Kumquat

Kumquat

What it is

The citrus that inverts itself: the peel is sweet and the flesh is sharp, so it is eaten whole and the order of flavours runs backwards. In southern China a potted kumquat tree at New Year is a wish for prosperity.

In the kitchen

Roll it between your fingers before eating to burst the oil glands in the skin. It doubles the perfume.

Goes with

Honey Vanilla Dark chocolate Ginger Duck Cinnamon Almond Clove

Same species

Bergamot Candied citron Chenpi Citron Menton lemon Makrut lime

In season alongside

Seville orange Meyer lemon Grapefruit Pomelo Baek-kimchi Blood orange

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