6)
  • 21 mcg folic acid
  • 44 mg ascorbic acid (C)
  • 0.16 µg tocopherol (E)
  • 4.1 mcg biotin (N)
  • 0.43 mg nicotinic acid (PP)
  • 8.38 mg choline
  • 17.2 mcg folate
  • 0.425 mg niacin

Video recipe for the occasion:

Calorie content of different types of kumquat

Although the kumquat has a fairly rich vitamin composition, its fruits are characterized by a rather low calorie content. 100 g of fresh Fortunella contains only 70 kilocalories. This unique property allows nutritionists to recommend this fruit as a complete healthy fruit for weight loss. Dried kumquat is even less caloric: its energy value is 50 kcal. However, in dried form, Fortunella can contain as much as 250 kcal per 100 g of fruit, therefore it is less suitable for diets.

One fruit of a fresh kumquat, as a rule, weighs 30–40 g, therefore it can provide the body with energy in the amount of 21–28 kcal.

The mineral composition of kumquat

In the pulp of Fortunella fruits, you can find a lot of useful macroelements and microelements, so this fruit is able to effectively fill the daily need for minerals.

Macroelements in 100 g of Fortunella:

  • 63 mg calcium (Ca)
  • 21 mg magnesium (Mg)
  • 20 mg phosphorus (P)
  • 185 mg potassium (K)
  • 11 mg sodium (Na)

The fruits of kumquat also contain almost all the most important trace elements:

  • 0.87 mg iron (Fe)
  • 0.18 mg zinc (Zn)
  • 0.096 mg copper (Cu)
  • 0.137 mg manganese (Mn)

Fortunella pulp is rich in various phytonutrients:

  • 156 mcg carotene
  • 194 mcg cryptoxanthin
  • 130 mcg lutein-zeaxanthin

Useful properties of kumquat and its use in fresh and dried form

There are approximately six types of exotic healthy fruit, which are characterized by size and shape that differ from each other. Also, about ten artificially created and natural hybrids can be distinguished: lemonquat, morgani kumquat, ichangquat, fukushi kumquat, orangequat, etc.

Fortunella is often called the "food of the sages", and this is not accidental: it is possible to use both the pulp and the peel of the fruit, and the rich composition of the kumquat does not at all lead to its high calorie content. Dried, fortunella is often used as an ingredient in dishes such as confectionery, marinades, sauces, and tinctures.

Dried kumquat peel is highly valued for its antibacterial properties. To achieve the best effect, the dried peel should be placed near an open fire so that the essential oils evaporate from the surface due to evaporation and fight harmful bacteria in the air. Often for inhalation, decoctions of dried kumquat peel are used. Also in this fruit, the concentration of furakumarin, which contributes to the treatment of fungal infections, is very high.

Useful properties of dried kumquat:

  • The ability to cleanse blood vessels from excess cholesterol.
  • Saturation of the body with minerals and vitamins.
  • Relieve the effects of drinking alcohol (hangover).
  • Fight against constipation due to the high concentration of dietary fiber.

Healing properties fresh Fortunella is somewhat different from the above, since the pulp contains a high concentration of other useful components:

  • Prevention of all kinds of problems with the cardiovascular system.
  • Combating apathy or stress, improving mood and maintaining tone.

The benefits for the body from eating dried kumquat are less great, since all the healing properties of fresh fruit are not fully preserved in it. Moreover, this product is obtained in a special way: Fortunella is dried in a dehydrator or in the sun, and then boiled in sugar syrup. Dried kumquat looks dark and shriveled, but it can serve as a wonderful dessert. Also, vitamins A and E in its composition seriously help with the following problems:

  • diseases of the eye retina (for example, myopia, night blindness, etc.);
  • premature aging;
  • the occurrence of rashes on the skin;
  • the negative impact of sunlight.

Contraindications to the use of kumquat

  • Increased acidity in the tissues of the stomach.
  • Kidney diseases.
  • Individual intolerance to this tropical fruit.

Despite the presence of a small number of contraindications, Fortunella is rightly considered one of the most unique dietary products.

Botanical name: Kumquat or Kinkan. Belongs to the genus Kumquat, Rutovye family. Selected in the subgenus Fortunella, numbering 6 species of kumquat.

Homeland of the kumquat: Southeast Asia.

Lighting: bright, scattered.

