Kumquat – the smallest edible citrus fruit

Have you ever heard of kumquat? This fruit is not that exotic as you perhaps may think at first, but you’ve probably not had a chance to meet it yet. Maybe you’ve noticed them while buying groceries at a marketplace, but you didn’t know what it is. Kumquat in fact, is a true flavour bomb in small, full of health benefits. It looks like a petite orange, except it has an oval shape, and it is particular in the fact that it can (and should) be eaten with its peel. Kumquat is native to China where it is first mentioned in the 12th century. In addition to an exquisite taste, it is also a plant that has a very appealing appearance, so people often use it as a decorative plant in their home. Like other citrus fruits, kumquat is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E in particular, but also in other phytonutrients that have a unique mission – to protect our body by neutralizing the effects of free radicals. In order to enhance our immune system, especially now during flu season, you should increase the intake of C-vitamin rich food like kumquat. Moreover, it is rich in potassium and calcium; potassium being vital for the normal functioning of our heart and calcium for healthy bones.

Apart from its numerous health benefits, kumquat has an extremely refreshing sweet tasting skin and a bitter sweet pulp. It can easily become a part of anyone’s diet since it belongs to the group of low-calorie foods. Therefore, instead of living in a fear to catch a cold, rather dare and take something new, in this areas at least – a new bite of pure health.

L. Rađa