Although many Poles see Kumkwat for the first time on the shelf in the supermarket next to lime and grenades, his history dates back to centuries. The Chinese knew him in ancient times, and in Europe he appeared only in the nineteenth century, brought by the British traveler Robert Fortune. At first glance resembles a miniature orange. His skin is golden, shiny and edible. The fruits themselves are only 2-4 cm long, so they fit entirely in the hand. The biggest difference? Unlike citrus, they are not chosen – kumkwat eats together with the skin.
Today, Kumkwat is a symbol of happiness and prosperity in Asian countries, but the Greeks made their local treasure from it – especially on Corfu, where liqueurs and preserves are made of it. The good news is that In Poland, you can also eat it or buy it in a store, or breeding yourself. All you need is a little patience and proper care.
- A tree in a pot – available in garden stores and the Internet. The cost is about PLN 100-200.
- Position – sunny, preferably southern window. In the summer, the plant will gladly spend time on the terrace or balcony.
- Wintering – Kumkwat is more resistant to frost than citruses, but it’s better not to risk it. In winter, move it to a bright, cool room.
- Care – requires moderate watering and fertilization. In spring, it can bloom with small, white flowers with an intense citrus fragrance.
This question is asked by everyone who holds this little fruit in their hand. The taste of the kumkwat is surprising, because … inverted. The skin is sweet and the flesh is sour, sometimes even tart. Only the combination of these two layers gives a harmonious effect: slightly citrus, with a hint of exotic.
It can be compared to oranges with a twist – less sweet, more refreshing and definitely more interesting. It is a fruit that does not tire – one bite stimulates and the other makes it addictive.
Kumkwat is not only a taste curiosity. It is also a nourishing bomb, ideal for people who want to take care of the heart, figure or blood sugar level.
Allies of diabetics
Although it is a fruit, it has a low glycemic index. Fiber contained mainly in the skin makes him sugars are absorbed more slowly. Thanks to this, Kumkwat does not cause rapid glucose jumps – this is good news for people with insulin resistance or diabetes.
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Kumkwaty contain flavonoids and essential oils that lower the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase the level of “good” HDL. Studies indicate that regular consumption of these fruits is supported by a lipid profile, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Natural antioxidant shield
Vitamin C and carotenoids in Kumkwa work fading off free radicals. They protect cells from aging, support immunity and reduce inflammation in the body.
Good fiber source
One fruit is just a dozen or so calories, but a large dose of fiber. Effect? Feeling of satiety, intestinal support and regulation of the digestive system.
Thanks to the low calorie and the high content of vitamin C, Kumkwat will work as a natural isotonic in the form of a salad or smoothie. It helps to regenerate faster, supports immunity (valid during periods of intensive training) and provides potassium – a mineral responsible for muscle work.
Just wash and crunch like an apple. The skin is not only edible, but even obligatory, because it adds sweets. However, in addition to eating directly, “raw”, they also appear Other possibilities of preparing and eating kumkwaty:
- in salads – adds acidic freshness to green mixes and fruit salads,
- in preserves – jams, jam or candied fruit is a Greek specialty,
- for meat and fish – it goes well with duck, chicken or salmon, breaking fat,
- In drinks and desserts – you can make a refreshing lemonade from it or decorate the cake.
The Greeks love kumkwaty not only for the taste, but also for the possibilities. They produce sweet liqueurs from them, which are a tourist attraction of Corfu. But every day it is also the fruit of “everyday health”, supporting immunity, regulating cholesterol and helping to maintain energy.
For us, the inhabitants of Poland, Kumkwat is still a novelty, but everything indicates that it will quickly gain popularity. After all, it has everything we are looking for – a very interesting taste and health -promoting values.
Source: NowowoPuje.pl