The soil: light, nutritious, fertile, containing leaf humus, sod, vermiculite and coarse sand.

Watering: moderate.

Maximum tree height: 4.5 m

Average life expectancy: 40 years.

Landing: seeds, cuttings, layering, grafting.

Kumquat plant: what is it?

Kumquat is a low, evergreen shrub with a compact spherical dense crown, reaching 2.5-4.5 m in height. The leaves are oblong-elliptical, green, entire. Flowers are bisexual, white-pink, fragrant. Blooms in July-August. Flowering lasts 5-7 days. After 2-3 weeks, the tree may bloom again. The fruits are elongated oval or rounded, golden yellow or bright orange, up to 5 cm long, up to 4 cm wide, outwardly resembling miniature oranges. The pulp is juicy, fragrant, tastes sweet or slightly sour, consists of 4-7 shares. Inside contains 2-5 seeds. The skin is thin, smooth, edible, sweetish, spicy. The taste of kumquat fruits resemble tangerines. Ripens in December-January. Fruiting is plentiful, annual.

Where does kumquat grow?

What is kumquat is well known in Southeast Asia, Japan, China, the Middle East, where this culture occupies large plantations and also grows wild.

In Europe, the fruit is called "Japanese orange", in China and Japan "golden orange".

Kinkan loves sunlight and grows well in hot, humid climates. The most comfortable air temperature for its development is 25-30 °C. However, in extreme heat, with a lack of moisture, the plant sheds leaves.

A photo of a kumquat proves that its miniature, yellowish fruits bear a strong resemblance to citrus:

Photo gallery

citrus fruit kumquat

Kumquat: what is it and how is it eaten? Kumquat is a fruit that is eaten fresh and is also widely used in cooking. Fresh miniature fruits decorate various hot and cold dishes, add to salads, cocktails. In addition, savory sweet and sour sauces are made from them, which are seasoned with meat and vegetables.

The "golden apple" goes well with pork, chicken, fish. It is also used in the manufacture of desserts. Added to curd puddings and yoghurts.

Sweet and sour, aromatic juice with a pleasant refreshing taste is obtained from the fruits, jelly, jam, candied fruits are made.

Before eating, the fruit is cut into thin slices. Fruits with sweet pulp are eaten raw, with sour pulp they are processed.

The calorie content of 100 g of fresh kumquat is 70 kcal. This is twice as much as calories. This amount of calories in citrus is due to the high sugar content in the pulp.

In 100 g of dried fruit - 250 kcal. Dried - 50 kcal.

"Japanese orange" is 60% pulp, 30% peel and seeds. It contains 80% liquid and 20% solids. Kinkan is rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, minerals, contains essential oils, pectins, proteins, fats, fiber, and ash.

In countries where the kumquat grows, the plant replaces many drugs. It is used in medicine in the fight against colds, bacteria and microbes. Used to treat dry cough. Kinkana essential oils are used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

It is noticed that when using this fruit, the mood rises, depression disappears. In addition, kumquat citrus relieves hangovers, so it is used after festive feasts.

Below are still photos of the kumquat fruit - parts of the plant:

Photo gallery

When buying, you should pay attention to the appearance of the fruit. It should be smooth, rich yellow in color, moderately soft to the touch, without any damage or stains. Excessive softness indicates that the kinkan is overripe and has begun to deteriorate. Hardness indicates its immaturity.

Store the fruit in a cool place for 3 weeks. In the freezer, its beneficial properties are stored for 6 months.

The kumquat tree is grown as a fruit and ornamental crop. A miniature plant with a compact crown suitable for creating bonsai. Branches with small fruits are used in floristry when making bouquets.

At home, the bush reaches up to 1.5 m.

Varieties and color of kumquat: orange, green and red

In culture, varieties of kumquat are grown, such as: Hong Kong, Malay, Nagami, Nordmann, Marumi, Meiwa, Fukushi, Orangequat Nippon, Variegated, Limequat.

The color of the kumquat and the taste of its pulp depend on the variety.

"Nagami"- a variety imported in 1846 from China. It is one of the most common kumquats in the world. The crown of a tree of this variety is compact, symmetrical, abundantly strewn with fruits during the fruiting period. The fruits are oval in shape, their length is about 2.5-3 cm. The pulp is sweet, tart. "Nagami" is an orange kumquat eaten with a sweet, fleshy rind. It thrives well in warm climates. Blooms 2 times a year. The first flowering occurs in June, the second - at the end of August. In a warm climate, it blooms profusely and bears fruit. The fruits hang on the tree all year round. The grade maintains frosts to -12 °C.

