Content
Kumquat is a fruit that has an unusual appearance and a lot of useful properties. Since it still remains exotic in stores, it is interesting to properly study the characteristics of kumquat and understand what effect it has on the body.
What kind of exotic fruit is kumquat?
The kumquat plant belongs to the Rutaceae family and belongs to the genus Fortunella, which is closely related to citrus fruits. Externally, the plant is an evergreen shrub capable of reaching 4 m in height. Kumquat leaves are green, smooth and oblong, the crown is usually spherical and small.
Kumquat blooms late, from July to August, and produces white and pink fragrant flowers. They remain on the branches of the tree for only about a week, but a feature of the kumquat can be considered that the plant is capable of re-blooming after 2-3 weeks.
The exotic kumquat is best known for its fruits, which ripen in December or January.The fruits of the plant are very interesting, they are covered with yellow or orange dense skin, reach only 2-4 cm in diameter and can be either round or oblong. Inside the kumquat fruit there is juicy and sweet pulp, divided into several narrow slices with a small number of small seeds.
Which fruit is most similar to a kumquat?
Externally, the exotic fruit kumquat is similar to an orange; it has similar outlines, skin structure and color. However, the size of a kumquat is closer to a plum. As for the composition, the fruit is closest to tangerine and is very similar in taste, only the sourness in kumquat is more pronounced.
What is the difference between red, orange and green kumquat
Since the exotic kumquat is gradually gaining popularity, several varieties of this plant are currently cultivated. The color of the fruit depends on the variety; you can find orange, red and even green fruits on sale.
- Orange is the most natural color for kumquat. Ripe fruits of most varieties have this color, and the internal differences between them lie mainly in the shades of taste and the size of the fruit.
- Kumquat can be red, for example, the skin of the fruit of the Hong Kong variety has this shade. However, the rich red fruits of this variety are classified as inedible, and only fruits with red-orange skin can be eaten.
- Kumquat can be green; an example is the “Limequat” variety, which is a hybrid of kumquat and lime. The taste of this fruit is slightly bitter, and its aroma has distinct lime notes.
Where does kumquat grow?
Kumquat grows wild in the southern regions of China. As for artificial cultivation, the plant is cultivated in Japan and China, in Southeast Asia and the southern regions of Europe, in the Middle East and in the southern USA. Kumquats are also grown in Russia - in Crimea, in the Caucasus near the Black Sea, in Abkhazia.
Kumquats are quite sensitive to growing conditions, requiring a hot and humid climate with plenty of sunlight. In cold and dry regions, the fruit does not perform well, so its artificial cultivation is associated with some difficulties.
Composition and calorie content of kumquat
The value of the fruit lies not only in its original appearance and pleasant taste. Kumquat provides health benefits due to its rich and varied composition. The pulp of the fruit contains:
- vitamins B1, B3 and B2;
- vitamin A;
- ascorbic acid;
- phytosterols and flavonoids;
- antioxidants;
- fatty acid;
- essential substances pinene, monoterpene and limonene;
- iron and calcium;
- manganese, magnesium and potassium.
The calorie content of the fortunella fruit is quite low - only about 71 kcal is present in 100 g of pulp.
What are the benefits of kumquat for the body?
When consumed regularly, fresh and ripe kumquat can have a beneficial effect on human health. In particular, the benefit is that the fruit:
- increases the body's protective functions and prevents the development of viral and infectious diseases;
- strengthens blood vessels and increases their elasticity, and also lowers bad cholesterol;
- serves as a prevention of atherosclerosis and supports healthy functioning of the heart and brain;
- has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, promotes its rejuvenation, nourishes and moisturizes the epidermis;
- has a good effect on the condition of hair and nails;
- benefits in weight loss and helps speed up the loss of excess fat;
- has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, therefore it is of great benefit for depression, insomnia and increased anxiety;
- improves joint pain and headaches, helps relieve inflammation and reduce swelling;
- strengthens vision and relieves eye fatigue, so it is especially useful for people who have to spend a lot of time behind a computer screen.
Due to its positive effect on blood vessels, kumquat is very useful for blood pressure; it is especially appreciated by hypertensive patients. It helps lower blood pressure and helps maintain it at a normal level.
Fresh kumquat contains quite little sugar and does not lead to sharp increases in glucose levels - the kumquat glycemic index is 35 units. Therefore, it can be used for this disease. This will be beneficial; the fruit will speed up metabolism, prevent the development of obesity and have a beneficial effect on blood vessels. However, kumquat for type 2 diabetes should be eaten with caution and in small quantities, no more than 100 g per meal and no more than twice a week.
