The contents of modern counters are very diverse, but may still be surprising. Not so long ago, a very interesting fruit with the strange name kumquat began to appear everywhere. How he is eaten and what he generally is will be described in the article.
general description
Kumquat is sold fresh or dried in stores. These are small fruits (the size of a large walnut) of elongated shape and bright orange color. They are covered with dense skin, like an orange or mandarin. This is not surprising, since they all belong to the same genus - Citrus fruits. Kumquat, one might say, is their younger brother. Inside, it consists of the same lobules, only smaller ones.
You can find other names for the fruit: kinkan, the fruit of the wise, golden or Japanese orange. His Latin name is fortunella.
How is kumquat useful for humans?
These miniature fruits are just a storehouse of vitamins. Thanks to this, kumquat not only replenishes the supply of nutrients, but also strengthens the body as a whole. It also inhibits the development of fungi and many bacteria harmful to humans. The use of Kinkan stimulates the immune system and helps fight various infections.
Kumquat stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, which activates the digestion process, and also speeds up the metabolism. Many problems with the gastrointestinal tract can be solved if you use this fruit. Kumquat also prevents many dangerous diseases, such as a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
The kinkan of mental work brings invaluable benefits. Due to the fact that it contains a large amount of nutrients and essential oils, it activates the brain. Because of this effect, fortunella is also called the "food of the wise."
This fruit can be used as one of the elements in the treatment of various diseases associated with mental, nervous or mental stress. A bright and fragrant fruit will help drive away depression, apathy, neurosis and fatigue. This effect is due not only to a large number of vitamins, but also to the combination of a cheerful orange color with an invigorating citrus aroma.
You can prepare a tincture, which includes honey and this fruit. Kumquat in this form will have a powerful cleansing effect. Tincture will reduce bad cholesterol and cleanse blood vessels, which will be an excellent prevention of heart disease and the circulatory system.
Kinkan is well known as an antioxidant. It promotes the elimination of toxins and other harmful substances from the body. After the feast, it is recommended to eat this fruit. Kumquat will help get rid of a hangover syndrome.
Kumquat Composition
What substances make fruit so useful? First of all, these are vitamins. Lively, natural, not synthetic. It contains almost all the B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, as well as vitamins A, C, E, P. Their combination provides good digestibility. In addition to vitamins, kumquat can boast of a large number of minerals (copper, calcium, potassium, zinc, sodium, iron, phosphorus) and pectin substances.
A multivitamin “blow” is supplemented with a large number of essential oils, due to which the fruits have a pleasant aroma (pinene, limonene, caryophylline, etc.). Antioxidants such as lutein and carotene are present in kumquat. In addition, it is rich in thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid.
Kumquat application
Everything is very simple here. Kumquat is widely used in cooking. How to eat it? Just cut into slices with the peel. It also contains many useful substances. The fruits themselves are sour, but the skin is sweet, so it turns out a very interesting and rich combination with a tart flavor. Many are delighted with just a couple of slices. Do not eat seeds, because they are bitter and can ruin the whole taste.
From more acidic varieties, you can make marmalade, jam or candied fruit. Often kumquat juice is used in sauces. It gives an interesting touch to dishes. Slices will also be an excellent decoration for fruit slices . You can add kinkan to the salad as a dressing. It gives an unforgettable flavor to dishes.
Fortunella oil is well known in aromatherapy. It has a calming effect, helps relieve stress, reduces anxiety, and fights depression.
Fruit is also used in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Kumquat liquor is especially famous. In Europe, kinkan is used as a martini snack. A curious alternative to olives.
Dried kumquat
Often on the shelves you can see dried kumquat. Its price is not too different from the cost of fresh. The benefits of dried fruit are also many. The content of vitamins does not decrease, they become more concentrated. Due to this, the properties of the kinkan become more pronounced.
Dried fruits can be used in various dishes, compotes. You can prepare tinctures. The peel becomes especially useful: it releases a large number of essential oils with a bactericidal effect. If you put the skin near the fire, then the antibacterial properties will improve. Therefore, in the season of flu and colds, it will be useful to decompose the cleaning in the apartment and inhale their aroma.
Kumquat as a plant
Kinkan is used not only in the food industry. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in personal plots or at home, without even realizing all its benefits. During flowering, it produces a delicate citrus aroma, which has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system. This small plant may well fit on a windowsill. Sometimes it even bears fruit at home. Well, their fruits - not like bought. However, at home it is grown more for decorative purposes.
Such a wonderful fruit is kumquat. On all sides, useful, having only one contraindication: individual intolerance or allergy to citrus fruits. In other cases, it is not only possible, but also needs to be eaten. Embarrassed by his little fame is not worth it. By the way, this is not an overseas curiosity; kumquats are growing not only in the USA, China or Japan, but also in our country - in the Krasnodar Territory.