"Orangequat Nippon"- A hybrid of mandarin unshiu and kumquat. Quite a rare and rare variety. Fruits of bright orange color with juicy, sweet pulp of good taste. The flesh becomes sweeter as it ripens. "Orangequat nippon" is frost-resistant, withstands frosts down to -15 ° C, therefore it is recommended for planting in regions where other types of citrus do not take root.

"Hong Kong" is a variety grown in Hong Kong and China. It differs from other varieties in small fruits, reaching 1.5-2 cm in length. The peel of the ripened fruit is bright orange or reddish-orange. The pulp is medium juicy, consists of 4 lobes. The inside contains large, rounded seeds. Red kumquat "Hong Kong" is inedible.

"Malay"- a variety common in the Malay Peninsula. Inedible. Serves as a decorative culture. The peel of the fruit is golden-orange or yellow. The pulp contains 8 seeds.

"variegated"- a hybrid obtained in 1993. It is a small densely leafy tree with variegated leaves painted in cream tones. The fruits are oblong, orange, with light green or light yellow stripes. The pulp is sour, juicy, pleasant taste, without seeds.

"Marumi"- a winter-hardy variety, bred in 1784. The fruits are round or oval, slightly flattened, up to 3.5 cm long. The peel is thin, golden yellow. The pulp is sour, worth 4-7 shares. Trees of this variety reach 4.5 m in height, covered with thorns.

"Fukushi"- a variety common in Japan. It is a low-growing shrub about 1 m high. The crown is spreading, symmetrical. The leaves are oval, large, wide, larger than other varieties of kumquat. The fruits are oval or pear-shaped, 5 cm long. The peel is orange, smooth, thin, fragrant, very sweet. Pulp of medium juiciness, sweet and sour, dessert taste, without seeds.

"Meiva"- a hybrid obtained by crossing varieties "Nagami" and "Marumi". It is a low-growing tree with dense, hard, longitudinally folded leaves. The fruit is round, 4 cm long, with sweet and sour pulp that tastes like lemon. The peel is yellow, thick, sweet. The grade is appreciated for good taste of fruits and decorative effect. Grown in China and Japan.

"Limequat"- a hybrid of kumquat and lime. It is a miniature tree with small, oval, greenish-yellow fruits. This green kumquat has a bittersweet flesh and a pronounced lime flavor. It is eaten along with the sweet skin.

Varieties suitable for growing indoors are: Fukushi, Nagami, Marumi.

Historical information

The first mention of this citrus was found in Chinese scriptures. The kumquat plant was described in 1178 AD. In the Middle Ages, the fruit gained great popularity in Japan. In Europe, it has become known since 1846 thanks to the Anglo-Scottish botanist Robert Fortune, who described it and introduced it to the world.

Despite its close resemblance to citrus fruits, the kumquat was only included in the subgenus Fortunella in 1915.

Kumquat (known as golden orange, fortunella, kinkan) is a miniature citrus fruit of a low (up to 4 m) tree, up to 4 cm in diameter, covered with a bright yellow or orange peel, divided inside into slices. Reminiscent of a miniature orange, only more oval.

The taste is more like a tangerine, it has sourness, it is completely edible.

How is kumquat used? How many calories does a fruit contain? Benefit and harm - how does kumquat affect the body?

The chemical composition of kumquat

Kumquat contains many vitamins and minerals

Kinkan is an infrequent guest on store shelves. But you can meet it in a different state, its nutritional value will depend on it. Fresh kumquat has a calorie content of 71 kcal per 100 g. The calorie content of 100 g of dried kumquat is slightly lower, 55 kcal. Dried kumquat has the highest calorie content per 100 g - up to 280 kcal.

  • 2 g proteins;
  • 1 g fat;
  • 16 g of carbohydrates.

Is it possible to afford kinkan with diabetes? The glycemic index of kumquat is 35 units: the fruit for diabetes is recommended for consumption.

Useful properties and contraindications

The benefits of kumquat for the body are higher than those of other citrus fruits, because they eat it with a peel, absorbing the full range of nutrients.

