Cumquat Botanical Name: Fortunella spp
General Description/History: - Member of the citrus family - Oval in shape - Size varying from around 20-30mm long and about two thirds as wide - Weighs between 5-2Og - Skin is smooth and bright orange - Rind oil has a pronounced flavour - Up to 7 segments - 2-5 seeds - Juice is acidic - Skin is sweet flavoured, spicy and edible Citrus prefer sheltered, warm, sunny sites. Planting usually takes place in July/August. Cumquat trees have exceptional cold-hardiness due to their long dormancy extending from late autumn until early spring. Select rich orange, glossy fruit with no soft spots or signs of deterioration. Preserves in sugar syrup, brandy or in marmalades. Serve with pork and chicken dishes. The rind can be used for recipes containing citrus peel. Citrus prefer sheltered, warm, sunny sites. Planting usually takes place in July/August. Cumquat trees have exceptional cold-hardiness due to their long dormancy extending from late autumn until early spring. However, unlike the trees, the fruit are more susceptible to frost than most other citrus fruits, a condition perhaps aggravated because of their small size. The cumquat or kumquat, known as kinkan in Japan and chuikan in China, was unknown to Europeans until 1846 when the English plant hunter Robert Fortune collected samples for the Royal Botanical Gardens. Although closely related to other citrus species, it has been classified into a separate genus, Fortunella. Cumquat trees, with their dense foliage, make fine ornamental shrubs. The small, orange-like fruit with acid pulp and sweet, edible skins make excellent conserves.
Alternative Names: Kumquat
Varieties: Please click pictures to see seasonality
Fortunella	Nagami
Growing Areas: QLD - Beerwah, Gatton, Gayndah, Grantham, Mundubbera, Palmwoods NSW - Griffith, Riverina VIC - Murray Valley SA - Riverland
Nutritional Value: An excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of dietary fibre. 200kJ/100g.
Storage/Handling: 7-10°C and 9098% relative humidity. Consumer Storage: Ripen at room temperature and store in the refrigerator crisper for a short time.