Kumquat is not only possible for pregnant women to consume, but also necessary. The benefit is that the exotic fruit helps get rid of swelling and constipation, and also relieves painful symptoms of toxicosis. It can only cause harm if a woman suffers from an allergy to citrus fruits or an exacerbation of chronic gastric diseases. Also, do not overuse kumquat; the fruit can lead to increased uterine tone.
But the benefits of kumquat for menstruation are ambiguous. On the one hand, it replenishes the deficiency of valuable substances in a woman’s body and increases hemoglobin, and also has a tonic effect. But on the other hand, kumquat, like any citrus, stimulates additional uterine contractions, and with painful periods this can only increase discomfort.
Can kumquat cause cystitis?
In small quantities, citrofortunella kumquat cannot cause the development of inflammatory processes in the urinary tract. However, with excessive use, the occurrence of cystitis is indeed possible.
- Since kumquat is a citrus fruit, it contains a large amount of organic acids. In excess, they irritate the mucous membranes of not only the stomach, but also the intestines and bladder. This can trigger the onset of the inflammatory process and lead to cystitis.
- The acids in the fruit affect the acidity level of urine; the more the pH balance shifts, the more favorable conditions are created for the growth of bacteria. Thus, a minor infection caused by the consumption of kumquat can turn into an acute and unpleasant disease.
To avoid bladder problems, you should consume the tropical fruit in limited quantities. If there is already inflammation in the genitourinary area, then you should temporarily abandon kumquat until the condition returns to normal.
Fresh kumquat: how to eat it, with or without skin
The small citrus fruits of the kumquat are unique in that they are usually eaten with the peel.If desired, you can remove it, but the skin of the kumquat has a pleasant sweetish taste and contains a large amount of valuable vitamins, so the fruit brings even more benefits with the skin.
Due to the small size of the kumquat, you can eat it by first cutting it into slices or simply biting it whole. In this case, you should spit out the fruit seeds; they have an unpleasant bitter taste and are not particularly beneficial.
Most often, kumquats are consumed separately as a refreshing fruit dessert. But pieces of fruit can also be added to cottage cheese and yoghurt, porridge and muesli, pies and fruit desserts. Kumquat will be appropriate in fruit salad, it is combined with meat and fish, and sauces and homemade sweets are prepared based on it.
Is it possible to eat kumquat on a diet?
The calorie content of the tropical fruit is very low, so the beneficial properties of kumquat are well demonstrated when losing weight. When included in the diet, fruit helps speed up digestive processes and remove toxins from the body, resulting in shedding extra pounds faster.
Of course, to get the benefits, you need to consume kumquat in small quantities on your diet. In conditions of a limited diet, it can have a strong irritating effect on the stomach and intestines. It is not recommended to eat the fruit on an empty stomach - it is better to eat it after eating the main meal.
How much can you eat per day
The benefits and harms of kumquat for the body are determined by the dosage of the tropical fruit.You can eat small citrus fruits every day, but for adults the daily norm should not exceed 8-10 small fruits. In case of an overdose of the fruit, the organic acids in its composition can damage the stomach; in addition, an excess of vitamin C is dangerous for the body; it can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and an allergic rash.
It is recommended to offer kumquat to children no earlier than after 3 years and provided that there is no allergy to citrus fruits. You need to start with just half a tropical fruit per day, gradually the amount of kumquat can be increased and by the age of 5 you can bring the daily norm to 4 fruits per day. You should add kumquat to your diet no more than three times a week - then it will be beneficial.
Restrictions and contraindications
For all its high benefits, exotic fruit can cause harm to the body in the presence of certain diseases. Contraindications for kumquat are:
- allergy to citrus fruits - consumption of fruits can lead to swelling and rash, nausea, diarrhea and headache;
- stomach ulcer and pancreatitis - if these ailments worsen, kumquat will have a strong irritating effect on the mucous membranes, so it must be excluded from the diet until remission occurs;
- gastritis with high acidity - citrus fruit can lead to heartburn, and in the worst case, it will provoke an exacerbation of the disease or cause the development of an ulcer;
- cystitis, since consuming kumquat greatly affects the acidity level of urine; if there is inflammation in the urinary tract, it is better not to consume the tropical fruit;
- breastfeeding - infants often suffer from allergies to citrus fruits, so kumquat fruits should be introduced into the mother’s diet no earlier than six months after birth.
You should eat the fruit with caution if you have diabetes - kumquat can be beneficial, but only if consumed in limited quantities.
Conclusion
Kumquat is a fruit that has numerous beneficial properties and a very pleasant, refreshing taste. When using it, it is recommended to stick to small dosages so as not to harm the stomach and intestines. But if you approach the use of fruits wisely, then kumquat will only help improve your well-being.