The following properties of the kinkan are distinguished:

  • disinfectant;
  • antiviral;
  • cleansing;
  • mucolytic;
  • restorative;
  • diuretic.

To relieve swelling and remove fluid from the body, you can also eat exotic lychee fruit.

Kumquat is used in the following cases:

  • Phytoncides, which are part of the peel and essential oil of kinkan, disinfect the air in the room;
  • Regular consumption of this citrus fruit effectively affects the immune forces of the body;
  • Fortunello has long been used to treat coughs: sputum discharge improves, nasal breathing is facilitated. Inhalations with kinkan oil are effective during epidemics of acute respiratory infections, influenza;
  • Kumquat is also effective for metabolism: fat burning is accelerated, the liver and gallbladder are cleansed;
  • Activates the work of the brain, indispensable for mental workers;
  • The usefulness of Fortunello is also in the ability to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, stabilize cardiovascular activity, and normalize blood pressure;
  • Improves the emotional background: depression, stress, neuroses are not terrible for people who use kumquat daily.

How many fruits can you eat per day? The optimal amount is up to 10 berries.

Can pregnant women eat this fruit? Is kumquat good for pregnancy? The combination of substances in the composition is not dangerous for a developing organism. If there is no allergy, feel free to use the fruit. It will remove the manifestations of toxicosis: nausea, vomiting, positively affect the general condition of the pregnant woman, tones. In addition, the essential oil is effective against stretch marks, cellulite and sagging skin.

What are the benefits of berries for women? They are used in many nail, skin and hair care procedures. Suppress the development of fungal and bacterial infections.
Benefits for men - when using 200-300 g of kinkan, a hangover is removed. In addition, being a natural aphrodisiac, it enhances potency.

An excellent tool for improving potency is pomelo

Low calorie content and rich composition make kumquat effective for weight loss. When fruits are included in the diet, metabolism is accelerated, digestion is improved, and excess fluid is removed from the body.

You can learn more about the benefits of kumquat from the video:

Useful properties of dried fruits

What is useful dried kumquat? Already by the fact that it retains all the valuable substances in the composition. In addition, its calorie content is even lower than that of a fresh fruit, which means that it is more attractive for losing weight.

On sale you can see fruits of green, yellow, orange and almost red colors. These should be bought with caution: sometimes this color is given to the fruits by a chemical dye, and not a variety.

What are the health benefits of dried green kumquat? It contains more vitamin C and is less allergic than its brightly colored cousins. Its taste is slightly more sour.
What is useful kumquat yellow? It contains a large proportion of vitamin A, useful for vision.
Dried fruit is also satisfying: the feeling of hunger will disappear for a long time.

Perhaps you are also interested in knowing how grapefruit is useful and how you can lose weight with it? You will find all information

Dried kumquat: useful properties

What are the benefits of dried kumquat?
The benefits of dried kumquat are higher than those of fresh or dried kumquat:

  • Only dried fruit contains a special substance that is effective in combating fungal diseases;
  • It is more effective against colds and flu, inflammation. A decoction of dried fruit strengthens the immune system, tones;
  • Chewing fruits is good for gums, throat with inflammatory diseases;
  • Compresses help relieve joint pain;
  • Increases vitality, normalizes the work of the digestive tract, improves digestion.

How much dried kumquat can you eat per day? Due to its high calorie content - no more than 70 g.

Contraindications

In addition to individual intolerance and allergy to fruit, there are a number of other contraindications:

  • With long-term contact with mucous membranes, it has an irritating effect;
  • Fruit should not be consumed by people suffering from diseases of the kidneys and urinary system;
  • With caution, it is eaten with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • Blood pressure should be controlled by people with low blood pressure;
  • It is undesirable to use it for lactating women, because. there is a possibility of allergies and digestive disorders in the baby. It is better to introduce this fruit into the diet from the age of 3 in stages.

Methods of application and use

The low prevalence of the fruit did not affect the breadth of its application. He won fame in cooking, saturating the human body with useful substances. Not spared its healing properties and cosmetology.

In cooking

Many dishes can be prepared from kinkans:

  • Fresh fruit is good in salads - it will give them an exquisite taste, aroma, and most importantly - it will be a bright decoration of the dish;
  • An interesting sweet and sour taste of fruits is used in the preparation of sauces for meat and vegetable dishes;
  • Fortunello drinks are popular - cocktails, liqueurs, tinctures and even compotes;
  • Kinkan is added as a filler to yoghurts, cottage cheese, sweet pastries; decorate them with cakes and desserts;
  • Children will definitely like marmalade, candied fruit, jam from this fruit.

