Description
The Kumquat (Fortunella daisy, F. japonica) belongs to the family rutaceae and includes five species of evergreen shrubs or trees. Its name comes from the Cantonese kamkwat and means golden orange. It comes from China where it has been cultivated since the 12th century. It was introduced to Europe in the middle of the 19th century as an ornamental plant.
It belongs to the citrus family and is an evergreen, fruit-bearing, small tree. It is a slow growing plant and reaches a height of 4-5 meters. Thorns grow on its shoots. Its leaves are dark green and its flowers are small, white and fragrant that grow in inflorescences. Its flowering lasts from late spring to summer.
The fruit is edible, round or oval that ripen in late autumn. Its color is orange and its skin is fragrant. The flesh of the fruit is not very juicy and its taste is a little sour and sweet.
Care
Kumquat prefers sunny and sheltered planting locations. It grows in very fertile, neutral, moderately moist and well-drained soils. Needs regular watering and regular fertilization. It is sensitive to frost and thrives in areas with mild climates.
The kumquat is infested by the meligra, the cotton, the leaf-throwing insect that causes the leaves to twist.
In conditions of high humidity it can be infected by the herbivorous fungus that infects the root system of the tree.
Benefits
Kumquats are a source of vitamins C and A. A 100 gram serving contains about 44 mg of vitamin C.
- vitamin C (43,20 mg),
- Vitamin B1 (0,03 mg),
- Vitamin B2 (0,09 mg),
- Vitamin B3 (0,04 mg),
- Vitamin B5 (0,037 mg),
- Vitamin B6 (0,03 mg),
- total folic acid (17 μg),
- Vitamin A (290 UI), b
- vitamin E as α-tocopherol (0,15 mg), total vitamin E (1,19 mg)
