Kumquat

Description

It looks like a small, oval orange, but the kumquat, which originates in Asia, is a member of another species, fortunella. Their name comes from the Cantonese, kam kwat, meaning ‘golden orange’.

The small elongated fruits are about the size and shape of a large olive.

The flesh of a kumquat has a sharp flavour, while the skin is sweeter. The two different flavours complement each other well and make a sweet-sour sensation when eaten whole. Kumquats succeed in both sweet and savoury dishes.

The rind, flesh and pips of kumquats are all edible, though some people prefer to remove the pips.