Kumquat jam is prepared according to the following recipe: fruits and water - in equal parts, lemon juice (to taste) and vanillin (optional) are added. Pre-kinkan is pricked with a fork or a toothpick, boiled for 10 minutes, cooled. Boil in sugar syrup until the fruit is transparent. Hot laid out in jars, rolled up.
There are also options for jam from halves of kinkan and fruits cut into circles.

You will learn a detailed recipe for kumquat jam from the video:

The calorie content of kumquat in syrup is 240-250 kcal.
The recipe for candied kumquat (calorie content - 65 kcal) involves pre-boiling the fruit for the softness of the final product. After cooking, the kinkan is dried on parchment paper.

In cosmetology

A small Japanese orange has unique properties in cosmetology:

  • Its juice, when applied daily to the face, will not only prevent the appearance of freckles, age spots, but also get rid of them. The skin will look healthy, toned, its color will even out;
  • Kinkan essential oil is also useful for the face: it has nourishing properties, the skin will become velvety, elastic, dryness and flaking will disappear;
  • The essential oil added to the bath has a relaxing effect, calms the nervous system;
  • A few drops of oil added to shampoo, balm will make hair more manageable, nourish it, and prevent brittleness;
  • In crushed form, dried fruits are used as a scrub.

Orange essential oil has also found wide application in cosmetology.

Having learned what a kumquat is and how it is useful, we can conclude that it is necessary to use it. When choosing fresh fruits, pay attention to their density, uniform color, absence of dark spots and rot. It is still rarely found in stores, so the best way to get fruits is to have such a plant at home. An unpretentious fruit-bearing tree, decorative all year round - an ideal houseplant.

Similar content



Unfamiliar wonderful acquaintances, this is how you can call citrus fruits that relatively recently appeared on the shelves - kumquat (other names for fruits: kinkan, nagami, meiva). What will kumquat give a person, the benefits and harms from it, what prevails?

How is it eaten, is it possible to give fruit dishes to babies without fear for their health?

Do not be tormented by doubts, kumquat fruits are very useful for the soul and body of a person of any age: they improve brain activity, enrich the body with natural vitamins and mineral elements. Contribute to the prolongation of life and youth, as antioxidants, kumquat provide a person with remarkable immune protection.

Plant phytoncides, fruit hormones are uniquely powerful antidepressants, get rid of pathogenic microorganisms, poisons of chemical, radioactive, biological origin. Useful for the small, the old, the sick, the healthy.

What does a kumquat look like?

Medium-sized bright fruits resemble orange tangerines, yellow, golden oranges. They are also very variable in size: from a large grape to 5 cm in diameter. May differ in shape: round, oblong oval, slightly flattened. This is due to the methods of propagation of the tree and the varietal species of the plant.

What does a commercially mature kumquat look like?

Ripe fruits are fragrant, soft, elastic, juicy. The skin is bright with a lively luster. The taste is pleasant with sourness, the peel is edible sweet, or with a slight piquant astringency. Unripe fruits are hard, the surface is dull, pale shades. Do not buy overripe fruits. The kuvquat falling apart in the hands has almost completely lost its useful properties.

nutritional value

Fruits are famous for their remarkable nutritional properties:

  • rich in vitamins C, A, E, group B,;
  • multijuicy (juice, living water -80%);
  • contain easily digestible natural carbohydrates;
  • fragrant, due to the large number of useful esters;
  • useful dietary properties: kumquat calorie content is only 56-76 kcal (100 gr.).

It is believed that 1-2 fruits instantly increase the ability of thinking, sharpness of mind, especially after a long festive feast, replete with alcohol-containing drinks.

Healing abilities

Fresh, from the kumquat tree is especially beneficial for health, how is it eaten? It is best with the peel, which, like the pulp, has exceptional medicinal properties:

Kumquat, useful properties: a natural remedy for numerous infections caused by pathogenic microflora, significantly improves immunity, actively removes toxins of various nature from cells. However, it has contraindications similar to the use of any citrus fruit: you can not eat fresh fruits with allergies, gastritis, gastrointestinal ulcers. They should not be consumed on an empty stomach.

Dried fruits

Dried candied kumquat has practically no contraindications, its beneficial properties are also valuable for health, like fruits barely removed from a tree: an excellent source of multivitamins, minerals, and medicinal substances.

This is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, due to the presence of natural elements that destroy viruses, bacteria, fungi, helminths.
It is recommended to use for colds, tonsillitis, flu, acute respiratory infections,.

Remarkably cleans the mucous membranes of the oral cavity from the pathogenic environment in case of stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal diseases.
Regulates the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms: activates digestive abilities, removes toxic substances, does not contain nitrites, nitrates.

It activates the choleretic process, causes the cleansing of the liver from congestion.
Stabilizes the work of nerve cells.
Gives vivacity, energy, thanks to the reserves of healthy sugars.

With caution, you need to eat it only with a tendency to allergies and impaired carbohydrate metabolism.

The calorie content of dried kumquat is 70-80 kcal.

Diversify the menu

What delicious dishes can be cooked with kumquat?

Any, pleasant aroma, spicy taste will decorate every dish:

  • fruit, meat, fish salads;
  • drinks - cocktails, compotes, smoothies, jelly;
  • appetizers for the second courses of pickled, pickled kumquat;
  • muffins, cakes, pies with candied fruits.

For the most refined taste. Eat for health!

And if you decorate the window sills of the kitchen, rooms with elegant plants in pots, the apartment will have an eternal blooming white-pink spring and a wonderful golden-orange autumn full of fruits. Not only is it very beautiful, but pleasant aromas of the lightest citrus freshness will constantly blow in the air space.

The kumquat is a small tropical fruit, about the size of a walnut. As a rule, kumquat is consumed together with the peel. In terms of taste, the fruit is distinguished by astringency, and at the same time sweetness. Kumquat is widely used in cooking. Fruit goes well with meat. Also, kumquat slices are used to decorate various dishes. In addition, some medicinal properties of the product have been established. In folk medicine, kumquat fruits are used to treat fungal and colds. What are the other health benefits of the fruit?

Calorie content and chemical composition of kumquat

The second name of kumquat is fortunello. This citrus fruit is extremely useful for the human body. It can be consumed both fresh and dried, dried. Attention deserves the vitamin composition of kumquat. The fruits are rich in B vitamins - B3, B5, B1, B2, B6, B9. Also, vitamins C, E, A are contained in sufficient quantities. In the process of drying, they practically do not change their concentration.

The peel of kumquat is saturated with useful essential oils. Also, fruits contain a lot of fatty acids, which are extremely important for the human body. The uniqueness of the product lies in the fact that the composition of the pulp includes a substance such as furakumarin. This substance actively fights fungal infections, purulent diseases.

The mineral composition is also rich. So, the pulp contains the following trace elements, minerals:

  • Iron;
  • Zinc;
  • Sodium;
  • Calcium;
  • Potassium;
  • Phosphorus;
  • Copper.

But the calorie content of the product differs depending on the type of processing. Low-calorie is a fresh kumquat. It is used to prepare various dishes. Fresh fruits are allowed for consumption during the diet. So, 100 grams of fresh kumquat contains no more than 70 kcal. Dried kumquat has a large amount of carbohydrates, which increases its calorie content - 283 kcal per 100 grams. You should not abuse such a product, as obesity can develop.

The pulp of the fruit is very juicy. 80% of the total composition is diverted to water. Also, kumquat has useful monosaccharides. The advantage of the fruit can be considered that in the composition of the fruit you will not find nitrates that plants absorb from the soil. Quite a lot of pectins, dietary fiber in citrus. Therefore, it is actively used to normalize the digestive system.

To get the maximum benefit from the product, use kumquat with the peel. This applies to both fresh and dried fruits. In this form, the fruits are added to various pastries, desserts, marinades, jellies, sauces. Also, tinctures are prepared on the basis of kumquat. The peel of the product has great benefits and value. Dried kumquat peel is famous for its antibacterial properties.

To provide this effect, it is recommended to place the dried peel near the fire. It is useful to carry out aroma therapy with citrus peel. The emitted essential oils spread indoors, killing viruses and bacteria. A decoction of the peel is added to the means for inhalation. And thanks to furakumarin, the fruit is actively fighting various fungal infections.

Useful properties of dried kumquat

On the shelves of supermarkets you can find mostly dried or dried kumquats. It is problematic to transport the product fresh. But, even dried fruit has a lot of useful properties. A high level of potassium restores the functioning of the cardiovascular system. And the amount of this element does not change during the drying process.

Due to the regular intake of potassium into the body, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened and become more elastic. And lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood prevents the development of a disease such as atherosclerosis. In general, the product restores the balance of minerals and vitamins in the body. In folk medicine, kumquat is used to treat fungal and inflammatory diseases.

The uniqueness of dried fruits lies in the fact that they relieve the symptoms of a hangover. It is enough just to chew a few kumquat fruits to eliminate nausea, headache, and weakness. A delicacy is also useful for the digestive system. 100 grams of fruit contains 1/3 of the daily intake of dietary fiber. Against the background of regular consumption of dried kumquat, intestinal motility improves. It helps to get rid of constipation.

Benefits of fresh kumquat

Fresh fruit contains a huge amount of B vitamins. This group is important for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A moderate amount of fresh fruits will get rid of some problems with the nervous system. Also, the product is an excellent prevention of such deviations:

  • Insomnia;
  • Apathy;
  • mood swings;
  • Depression;
  • Headache;
  • Nervous exhaustion;
  • Overwork.

A few fruits of kumquat eliminates the effects of stress. In general, fresh kumquat will restore the psycho-emotional background. Like dried fruit, fresh fruits have a preventive effect on the cardiovascular system. Fresh pulp and juice are used by nutritionists as a means to lose weight. Thanks to the establishment of all metabolic processes in the body, the removal of toxins and toxins, body weight is reduced.

What are the benefits of dried fruit?

Dried product completely retains all the useful components of fresh kumquat. It is recommended to purchase a dried product. Such a fruit is dried a little in the sun, in a natural environment, without chemicals. But boiled kumquat, with the addition of sugar or syrup, will lose more of all its useful properties. Such a delicacy is more likely to be a dessert than a source of benefit.

Dried kumquat is recommended for people suffering from eye diseases, in particular with retinal problems. And a large amount of vitamins A and E has an antioxidant effect on the body. The negative effects of free radicals are neutralized, which is considered the prevention of cancer. Also, the fruit in this form reduces the risk of premature aging, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, and reduces the effects of the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The use of kumquat in cosmetology

Kumquat is actively used in cosmetology to improve skin condition. So, simple rubbing of the face with kumquat juice will help to avoid the appearance of freckles, even out the complexion. And the use of fortunello essential oil in a shared bath will help you relax and relieve stress after a hard day's work. By adding kumquat peel ether to face and hand creams, you can get beautiful, velvety skin, give skin tone and elasticity.

Can kumquat be harmful?

Like any other food product, kumquat has its benefits and harms. So, first of all, it is necessary to note the individual intolerance to citrus fruits. If you are allergic to citrus fruits, it is better to exclude kumquat from the diet. With extreme caution, it is worth eating fruit for people suffering from diabetes. Due to the large amount of monosaccharides, hypoglycemia may occur. It is better to consult a doctor first and set the optimal dose of citrus.

The peel of the fruit is rich in essential oils. With their excessive amount, irritation of the oral mucosa occurs, which provokes the appearance of sores. Therefore, some nutritionists advise eating only the pulp, separating it from the peel. Small candied fruits, kumquats in syrup cause the "seed effect". It will be very difficult to distract from them, which will entail uncontrolled consumption of the fruit. And this, in turn, is fraught with weight gain.

It is also worth refraining from using kumquat in such cases:

  • The presence of gastritis;
  • The presence of a stomach ulcer;
  • Pregnancy;
  • The period of breastfeeding;
  • Kidney diseases.

How to choose a kumquat?

When choosing a fresh kumquat, first of all, you need to pay attention to the appearance. The fruits of a good, high-quality fruit have a bright orange color, smooth, shiny, even rounded shape. Kumquat is somewhat reminiscent of a tangerine. It should not have dents, dark spots, cracks or other damage. To the touch, the fruit is not hard, moderately soft.

Dried or dried kumquat should not be too bright. The color of such fruits is dull, not glossy, but matte. But bright shiny fruits become so after treatment with dyes, preservatives and chemicals. There will be little benefit from such products. The fruit is stored for a long time. Fresh kumquats can keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Before use and storage, both fresh and dried fruits must be washed and dried thoroughly. Only in this way the fruits last longer, and they will bring more benefits.